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Hiroshi Tanahashi expresses his gratitude for Kazuchika Okada.
NJPW shocked the wrestling world on January 18 when they announced that Kazuchika Okada, one of the company’s top stars, would be leaving the company after his contract expired on January 31.
Speaking with Tokyo Sports, NJPW President and Representative Director Hiroshi Tanahashi commented on Kazuchika Okada’s looming departure. (Translation via Andrew Thompson of POST Wrestling)
“I can only express my gratitude… Speaking personally, I would have liked to have seen more matches with the new generation… However, I know that he has done his best in New Japan,” he said. “I hope he will spread his wings to the world.”
Tanahashi also stated that he was very proud of Okada, and he expressed his hope that the former world champion would show the world who he is.
“If he is going overseas with what he has achieved at the top in New Japan, I hope that he will show Kazuchika Okada,” he said. “It’s the same feeling I had with (Shinsuke) Nakamura. I am very proud of him.”
During the interview, Hiroshi Tanahashi also commented on the exit of stars like Okada, Will Ospreay, Kota Ibushi, and others. He stated that he would take them in stride, and NJPW is developing its young wrestlers.
“I don’t think of it as a test at all (talents exiting NJPW),” Tanahashi said. “I’m going to take it in stride and move on. That’s the way it is in most wrestling organizations. We are immune. New Japan is developing its young wrestlers, so you can look forward to a new New Japan.”
NJPW announced more information about Kazuchika Okada’s final matches with the company.
As of this writing, there is no word on what the future holds for Kazuchika Okada. WrestleZone will provide more information as it becomes available.
