Hiroshi Tanahashi has ended the historic reign of Zack Sabre Jr. to become the second-ever NJPW World Television Champion.
Tanahashi and Sabre met on the second match of the main card of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18. The two held nothing back in their efforts to leave the Tokyo Dome with the gold.
?WRESTLE KINGDOM 18 in ??????
?2??NJPW WORLD??TV???????
???????????????????????????? @zacksabrejr × @tanahashi1_100#njpwworld ?????
??????https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njwk18 #NJPW pic.twitter.com/QAkoKRQXsL
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
Tanahashi won the gold following a series of pinfalls that were countered by both men. The Ace earned a huge response from the crowd in Tokyo.
Holy sh…. The #njpw 's president Hiroshi Tanahashi has just dethroned Zack Sabre Jr to become the new TV Champion at Wrestle Kingdom 18 #njwk18https://t.co/0T5fzH2S8G
— ERD Wrestling (@ERD_Wrestling) January 4, 2024
After the match, Tanahashi shared his delight about the win and wished those watching a Happy New Year.
Hiroshi Tanahashi speaks following his victory.#njwk18 pic.twitter.com/bjuofh7xd8
— THE BOULDER ? (@BASINGSEGRAPS) January 4, 2024
This win makes Tanahashi the second-ever NJPW World Television Champion. Sabre held the gold for exactly one year after becoming the first champion at Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January 2023. Sabre defeated Ren Narita in the finals of a tournament to capture the gold.
President Champion
This win comes mere weeks after it was announced that Tanahashi is NJPW’s new President. The wrestler will also serve as the company’s Representative Director. This appointment came following a meeting of NJPW’s board of directors and shareholders.
Hitoshi Matsumoto (Chief of Business Production for TV Asahi) and Taro Okada (President & CEO of Bushiroad Fight) have been named Directors of the company. Tanahashi has been with New Japan for years and is an eight-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, a record number.
What does Hiroshi Tanahashi have planned now that he is New Japan’s new President? Click here to find out.
