NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi has addressed the promotion’s fans following the finalisation of the sale of the promotion to TV Asashi and CyberAgent.
On May 27th, Bushiroad announced that it would transfer all of its shares in New Japan Pro-Wrestling to TV Asahi and CyberAgent, ending the company’s ownership of the promotion after 14 years. The sale was completed on June 30th, with TV Asahi and CyberAgent each now holding a 46.3 percent ownership stake.
To mark the completion of the sale, NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi released a statement on New Japan’s official website, expressing his hope for the change in ownership to lead to growth for the promotion (translation via Google Translate).
“This is Tanahashi, president of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
As previously announced, yesterday, June 30th, all shares held by Bushiroad were transferred to TV Asahi and CyberAgent, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling has become a consolidated subsidiary of TV Asahi.
TV Asahi has recognized New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s tradition of producing numerous star wrestlers and nurturing new talent, as well as the passion of its fans both domestically and internationally, its global brand power, its ability to attract audiences, and the value of its video content.
This year, TV Asahi kindly broadcast NJPW events twice on their primetime national network.
Moving forward, we will continue to work together with our wrestlers, staff, and executives to further enhance the appeal and corporate value of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, so that people will want to see it grow even bigger.
With the cooperation of CyberAgent, we believe that by making our wrestlers even more famous and shining brighter, we can fill the venue and bring joy to our fans.We will work harder and more seriously than ever before.
We ask for your continued support, everyone watching this video.Furthermore, we will cherish the relationship we have built with Stardom and continue to strive together as good rivals. Fans of both organizations, please rest assured.
Now, it’s time for the new New Japan Pro-Wrestling to embark on its next stage. Stay tuned!
Hiroshi Tanahashi, President and CEO, New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co., Ltd.”
When Did Hiroshi Tanahashi Retire From Wrestling?
In December 2023, NJPW made the shock announcement that Hiroshi Tanahashi had been named the president of the company, replacing Takami Ohbari, who had held the role for four years. Despite taking on this executive position, The Ace continued to compete in the ring, and later revealed that the company had allowed him to wrestle for two more years after agreeing to take on the role.
Tanahashi stayed true to his word, and at Wrestle Kingdom 20, defeated one of his greatest rivals, Kazuchika Okada, before hanging up his boots for good. The victory allowed Tanahashi to end his legendary career on top before transitioning to his executive role full-time.
