Hiroshi Tanahashi

The Ace of New Japan Pro-Wrestling

Hiroshi Tanahashi is a Japanese sports executive, podcaster and retired professional wrestler. He is signed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he serves as the president and representative director, whilst also wrestling for them from 1999 until 2026.

Quick Facts

Ring names

Hiroshi Tanahashi
Masked Devilock
Super Strong Machine Ace
Tanahashi
Gokiburi Mask
Wrestle Lando

Height

1.81 m / 5 ft 11 in

Weight

101 kg / 223 lb

Born

13 November 1976

Birthplace

Ōgaki, Gifu, Japan

Children

Trainer

Keiji Muto
Kensuke Sasaki
Kotetsu Yamamoto
NJPW Dojo
Tatsumi Fujinami

Debut

October 10, 1999

Lore & Background

Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, his accolades in NJPW include a record setting eight reigns as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, a record three reigns as IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion, two reigns as IWGP Intercontinental Champion, one reign as NJPW World Television Champion, three reigns as IWGP Tag Team Champion, one reign as NEVER Openweight Champion and six reigns as NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion. All totaled, Tanahashi has won 26 championships in NJPW. He has also won the G1 Climax on three occasions (2007, 2015 and 2018), won the New Japan Cup twice (2005 and 2008), and is recognized as the fourth wrestler to accomplish NJPW's Triple Crown and the second to accomplish its Grand Slam. Through NJPW's working agreements with CMLL, Pro Wrestling NOAH, ROH, AEW and Revolution Pro Wrestling, Tanahashi has also held the CMLL World Tag Team Championship, the CMLL World Trios Championship, the CMLL Universal Championship, GHC Tag Team Championship, and the RevPro British Heavyweight Championship. Between NJPW, CMLL, Noah, ROH and RevPro, he has 27 championship reigns.

Reader's Guide

Tanahashi made his debut on October 10, 1999, in a match losing to Shinya Makabe. Alongside fellow rookies Katsuyori Shibata and Shinsuke Nakamura, Tanahashi became known as one of the 'new Three Musketeers'. He won his first IWGP Heavyweight Championship on July 17, 2006, defeating Giant Bernard in a tournament final. On January 4, 2009, at Wrestle Kingdom III, Tanahashi defeated Keiji Muto to become the 50th IWGP Heavyweight Champion, beginning his third reign.

Did You Know?

Tanahashi was stabbed in the back by a TV Asahi news reporter in November 2002 after trying to break off their relationship.
He studied law at Ritsumeikan University and practiced freestyle wrestling before being scouted by NJPW.
Tanahashi has cited Shawn Michaels as his favorite wrestler and considered using the ring name 'Dragon Hiroshi' in honor of Tatsumi Fujinami.
He was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame in 2013.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Hiroshi Tanahashi?

He is widely recognized as the Ace of New Japan Pro-Wrestling and has served as the promotion's top star for over two decades. His career represents a blend of high-flying athleticism and traditional strong style psychology that defined an era in wrestling history.

How many IWGP Heavyweight Championships has Hiroshi Tanahashi won?

He is one of the most decorated champions in company history, having held the prestigious title on multiple occasions throughout his career. His reigns are often cited as pivotal moments that elevated New Japan's global profile.

Is Hiroshi Tanahashi still active in wrestling?

Yes, he remains an active competitor within New Japan Pro-Wrestling as of his established history context. Despite years of service, he continues to compete at a high level against top international talent.