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Average rating based on the displayed comments: 9.49
TripleCrown wrote on 17.03.2024:
[10.0] "This man saved NJPW. Let that sink in, he saved NJPW. That era of MMA in the promotion almost killed it, if it wasn't for Tanahashi then who knows what NJPW would look like today. Has had so many classic matches, great on the mic, great look, great wrestling ability, there's literally nothing more you could ask from him. I know he toyed around with the idea of going to AJPW in mid-late 2000s but he ultimately stayed and helped the likes of Okada become the next big thing in the world of Japanese pro-wrestling. Will be interesting to see how he does in a more senior role in NJPW, unless he does something incredibly stupid then I can't see my rating for him changing."
danzitorock wrote on 10.02.2024:
[10.0] "The Ace of the Universe is one of the best and most important wrestlers of all time, I don't think there's a wrestler in front of Tanahashi when it comes to New Japan Pro-Wrestling, the man absolutely revitalized the company after a really bad period, and led them to one of the best eras a wrestling company has ever had. His ring skills are incredible, and he is incredibly charismatic, have a huge storytelling ability, and it's one of the best babyfaces of all time. I think it's fair to say that Tanahashi not only completely saved New Japan, but also played a very important role on keeping puroresu popular. He's now president of New Japan and absolutely deserves the job."
BruceMarcos524 wrote on 10.02.2024:
[10.0] "He was called "The Ace" of pro-wrestling for a reason. During its dark days of NJPW, where Antonio Inoki tries his wrestlers to fight against MMA fighters, Tanahashi lifted its dark days and made NJPW the best wrestling promotion in the world. He has amazing charm and enough charisma to attract the audience. The way he moves smoothly is like he is dancing ballet, that is why I never got tired watching his matches. His rivalry against Kazuchika Okada may probably be considered the best wrestling feud in history because of how rich their animosity has through the years. And no matter how many times they wrestle, it never becomes stale (unlike Cena vs Orton which we saw a load of times already). Tanahashi is also the reason why North American fans flocked to watch NJPW. His 2011-2013 run will always be unmatched. The High Fly Flow move by Tanahashi in my opinion is the best picture-perfect move on all of wrestling, aside from Eddie Guerrero's Frog Splash. No doubt he is one of my Top 10 greatest of all time and deservingly so. His matches never disappoint and truly a show-stealer of his time. Because of his influence and knowledge, the NJPW board made a right decision to appoint him as president. Surely his new role will seek greater heights for the future of NJPW, but still let's see how it goes from there. Truly a once in a century talent that can never be duplicated by anyone."
ddtprofan4000 wrote on 01.02.2024:
[10.0] "The ACE , The GOAT of NJPW for a reason , He carried the company during some of its darkest days and even into his older age hes still very capable to put on a good performance and is now the president of NJPW . GO ACE"
manamimeltzer wrote on 27.01.2024:
[10.0] "Tanahashi is in the conversation for one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and he's absolutely among the very tippy top of the greatest japanese wrestlers. A magnificent performer."
The Quick Man wrote on 13.01.2024:
[8.0] "Go Ace! Not quite the man he used to be, he is still a beloved personality who always brings the joy (especially to the women. And men like me. Look at those pictures of him in aprons and tell me that isn't the look of someone who can carry a company.) Now the President of NJPW, he may be winding down his in-ring career in the near future, now being the championship holder of a title belt that gets defended in matches that go no longer than 15 minutes."
BahGawd wrote on 09.01.2024:
"Only watched the big matches from him but in my opinion, the greatest pro wrestler of the modern era. He isn't stiff but he compensated by executing moves beautifully especially him in his physical prime. Even when he's older he still has tremendous psychology and charisma. The stiffest frog splash in the high fly flow and when he does it two times in a row in a big match. It is always the greatest moment in the match. Incredible wrestler 10/10. The fact that I haven't that much matches from him but he is incredible. This number will go even higher if I watch many matches. Great heel and face performer. What he lacks in stiffness. He compensated by having lots of passion, psychology, and storytelling. His rivalries with Okada and Nakamura being the greatest in the modern era. Especially with Okada, creating a perfect story similar to Misawa and Kobashi. And their chemistry is absolutely incredible. The greatest Rivalry of the modern era. A perfect ace for this company. I hope for John Cena and Tanahashi's retirement matches they fight eachother in a great ace vs. ace battle."
Khalid Ace wrote on 01.12.2023:
[6.0] "It's actually strange for me that I give this low rating for someone I believe he's the 2nd best wrestler ever and he's the reason I started watching NJPW however his current form is a 7. I would love to see him picking up his form in the rest of the year"
JediSaiyanMaster1203 wrote on 23.11.2023:
[10.0] "I'll admit that I'm not a super consistent watcher of New Japan Pro Wrestling, but when I do, I adore Hiroshi Tanahashi. Here you have a guy who is a naturally likeable babyface, with a really cool look to him, amazing ring gear and one of the best frog splashes ever. He might just be the perfect "never say die" type babyface, through his spirit fighting and knowing how to gain sympathy from the fans, he has it in spades. He's the Ace of New Japan for a reason, a very organic babyface who is viewed as NJPW's version of John Cena, but done right (saying this as a big fan of the guy). He's an incredible wrestler, storyteller and worker, having clinics with the likes of Kazuchika Okada, Kota Ibushi, Minoru Suzuki, AJ Styles, you name it, he's also a master of carrying opponents to great matches no matter how bad they might be (except Mike Bennett). While Tanahashi has been slowing down these days due to his knees being in pretty bad shape, his career and legacy speaks for itself and there will never be another Tanahashi. Also, his air guitaring is cool, it's a nice touch to make him stand out from everyone else in NJPW."
JBoogieRom28 wrote on 29.09.2023:
[10.0] "I've never really watched New Japan consistently but I can tell you that Tanahashi is undoubtedly one of the top wrestlers in the entire business. Just the way he delivers moves amazes me and he can really put on a 5-Star match. He is the best in New Japan in my opinion and he doesn't age. He has been putting on excellent matches for 20 years and doesn't show any signs of stopping. He is my 2nd Favorite in New Japan But Is The Best There."
ECWCWWEAEW wrote on 13.09.2023:
[8.0] "Maybe calling him the John Cena of New Japan is a bit cruel or much, but having watched New Japan since 2014 and there only being maybe 20 or 30 matches you really need to see before that time preiod to know just everything about Tana's career I dont think its going to change how I feel about him. Very good wrestler, wondrful personality, but he's a hero only good as his villians and his matches against Naito and Suzuki are what made him at his best for me. His matches againsgt Okada of course are good but there's just so many at this point that its kind of... ok yeah, we get it. But yeah, he's possibly full package wise the greatest Japanese wrestler for the sake of longevity and legacy, but purely as a wreslter and some of his character, he's lower than a few personal favorites of mine"
Bockelito wrote on 03.09.2023:
[10.0] "Tanahashi is a generational talent. The best pure babyface of this generation, achieving over 15 years what most best babyfaces can only garner during their peaks. He is technically extremely sound, almost always working methodically on a limb while making it thrilling thanks to his exciting offens and all time great facial expressions. He also has the fire, the spirit of new japan, truly captivating the audience like no other. A master of crowd control, apparently fantastic on the mic and a top 5 big match wrestler, if not top 1, of all time, he is in a rare category among his peers. And beyond his tallent and capabilities, his track record speak for itself. He built a legacy worthy of his talent if not greater. He brought new japan out of the shadows, had a record breaking title reign and had some of the best matches in the greatest stretch of in ring talent of all time. And he did all this while in his mid 30s to early 40s. I personally believe he is the Greatest of All Time, and although guys like Kobashi, Okada or Flair have a stronger Argument, in my humble opinion, no one has quite reached Tanahashi going for his final High Fly Flow."
UltimoMuta wrote on 26.08.2023:
[10.0] "My answer to the question of "who is the greatest professional wrestler of all time? " Is always Hiroshi Tanahashi. I had fallen out of love with Pro Wrestling for a long time until I decided to check out Wrestle Kingdom 9 and watch this guy I'd been hearing about. I thought he was the best wrestler I'd ever seen. Then, I did my homework and my opinion of him just sky rocketed. Tanahashi has literally everything; he has an incredible look, he's technical, a master of displaying emotion and telling a story in the ring, he's a great athlete and he carried NJPW on his back and into their golden era. His body of work is of the highest quality. His rivalry with Kazuchika Okada is maybe the greatest of all time. Not to mention his work with Shinsuke Nakamura, Tetsuya Naito, Kota Ibushi and many others. A real life super hero and the greatest big match wrestler ever. The king of the Tokyo Dome. Hiroshi Tanahashi."
cal9099 wrote on 18.07.2023:
[10.0] "A living legend. Yes he's very beat up and worn down now but he can still use his impeccable technique and psychological knowledge of the business to put on great matches. At his peak just a joy to watch."
Aliquickk wrote on 26.06.2023:
[8.0] "'Kurt Angle said I was the Japanese Shawn Michaels... I appreciated the compliment, and at the same time thought 'damn, I've been found out! ' Hiroshi Tanahashi certainly patterns himself after and feels like Japan's Shawn Michaels. It only makes sense why he's arguably the GOAT NJPW of all time. But how do I rate him as good as Michaels? A dilemma. Here's the problem: 2023 Tanahashi hasn't adapted to his dwindling athleticism like Michaels did and readjust his style. He absolutely needs to because his top rope offense looks very sloppy and uninspiring now. I hope he adapts to his older age because it's hurting his legacy. The best ever adapt over time. His current skill level is a 6 or 7. I'm adjusting my rating to an 8 to account for what he once was."
CorpusSkiptotelicum wrote on 26.06.2023:
[10.0] "Who the fuck gives tanahashi a 1? thats gotta be wilful ignorance or trolling, since he gives charlotte a 9 and sheamus a 10. Whatever, Tana's a legend and probably the greatest japanese wrestler ever based on variety and body of work. Outside the ring, he's more important to njpw than cena and reigns combined are for wwe, he basically carried through the dark ages into the golden bushiroad age. Only then, with the best roster in the world to work with, he started to have truly legendary matches. Kind of like the inverse of the best american wrestler ever Danielson, as what youd consider his peak and were most of his best matches are in the 00s and Tana's peak was in the 10s. These days he is very broken down but can still have a good match with the right oponent."
SoaKas wrote on 23.06.2023:
[7.0] "Wow ok so that's the rating I was always afraid to give. YES, Tanahashi is a legend and one of the best to ever do it, but I have to rate him based on his current skills and they are pretty much non-existent. He can still tell a story of course but the way he moves and the way he executes everything just make me sad because his age has caught up to him. OF COURSE this rating will go up when he eventually retires but till then I'm not the biggest fan of Tanahashi's wrestling."
gargoylesmain wrote on 14.06.2023:
[10.0] "Have to give this man a 10 for everything he did for Japanese wrestling and the barn burners he put on in his time. Nowadays his body is clearly wrecked, he walks like his knees are made of cement, and he's very limited in what he can do, often filling out multiman matches now or popping up to lend some star power to USA events. But that doesn't change his overall body of work."
Frank Shooter wrote on 02.06.2023:
[10.0] "Tanahashi not only carried NJPW on his back through its worst times, but he completely put it on a whole new level. To be compared to John Cena in terms of popularity (In Japan, at least) is something that speaks loud about how influential he has been to the business. A hell of a worker, inmense Babyface charisma that solidified him as the Ace of the 2000-early 2010's era. One of my favorites of all time."
Leo 4 King wrote on 08.05.2023:
[6.0] "I don't really understand all the hype around Tanahashi, he is good but I don't found him incredible and as he is ageing, he is getting most limited."
lilroro wrote on 06.05.2023:
[10.0] "If Mr. Nagata was the one who supported NJPWduring the dark ages, It was Tanahashi who set out a different set of values and erased the shadow of the dark. Ever since he was a rookie, he has held the same beliefs and has shown fans the light of hope. One of his great achievements is that he was able to completely dispel the half-baked martial arts line called "strong style""
eenfish69 wrote on 27.04.2023:
[10.0] "Tanahashi is probably the single most important wrestler of the 2010s. He is the key that unlocked NJPW's boom period, that elevated and worked with so many other great wrestlers to allow NJPW to achieve such heights as it did. Without Tanahashi, the flow on effects would be immense in almost every company across the world its hard to find somewhere to start or stop. Superb worker and performer, fantastic style (albeit paying for it now as he gets older), storyteller that could feed and control the crowd depending on what the match and opponent needs to achieve the most entertaining and engaging result. Smooth and technically proficient, with a good amount of athleticism and aerial ability to be able to work with anyone or any style. Truly one of the greatest of all time."
TheOneAndOnlyCactus wrote on 30.03.2023:
[10.0] "One of my favorite wrestlers of all-time, in my opinion the greatest IWGP Heavyweight Champion ever, and arguably the best pure babyface of all-time. While today he is not as spritely as he used to be, and his knees are in poor shape, he can still put on performances at times that remind you why he was the Ace of NJPW. Full of personality and charisma, could fly, strike, grapple and deliver solid all-around performances where you fear for him when he is in trouble and cheer for him as he rises from the bottom to the top. I adore this man and what he has done for not just NJPW, pulling it away from the dark ages, but for wrestling as a whole."
ChrisPrattAsMario wrote on 03.03.2023:
[10.0] "The greatest wrestler of all time, the greatest babyface of all time, and at minimum a top 10 in-ring worker of all time in my opinion. The only thing Tana can't do is have a bad match in his career. Even nowadays when he's obviously slowing down and his body can't hold up as well as it once could, he can still go and have a great match. My favorite match of his is against Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 10."
Suzukigun wrote on 19.02.2023:
[10.0] "I mean, what's to say that hasn't already been said? The guy has a 9.7 rating with nearly a thousand votes, and he deserves it. It's so high that when you see the few low scores he has, you can't help but laugh. Everyone's entitled to their opinion, but the vast consensus is that he's every bit the beloved savior of NJPW that he's known for being. A living legend in every light, one who was flawless in his prime. Wrestlers like this come around once in a lifetime, if that."
Daigotsu wrote on 16.01.2023:
[10.0] "A true giant in professional wrestling. Even now, he can still go. He has a charisma that transcends culture and language. You can look at Tanahashi and see an absolute star."
benh2 wrote on 12.01.2023:
[10.0] "Definitely up there in the conversation for greatest wrestler. He has an unbelievable charisma that gets everyone behind him, making him one of the best babyfaces of all time. Great psychology and selling, he fires up for his comebacks really well even if he has a fairly limited offence, which I don't really see an issue with because he always makes you pop for the actual finish rather than something half way through."
MainEventMaster wrote on 09.12.2022:
[10.0] "Might be the greatest wrestler ever, his legacy in pro wrestling will be remembered forever, saved New Japan with his amazing wrestler."
Mcbolsky wrote on 22.11.2022:
[8.0] "I get what he did for NJPW to get them out of the dark ages but I just don't get it with Tanahashi. He puts on a good match but has a repetitive moveset. sling blade, dragon screw, high fly flow, rinse and repeat. For his overall contribution to the business I can give him no lower than an 8/10 though"
HighFlyDeathcore wrote on 10.11.2022:
[10.0] "I mean no offense when i say this but Tanahashi is truly NJPWs answer to John Cena, except Tanahashi has always been a fucking incredible worker. His recent match with Moxley was amazing and he legit has been at the top of his game for decades. He is a once in a lifetime level of being babyface, simply the greatest in my opinion. His matches with Okada are all in my top matches list. I wont waffle more. 10."
DammitChrist wrote on 28.08.2022:
[10.0] "Hiroshi Tanahashi is one of the best (babyface) performers of all time. It's going to be an incredibly sad day for the wrestling industry once he finally retires. Until he does (hopefully not anytime soon), GO ACE!"
Rami wrote on 22.08.2022:
[1.0] "I don't get it, I don't see what everyone sees in him, I don't see anything special in Tanahashi, he's just about decent in the ring, he's stuff looks rough and a bit clumsy, he looks just fine, his gimmick can be summarize as air guitar, but I don't see anything special in his matches, when I started watching New Japan, all the wrestlers and matches were as good as everyone says, but I don't get why people like Tanahashi, I've seen his matches with okada, with omega, with Suzuki and none of them has been exceptional, I just don't get him"
fgpfriends wrote on 04.08.2022:
[10.0] "Hiroshi Tanahashi is one of the best wrestlers ever created, I love Hiroshi Tanahashi gimmick, in ring performance, his moveset is just on the other level, a lot of amazing matches, truly one of the top tier ones"
Tyler72 wrote on 26.07.2022:
[6.0] "Hiroshi sure has made a number of contributions to NJPW over the years, but ranking him by his in-ring skill in 2021 and 2022, I've found that his moves have been quite sloppy, and almost close to making mistakes. I've expected more from him in his matches, and his matches feel rather slow. I also feel his move set a little underwhelming, and perhaps in need of a mix up."
zags7000 wrote on 14.06.2022:
[10.0] "I don't know of anybody that has captured my attention during their matches the way Tanahashi has. One of the best storytellers in the ring, I'm glued to every match. He's charismatic as well and overall, a total package. He's not as great as he used to be, and his best days are behind him but still capable of a great match. His rivalry and matches with Okada are up among the best of his generation and all time. Once in a generation star who helped save a dying company. One of the most important stars and greatest stars in wrestling history."
texasyosh wrote on 02.06.2022:
[10.0] "He's the Ace for a reason. Probably was the driving factor for NJPW surviving the late 00s. An incredible wrestler who is probably the best babyface of the last 15+ years. Despite his age he still is an incredible worker who has the ability to draw babyface sympathy no matter what."
tsdenizen wrote on 02.06.2022:
[10.0] "How many guys can you say basically single-handedly saved a dying major promotion? Tanahashi is that guy. A legend among legends, his work is impeccable to this day and has been a top 10 wrestler in the world for basically the past 15 years straight without dips. I can't say that about anyone else ever."
Wright15 wrote on 25.04.2022:
[10.0] "He is the master of psychology, the man who saved New Japan, the one who brought his own take on Southern Style wrestling to prominence. A good argument can be made that Hiroshi Tanahashi is the greatest wrestler ever. I have never seen anyone captivate a crowd during a match like he does. Ever since his match with Goto in 2007, he has been able to manipulate every little emotion in the fans at his whim. His record-breaking 2011 title run is a delight to watch back. His 2012 match against Minoru Suzuki is an all-time classic in selling and psychology. His legendary years-long and multi-chapter feud with Okada will be remembered a century from now. But it was Tanahashi's 2018 campaign that made realize he might be the greatest wrestler I have ever seen. At the start of that year, it was well-known that Tanahashi had a permanently damaged rotator cuff and arthritis in his knee. Everyone thought his best days were behind him. But that year was perhaps his finest. Every big match was rife with emotion, with the fans nearly in tears, practically begging for him to have one more run at the top. Suzuki, Ibushi, Okada three times, Tanahashi wrestled as well as he ever had in all of these matches, and he showed that he wasn't going to slow down. Even today, he can have a classic bout in the main event. Precious few have been so outstanding for so long."
Brutish Dandy wrote on 13.04.2022:
[9.0] "Tanahashi's an outstandingly charismatic performer but the majority of his main event bouts from 2012 onwards seem to fall into Same Match, Different Day. How many more times do I need to see him do the crossbody to the floor followed by the dragon screw through the ropes, the high angle Texas cloverleaf, and then the third act that consists of a strike battle, two to four slingblades, and a high fly flow double tap that invariably gets countered? Now tell me - how many of his matches did I just describe? That said, dude's great at his job and I can't fault a formula that works."
GreatAether531 wrote on 11.04.2022:
[10.0] "Maybe the greatest of all time and on my personal wrestling Mount Rushmore. No one captures the spirit of what it means to be a hero better than the Ace, and the sincere love Tanahashi is able to elicit from a crowd makes him feel like a superhero walking the earth. At the same time, he's added shades of complexity to his character that reveal he's also an all-time adaptor, switching to playing the heelish veteran at times in his feud with Okada to showcase his desperation with holding onto his Ace status or his aggression when fighting Ibushi to communicate his frustration over Ibushi's lack of commitment to the company that helped elevate him. I'm sometimes critical of the bloated epics that have weighed down New Japan's match quality in more recent years, but when Tanahashi is in the position to wrestle that sort of match, nothing compares because there just isn't anyone who matches Tanahashi's energy and emotion. The fact that he's held together by duct tape and glue and still manages to produce some of the best matches of the year when push comes to shove is a testament to how incredible he is. I don't know how many more matches he has left in him, but regardless, being able to watch Tanahashi's main event run in the 2010s rekindled my love for this crazy pastime and I'll always be thankful for it."
NeoSwas36 wrote on 23.03.2022:
"Tanahashi helped put NJPW on the map to where they wouldn't die. What he did for the business is remarkable, and he helped develop NJPW's training morals from utter shit to decent. Love this man, easily the greatest."
TheDeviantPro wrote on 09.03.2022:
[10.0] "There's a reason why Tanahashi is called the Ace of New Japan. he's beloved by the fans and can put on a good match will almost about with anyone. Tanahashi carried NJPW through their darkest days and was the reason of the company's resurgence post-Inokism."
Ualightning wrote on 26.01.2022:
"[10.0] A true legend and probably the reason NJPW kept going in the 2000s. Charismatic, great looking, and above all a stellar pro wrestler. It's always exciting for me to watch a Tana match even in these whacky pandemic times for New Japan. A historic IWGP H/W Champ, love the ACE!"
SauzPauz wrote on 22.01.2022:
[10.0] "The ACE of New Japan. The first time i ever saw a Tanahashi match i could feel the star energy and charisma he had and plus he was good in the ring as well. A GOAT of professional wrestling. Evrey single aspect in wrestling Tana checks and it's impressive. Even though only being 45 he still great in the ring. A 10 for me."
GriffinX wrote on 20.01.2022:
[10.0] "The man who saved New Japan and carried it to its latest golden era. Even know with year of wear and tear on his body he can still turn back the clock and but on a classic"
rhys4peace wrote on 11.01.2022:
[10.0] "Hiroshi Tanahashi, the once in a century talent, the ACE of New Japan Professional Wrestling and the heartthrob of thousands of men and women across Japan for the last 20 years. I can't say much about him that hasn't already been repeated ad nauseam, but I'm going to anyway, because Tanahashi deserves each and every bit of praise he has ever and will ever receive. Tana can captivate and manipulate a live audience like a potter moulds clay; his babyface comebacks in matches elicit massive roars and stamping from the crowds, and on the rare occasions he plays he heel, he has the audience booing him to hell and back. And on top of that, he's also one of the best in-ring workers in modern history. Equally skilled in bombastic showboating and gritty mat based wrestling, there's not a style or opponent that he couldn't match in his prime. Unfortunately, these last few years age and injury have swiftly crept up on him, but even in his current battered state he still stands head and shoulders above his peers."
BradJohnson34 wrote on 06.01.2022:
[1.0] "Despite how beloved and critically acclaimed he is, my friends and I have never understood the hype around Tana. For me, it's his move-set that really bores me--splash, dragon screw, the slingblade, and not much else. I also find his character to be static."
NoSell wrote on 21.11.2021:
[10.0] "One of, if not the greatest in ring perfomer of all time (at the very least top 5) and the man that led NJPW out of the dark mid 2000's. He's 45 still putting on classics and his rivalry with Okada is absolutely legendary. Love him."
TheBeardedBaron wrote on 14.11.2021:
[10.0] "I legitimately don't think there's a single aspect of wrestling that this man isn't simply outstanding in. One of the three greatest of all time."
IBladeDaily wrote on 20.10.2021:
[10.0] "An absolute legend in his own time that will be remembered for decades after he retires. Hiroshi Tanahashi is one of the greatest in-ring workers, storytellers, white meat babyfaces and ring generals in the history of this business. His connection with fans worldwide is incredibly special. He's had all-time feuds with Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Katsuyori Shibata. His Wrestle Kingdom main event against Kenny Omega in 2019 was nearly perfect. His G1 final match against Kota Ibushi in 2019 was the same. He can take a loss without losing any steam at all and has been extremely unselfish in putting over younger talent. There's only a few people with his accolades or abilities in the history of wrestling. He belongs in the GOAT conversation."
Stern J wrote on 06.10.2021:
[8.0] "Ok I'm in the minority on this but i think Tanahashi is overrated BUT this should not detract from how good he actually is, like years ago during the late 2000s/early 2010s he was overrated and booked to be New Japan's John Cena (there's a reason LOL TANA WINS became the meme it was back in the day) but as he grew older and more experienced he showed that he honestly had mastered the basics to a point where even his usual routines have has so many variations that i can't in good faith crap on the man like i did when he was SUPER TANA. Hiroshi Tanahashi, i respect you and even though it took me a better part of almost 2 decades of watching you go from over pushed buff guy who had some of the dullest matches imaginable to being a master of subtleties and managing to even make your weaknesses non existent at this point says alot about how people can grow and change for the better and overcome preconceptions and learn...though i was still salty that one time he beat Okada when clearly it was Okada's time but hey ho i'm not allowed to critique GEDO's booking right? Tanahashi deserves all of the 5* matches he's had :)"
KENTAfan wrote on 04.10.2021:
[10.0] "It? s difficult to actually articulate just how good Tana is, words can? t really do him justice. He? s indubitably one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, I don? t think that? s even debatable, he is quite simply a legend. The fact that he is STILL as good as he is, putting on 5* classics at 44 like it? s nothing, is mind blowing. Solid contender for GOAT"
No One wrote on 06.09.2021:
[10.0] "One of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. One of the greatest in-ring performers of all time. The ACE of NJPW. Has the aura of being the ACE as well. One of the greatest Babyface wrestlers of all time. One of the most accomplished wrestlers of the 21st Century. Legendary IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Was the greatest IWGP Heavyweight Champion of all time, until his records were broken by his legendary rival, Kazuchika Okada. Has held every modern NJPW Championship Belt currently available. Is a 3x G1 Climax Tournament Winner. Has put on matches that will withstand the "Test of Time". One of the best Ring Generals of all time. Has given his heart, body, & soul to NJPW and his body has paid a heavy price for it, as he had suffered many well known injuries. Was an outstanding all-rounder wrestler who became one of the best formulaic wrestlers, due to having to adapt his style because of the rough shape his body is in. At one point in time, was considered the very best in-ring performer in the world (from the late 2000's to the early 2010's). Legendary rivalry with Kazuchika Okada. The most reliable wrestler in NJPW history. Innovated The Sling Blade. Is still one of the top in-ring performers in the world over the age of 40. Highly charismatic. Naturally charming. Has spent his entire career with NJPW, and really helped them out of dark periods. Extremely loyal to NJPW. A Living Legend."
Kung wrote on 19.08.2021:
[10.0] "The man who with Daniel Bryan made me the pro wrestling fan I am today. The Ace of New Japan is one of the greatest to ever lace up a pair of boots."
WrestlingStats1 wrote on 18.08.2021:
[10.0] "Assets: Has remained a venerable (and loyal) workhorse for his promotion though the entirety of his career. Has managed to hold his own as a main eventer while knowing when to help younger talent get over. His blend of image and in-ring ability can appeal to any wrestling fan worldwide. - - - Flaws: Was, perhaps, placed atop of the card at times when fans wanted to see other wrestlers get over. Is not as renown in North America as he is in Japan. Will need to continue to find new sources of inspiration as his career progresses. - - - Career Potential: Franchise major league main eventer... Go Ace."
FAZEDandCONFUSED wrote on 11.08.2021:
[10.0] "Might be the greatest wrestler of his era, and the case is there for all time as well. To this day he is still amazing."
Drachm wrote on 26.07.2021:
[10.0] "A living legend. Even with a beat up body and growing older he can still perform at the highest level."
BrayanLaPre wrote on 15.07.2021:
[10.0] "A GOAT candidate with quite a few arguments in his favor. Hiroshi Tanahashi helped revitalize New Japan Pro Wrestling and has overcome a slew of injuries to prove that he can still hang with the best of the new generation. An icon of the industry with countless classics under his belt, Tanahashi is the epitome of a five-star wrestler."
JMerc wrote on 10.06.2021:
[10.0] "One of my absolute favorites in Japan and the guy responsible for revitalizing Japanese Pro Wrestling in the past decade."
BlakeFR37 wrote on 02.06.2021:
[10.0] "The Ace of NJPW. He is one of the wrestlers who makes me love Puroresu. However he's in singles action, or in tag team, that's always a pleasure."
JBWrestling wrote on 18.04.2021:
[10.0] "Hiroshi Tanahashi will go down as one of the greatest in ring performers in the history of pro wrestling. He also saved NJPW from their dark era in the mid 2000s. Even as he is in his 40s he still puts on five star matches. The day he retires will be a dark day in pro wrestling, and will be remembered as one of the greatest of all time."
math1823 wrote on 05.04.2021:
[10.0] "If we only speak about active wrestlers, Tanahashi is probably the best of all time. His in-ring is amazing, his promos are always fire and most importantly, this guy can tell a story like no one else and make everyone feel emotions, from his biggest fans to the people who discover him. He is probably top 5 all time, I only see Manami Toyota, Kenta Kobashi, Mitsuharu Misawa and Toshiaki Kawada who were once on his level. He has a few more years to wrestle, and even if he currently holds the NEVER title, I want him to get his hands on the new IWGP World Heavyweight title soon or later, because it would be symbolic to have the man who, alongside Okada, took the former belt from the bad situation it was in with Inoki-ism and stuff like that to the most prestigious belt in the world have that new belt."
marexcel wrote on 21.03.2021:
[7.0] "Niemand wird leugnen, dass Hiroshi Tanahashi ein fachlich sehr guter Wrestler ist. Das möchte ich auch nicht, aber darüber hinaus sind da für mich doch ein paar Lücken dabei. Sein Charisma ist unstrittig, aber genauso festgefahren ist dann eben auch sein Charakter. Da tut sich nicht viel und in all den Jahren, die ich New Japan verfolge, wird er immer langweiliger. Für mich ist er kein Face, dem ich zujubeln würde. Seine Matches haben alle ein Schema und sein Moveset langweilt mich meistens etwas. Natürlich bleibt er ein guter Wrestler, aber ich kann mit ihm eher wenig anfangen - trotz seiner Klasse."
ExcitingProWrestlin3 wrote on 16.03.2021:
[10.0] "Tells a story, sells beautifully, lead a company out of it's dark ages with a guy like Giant Bernard and the rest of the New Japan roster, fluid in the ring, connects with audiences naturally, doesn't seem forced, has god given athletic prowess, amazing character work at his peak, WHAT AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND! Go Ace!"
Bushidospirit22 wrote on 16.03.2021:
[10.0] "Arguably the best wrestler of the past 15 years. In addition to being so fluid in the ring, there haven't been many wrestlers in history who have been able to connect with an audience like Tanahiashi. His run as NJPW ace has been so iconic, most overlook the cocky heel work he did early in his career which is some of the best character work I've ever seen, and made me a fan immediately."
rainmakerpunk wrote on 11.02.2021:
[10.0] "The man that carried NJPW and kept it alive in its darkest days and the also one of the main reasons it thrives today, NJPW for the last 8 or 9 years has been the best promotion ever, and you could thank the ace for that, he's been having 5 star matches for many years now, he can still have them now, he has a great moveset and each move in that moveset he has truly mastered, that plus his unmatched charisma and GOAT tier psychology leads him to be a in-ring master, he's a very lovable face and is a top 5 GOAT"
Luna100 wrote on 08.02.2021:
[10.0] "The man who I first gravitated towards when I first started watching New Japan, when I first started watching it was for Omega vs Okada at Wrestle Kingdom, at age eleven I watched it with my dad who had seen that Omega vs Okada got 6*, he obviously wanted to watch the match, but I suggested we might as well watch the full show and it was great, and I got to his match and I saw Tanahashi; he looked like a star and I took an instant liking to him. Then I saw Naito, he portrayed his uncaring nature well and came off as arrogant and was very clearly the heel, especially as I saw him drag around the Intercontinental belt, that action disgusted me and when I heard the commentary team that Naito was planning to get rid of the IC belt I was outraged ( I cared more about the IC belt then than now after it being joined at the hip with the world belt ) and although I did not know the belt I knew I did not want to see him go. It was one of the clearest heel face divide in the whole show, he also turned out to be one of the greatest babyfaces of all time, of course it was a great match and he became my favourite wrestler in the company, even above Okada or Omega, despite not being able to understand what he was saying and I don't think they had translation either, he was still charismatic as hell. Although I eventually started to prefer other wrestlers above him, I still loved his work, I gained even more respect for Tanahashi as I learned he was one of if not the most important factors in making sure New Japan did not go under, it is sad to see him go down the card and become like Makabe or Nagata, he is such an amazing worker and I will always have him as my first NJPW favourite."
Burninghammercritic wrote on 01.02.2021:
[10.0] "One of the most influential wrestlers ever. He is a master in every field that makes a wrestling match great. He helped put NJPW on the map and make it the go to company for current quality wrestling. The guy is just incredible. Id give him 11 if I could."
Thebossofthegym04 wrote on 04.01.2021:
[10.0] "Greatest wrestler ever. It is a fact. Tanahashi is an incredible person who commands immense respect. His contributions to pro-wrestling and NJPW in particular are enormous. He is an example of the perfect wrestler. Charisma, ring-skill, mix-skill, gimmick, storytelling are all at the highest level. He puts his soul into every match and squeezes the maximum out of the opponent, often showing the opponent on a good side. thanks to these qualities, he is able to show a good match with any opponent. Of course it's a pity that we are witnessing the decline of his career, but I really hope that at the end of his career he will be given the title rain. I will tell my children and grandchildren about this incredible person."
michmoose21 wrote on 26.11.2020:
[10.0] "The ACE is a top 5 wrestler of all time in my opinion. He wrestles with so much psychology and is so amazing in the ring. You also can't forget how great he is outside the ring. Class act. He does a great job making his matches feel like a big deal. He always sells what he is supposed to and takes the right approach to the business."
medouse wrote on 29.10.2020:
[10.0] "It's hard to find another wrestler who literally lives and breathes pro-wrestling. The hardest working guy in business and the perfect baby-face. There is no man on this planet who could hate or even dislike this guy. The true face of NJPW and because of him I started watching this company."
Scott Kobayashi wrote on 25.10.2020:
[10.0] "Tanahashi is just someone who if you give anything less then a 10, then you are doing the man a disservice. With all the respect in the world to people like Nakamura and Nagata, it was Tanahashi who brought New Japan Back. And in the process gave excellent match after excellent match. Easy 10. EDIT: The BUSHIROAD main eventer should hang there head in shame. I am talking to you Tetsuya, Kota, and especially you Kazuchika, because this man is outperforming all of you. In 2020, Ibushi and Naito have been really good and Okada has been fine, but Tana has been excellent. He is still a 10 performer no matter what the guy under me said. Him, Shingo, and Suzuki are the best in New Japan this year. The 38, 43, and 52 year old are the best in the company. Wow."
STARDOGCHAMP90 wrote on 21.10.2020:
[8.0] "The Ace has carved his spot in NJPW history as one of the most memorable IWGP Heavyweight champions of all time. He's been at it for years and hasn't stopped. A former 8 time IWGP Heavyweight champion, 2 time IWGP Intercontinental champion, and 3 time Never Openweight 6 Man Tag Team champion. Not to mention the gold he's won outside of New Japan. Nothing but respect for Tanahashi."
elcompacto wrote on 19.10.2020:
[10.0] "One of the best competitors of this age and, indeed, of all time. His connection to the fans, his near peerless storytelling abilities and ability to remain relevant and consistently excellent in everything he does (even with a series of injuries that would've taken many to the filler matches on the card) has more than earned him a spot in the conversation for all time best. Deserving of nothing less than a 10."
TOUGH AND HARD wrote on 03.10.2020:
[10.0] "To say the current generation wouldn't have the platform they do without the near-peerless excellence and tireless sacrifices of Tanahashi Hiroshi is not a matter of opinion, it is an economic fact. NJPW's revival (from its late-2000s near-bankruptcy) and ascent to the second largest wrestling company in the world (and subsequent Bushiroad acquisition) was shouldered by this great man. A growing influx of current fans to NJPW seem more interested in raw work-rate and athletic diversity. It is precisely this basis that names like Okada are placed alongside Tanahashi as the "greatest". Tanahashi is so much more. Tanahashi is natural (superior) draw, he has presence, magnetic charisma, dynamism, has consistently kept himself in amazing shape (even despite his accumulation of serious injuries), radiates passion, can have great matches with virtually anyone (a distinction often too liberally thrown around), is dominant enough to be a threat but vulnerable and sympathetic enough to hold your interest and honor his opponent; he can work face or heel, has arguably the greatest psychology in wrestling history, and has a relationship with the fans rivaled only by the likes of Kobashi Kenta. His speech-closing slogan is literally "I LOVE YOU! ", and fans revere him, literally reaching out to kiss and hold him, wiping the sweat from his brow, children hug him, and he's loved by all demographics and age groups. Tanahashi is so much more than a catalog of impressive matches. Tanahashi is a ring general who doesn't need to lean on a drawn-out, formulaic approach, nor need an opponent to keep him interesting. He looks and feels like a champion, and even in his mid-40s is still voted (by fans) as the most popular wrestler in Japan. Tanahashi has said that it was the bodily sacrifices of men like the Dynamite Kid who inspired him to become a professional wrestler, and that he would gladly sacrifice his body to inspire the next generation of talent. Tanahashi is a natural leader, and has done far more than merely inspire a generation, he has transcended his own (such that Ibushi Kota literally refers to him as a god), and is the gold standard to measure others against. He is the most complete professional wrestler of all time, was the victor of the greatest bout I've ever seen (G1 28 Finals), and is the only man I would place higher than Kobashi Kenta. Tanahashi Hiroshi is the greatest professional wrestler of all time."
Okaro143 wrote on 21.09.2020:
[10.0] "The Ace of New Japan, I can't deny how good this guy is. His matches with Okada was the reason I started watching wrestling again. He was the one that saved New Japan during their darkest moments. His rivalry with Okada is considered by many and myself as the greatest rivalry in pro wrestling history. One of the best wrestler not only in New Japan history but also in all of professional wrestling."
ERock wrote on 12.09.2020:
[10.0] "One of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Endless charisma and in-ring ability. Even with his body breaking down he is capable of pulling you into his matches with emotion and drama. Truly a 1/100 Talent."
hassan01 wrote on 10.09.2020:
[10.0] "The ace for a reason . His contributions to wrestling are worth praise . Very hardworking and a very very charismatic wrestler . Other than that his in ring work is very enjoyable and worth a whole lot of appreciation. He has given the fans some of the greatest wrestling matches in Japanese wrestling history . Even when he retires he will be remembered as a wrestling icon ."
Ma Stump Puller wrote on 18.07.2020:
[10.0] "Tanahashi will be likely considered after his eventual retirement to be one of the greatest wrestlers in Japan ever. The guy literally held New Japan on his back for years on end while the company went through recessions, management issues, and horrible booking. Despite all of this trouble, the guy managed to make multiple amazing matches with whoever came into the ring with him. Despite his obvious physical gifts, Tanahashi is also able to bring a masterful understanding of physical psychology, and can really act as both the beloved hero or the disrespectful antagonist. He's a great seller as well, which adds to how successful his babyface run became over the years. He can make literally anyone he's facing off against look like a million bucks. Granted, while he is starting to visibly slow down (being years beyond his prime at this point considering his many injuries, a consequence for going all out for years) he is regardless still able to employ his skills and experience in the ring to still catch that magic he had years ago. Some of his early stuff isn't the greatest quality wise due to him not being experienced enough, but the vast majority of his career is full of solid, consistently great matches with all kinds of wrestlers."
jboyaquar wrote on 26.06.2020:
[10.0] "One of the best-ever Babyfaces who, over-the-years, steadily picked-up his game into one of the most persuasively emotional competitors ever. Though physically he's been on-the-decline since '14, noone captures the gleeful boyish enthusiasm for this sport like this dependable twenty-year NJPW veteran. By the start of NOAH, Misawa already looked like a miserable, though obliging, curmudgeon. Similarly, Tanahashi can't fly/move-about like his past, but as his company's top draw, he has never lost his love for the game. My first-ever live Tanahashi experience was KOPW '11 in a ballet masterclass against Naito (who has also compensated well for his physical shortcomings, ) and even high in-the-rafters at Koukigan, not an enviable location, his glow was undeniable and made me forget how far-away I was. Whereas Jericho had to become a rock star to become a true professional wrestling top-draw, Tana is a rock star as a pro-wrestler."
VillainClub wrote on 12.05.2020:
[10.0] "Der Mann der mein Interesse am Wrestling wieder geweckt hat und mich nach wie vor fasziniert. Seine Matches sind, trotz seine kaputten Körpers, immer noch sehr gut. Zudem gibt es wenige die ihm im Selling das Wasser reichen können. Einer der besten Wrestler aller Zeiten. Tanahashi hat New Japan wieder aufgebaut in dem er schlicht aus jedem das beste rausgeholt hat."
Espio1332 wrote on 20.04.2020:
[10.0] "When I first got into New Japan Pro Wrestling in mid 2015, Hiroshi Tanahashi was the man that really captivated my interest and truly showed me just how good NJPW is, causing me to just binge-watch his matches and as a result I learned more of the roster that way. And the more I learned about him and his role in the company, the more my respect for the man grew. He is a truly loyal company man and one of the greatest wrestlers of the past decade. While right now he is definitely past his physical prime and is held together by sheer willpower, his psychology and charisma more than makes up for it."
Leo Evans wrote on 03.04.2020:
[10.0] "Hat mittlerweile wirklich Legendenstatus erreicht und liefert immer immer weiter grandiose Leistungen im Ring ab. Ich krieg gute Laune, wenn er nur die Arena betritt und sobald der Gong geschlagen ist hat mich "The Ace" schon in den Bann gezogen."
Oregano Jackson wrote on 16.03.2020:
[10.0] "Okada certainly couldn't have carried NJPW to such heights without the foundations established by Tanahashi. Through his charisma and athleticism, The ace helped NJPW rise to prominence by constently putting on classic bouts with literally everyone with his matches with Okada being some of the absolute best of the decade. Although injury and age have slowed him down physically, he's never been more psychologically sound and now rivals Shawn Michaels as perhaps the greatest in-ring storyteller ever."
jdawg wrote on 16.02.2020:
[10.0] "He's just a favorite. The drama to any match he's part of is automatically elevated to super importance. Great look and moves well despite being in physical decline. Great wrestler."
AndoCommando wrote on 23.01.2020:
[10.0] "His decades-long body of work and influence on NJPW and modern Japanese wrestling makes a pretty compelling argument for the title of "Greatest Of All Time". Match structures that age like fine wine, an undeniable charisma in his presence and masterful understanding of psychology bleeding into every one of his matches. My pick for the Wrestler of the 2010's (Okada is a close 2nd)"
Denpa Pope wrote on 07.11.2019:
[10.0] "From up and comer to prime Ace to the Legend we know now, there was no time Tanahashi was not great. Old NJPW, NOAH, New NJPW. Consistently the smartest worker with the deepest understanding of psychology, able to go at it with just about anyone and in any style. There is barely a wrestler that Tanahashi crossed roads with at this point that he did NOT have a classic match with. Though he slowed down the last couple of years, you will barely found anyone who did that as gracefully as the once in a 100 years talent."
Iceq wrote on 09.10.2019:
[10.0] "Die Bewertungen sprechen für sich. Hat New Japan gerettet und danach Jahrelang weltklasse Performances gezeigt. Tanahashi hat natürlich in den letzten Jahren ein bisschen nachgelassen und der einzige Grund ist einfach das er älter wird. Trotzdem zeigt er auch noch jetzt geniale Matches und charismatisch ist er immer noch. Wenn es um die besten Babyfaces aller Zeiten geht gehört Tanahashi eindeutig zu Diskussion dazu."
taabr2 wrote on 31.08.2019:
[10.0] "Tanahashi is one of the most smartest workers in wrestling today. Probably the nest storyteller in the ring that is still active. Tanahashi is amazing at drawing sympathy from a crowd and getting them to rally behind him, however on rare occasion Tanahashi can play heel as well if need be. His run as Ace of NJPW is one of the most important periods of the promotions history, the company was near bankruptcy and Tanahashi lifted the company back into the number one spot in Japan. Now NJPW is doing the best business it ever did with Okada and Naito on top, both of whose careers was made in large part because of their relationship to Tanahashi, NJPW would not be where they are today without him. Not only was Tanahashi a top drawing level Ace but an Ace who was able to secure the future after he was gone, not many top stars can actually say that. Hiroshi Tanahashi is a wrestling legend and one of the most important figures in wrestling history."
KyleEnjoysWrestling wrote on 30.07.2019:
[10.0] "Where I think Okada is greatly overrated today, I do not say the same in regards to Tanahashi. He is a great storyteller in the ring & has a vast moveset. Has had heaps of classic matches against a plethora of different talents on the NJPW roster. And he has the best hair in wrestling today."
NEVERoverweightChampion wrote on 01.07.2019:
[10.0] "A legend and one of the best of all time. Charismatic, beloved, great physique, awesome music... he is the greatest hero, the perfect babyface. He knows how to put a match together better than anyone, how to make every move feel important, he is one of the best (if not the best) in psychology. His moveset can work in every dynamic, face or heel. Even past his prime and in poor physique condition he can still put some legendary match from time to time and that's a testament to the genius he is, at the point that 2018 was probably one of his best year because he had one of the hottest underdog story I've ever seen. There is definitely nobody like The Ace, he is the soul of New Japan."
PuroresuLover wrote on 14.06.2019:
[10.0] "Another wrestler that I forgot to rate. Hiroshi Tanahashi is the personification of the word "perfect", he has everything to be one of the GOATs, he knows everything about wrestling, he can do everything! He is an born babyface, but can portray an awesome heel (his matches out of NJPW proves my point). Tanahashi really is the Once in a Century Talent, he has everything to be any company's Ace."
SrHunter wrote on 26.05.2019:
[10.0] "There is not much to say about this guy, just one of the greatest wrestlers of all-time and one of my favorites, simples as that."
Dooby wrote on 20.05.2019:
[10.0] "There was a time when I was over Hiroshi Tanahashi. I used to think he kept winning matches that he either didn't need to or shouldn't have won. What I'm trying to say is there was probably a point where he should've stepped out from the spotlight already, or at least I thought. The character of Tanahashi presents himself as perfection, yet I would call him one of the most flawed wrestlers ever in regards to character work which is why he eventually became one of my favorite wrestlers ever. His rise to the top was by no means an easy one. From his wars against his fellow musketeers Shibata and Nakamura, to his wars with previous generation rivals like Nagata, Kojima and Mutoh to rivals after his generation like Okada and Naito. It really felt like every step of his long and painful climb to the top meant something important in the history of Puroresu. Along the way he had to step on and over people even fighting against his own hypocrisy to achieve the title of "Ace". Eventually it clicked in my head that there wasn't anyone on the roster who could've held up New Japan on their shoulders with such grace like this man. In regards to his wrestling skills, he just understands completely what it means to just "do" good pro wrestling. I don't think this comment will ever do justice to how much I appreciate this man."
JustAWrestlingFan wrote on 25.04.2019:
[10.0] "The ace! Tanahashi has always been a top star in NJPW and at 42 he still puts on amazing matches. He has an huge connection to crowds and his charisma shines bright in everything he does."
AJStylopz wrote on 06.04.2019:
[10.0] "Tanahashi truly is one of the GOATs of the Puroresu scene. One of the most iconic wrestlers ever. I love his old school style of wrestling, he is a good seller for the most part, he can get to higher paces during a match, busts out some of the nastiest looking suplexes I've seen, has a tremendous finisher, he is truly one of the best. This man deserves nothing less than a 10."
zephyr wrote on 16.03.2019:
[10.0] "The ace of the universe. The once in a century talent. In a rather interesting twists, these aren't just nicknames for a wrestler - they're factual statements. This man pretty much singlehandedly carried NJPW through and out of its darkest era."
Oliver95x wrote on 01.03.2019:
[7.0] "Ich mag Tanahashi. Er hat Charisma und auch soweit gute Matches. Jedoch finde ich ihn im Ring einfach zu langweilig. Ich habe das Gefühl das seine Matches immer die gleichen sind. Als würde jedes Match mit ihm den gleichen Aufbau und die gleiche Struktur haben. Es ist einfach immer das gleiche."
Aurtletheturtle wrote on 24.02.2019:
[10.0] "An underdog for the mantle of greatest of all-time. The Ace of the Universe is possibly the greatest babyface of all-time as he perhaps the only one to be universally loved throughout the entirety of his run. With endless charisma, boundless talent and unbelievable heart! It's easy to see why he is an 8 time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion when he continues to this day, in his 40s, to perform at an extrodinary level. One of the most important wrestlers in Japanese history. GO ACE!"
Kevin41182 wrote on 14.02.2019:
[10.0] ""Tana" is definitely up there for the best workers in the history of puroresu. the "ace" really knows how to put on a stellar match with anyone he's in the ring with. Not to mention he literally pulled New Japan up from the dirt that Inoki laid."
LandonRyanWyatt wrote on 27.01.2019:
[8.0] "Definitely Japan's greatest sensation of this generation. Has cemented his place in wrestling history in the most positive of ways."
ReedPryorNY wrote on 17.01.2019:
[10.0] "Hiroshi Tanahashi is THE big match wrestler of this generation. If you give this man a main event, you're only going to get an installment of something that is as epic as it is unique. He has worked all-time classics with so many of New Japan's finest, it is scary to think of the current match-ups he can have for the IWGP Heavyweight Title if New Japan sticks with him for a good amount of 2019. Just to name a few great matches-vs Minoru Suzuki on 10/8/2012... vs Kazuchika Okada on 4/7/2013, 1/4/2015, 1/4/2016, 8/12/2016, 5/4/2018, 8/10/2018, 9/23/2018... vs Tomohiro Ishii on 8/2/2013... vs AJ Styles on 8/14/2015... vs Shinsuke Nakamura on 8/16/2015... vs Kota Ibushi on 11/5/2017 and on 8/12/2018... with Will Ospreay vs Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi on 12/15/2018... against Kenny Omega on 1/4/2019."
Cibs wrote on 13.01.2019:
[10.0] "For me Tanahashi is the last great legend of New Japan. Incredible wrestler, his storytelling and psychology are pure gold to the degree that it can become really dramatic to see him up in the ring thanks to the way he gets you involved. His matches don't need inflated ratings to feel epic."
KING wrote on 09.11.2018:
[10.0] "The Ace of the Universe, his ability to deliver epic matches with everyone is almost scary, he will bring the best out of everyone, able to be the suffering babyface against Suzuki but also the angry veteran against Ibushi, there's nothing he can't do except being a heel because nobody would dare boo him, but against Okada he proved he can be a bad guy as well, explosive and strong, with his power declining he constantly improved when it comes to psychology, at New Beginning against Suzuki he looked injured for real. A real pop icon in Japan, the Japanese not John Cena, but Hulk Hogan, but talented lol"
RatingsMachine wrote on 15.10.2018:
[10.0] "Hiroshi Tanahashi is so great that despite his physical limitations, he is still capable, through storytelling and psychology, to have incredible matches. Because Tanahashi can't do everything he used to, some people have decided that that means he isn't as a good as he used to be, but nothing could be further from the truth. Hiroshi Tanahashi is still one of the best going, and a certified legend and hall of famer."
Speeble wrote on 23.09.2018:
[6.0] "I never really got Tanahashi when I first started watching NJPW, but I wanted to hold off judgement until I'd seen enough big matches. A couple years later, I still don't get him. His "charisma" feels really forced and the air guitar gimmick is not endearing at all. Among the elite wrestlers in NJPW, his matches often come across as the most formulaic. I can't get into a match where I can practically predict the whole thing beat-for-beat. At least Okada tries to mix up his finishing sequences. Tanahashi's contributions to the business are undeniably important, but that doesn't make me enjoy watching him as a performer any more."
KOR KOMBAT wrote on 19.08.2018:
[10.0] "The best, period end of story. The Ace has been amazing for as long as I have been watching NJPW. When him and Okada get in that ring they can do no wrong."
ohnoes wrote on 31.07.2018:
[8.0] "There's a lot that I like about the Ace. His music (both the old and new), his entrance, his poses, his attire, the air guitar, his likeable character, his hair. And yes, I like his in-ring work... but for the life of me, I can't figure out why I don't like him more than most. He can put on consistently good matches with almost anyone, and has had several memorable feuds and matches with the biggest names in New Japan over his lengthy career, but I usually go away from his matches not knowing what to say about them. I sometimes forget parts of his matches, and what he did in them besides his signature moves. His forearm exchanges are usually pretty weak-looking, or at least they do when the likes of Shibata, Ishii and Suzuki are there to make the entire venue hear the impact. He's deeply rooted in his own approach and philosophy to puroresu, and while I like that from Shibata, I unfairly like it less from Tanahashi. Regardless, I'm still a fan of him, and deeply respect everything he's accomplished. Tanahashi is deserving of all the praise he's given, and all the accolades bestowed upon him. He did carry New Japan when it desperately needed someone to do so, he's been such a key player for so long. When he finally retires (whenever that might be), although there are future 'aces' that will come along to carry New Japan, there won't ever be another 'Ace' quite like him."
Wrestling Forever wrote on 11.06.2018:
[10.0] "Tanahashi ist immer ein Granat für fantastische Matches. Er hat es einfach drauf. Sein Wrestling Style ist unfassbar sauber und éinfach nur klasse. Sein Einmarsch ist immer ein Highlight, High Energy ist so ein klasse Song. Er ist unfassbar charismatisch, total sympatisch und einer meiner absolut Lieblings Wrestler aus Japan. Schon jetzt eine absolute NJPW Legende. Edit: 11. 06. 2018 Hiroshi sieht man nun sein Alter an und er hat schon mit einigen Verletzungen zu kämpfen trotzdem hat er es immer noch drauf."
Makai Club wrote on 02.06.2018:
[10.0] "How I haven't rated Tanahashi yet, I do not know. Hiroshi Tanahashi is no doubt one of the best wrestlers in the past 20 years. Someone who has filled loads of roles, ace, passer of the touch, someone who makes other look good. He can do it all and more. Highly charismatic and the way he shows it off within the ring and in presence is something to behold. Amazing wrestler, basically popularized the modern day new japan style. Great pacing, great structure and psychology towards all of his matches. Sometimes he spams the HFF too much and has a tendency to no sell but he makes up for it in other ways. Very good at building drama and tension within his match and has a way of sucking you into the most tamest of near falls. Saved New Japan in the mid 00's and helped usurer in a new and very successful era for New Japan. GO ACE!"
InactiveGuru wrote on 01.06.2018:
[8.0] "Tanahashi is known as the Ace of Japan. He is incredible in the ring and he just radiates charisma. I am hoenstly baffled why I don't like him more than I do."
ACRoger wrote on 30.03.2018:
[10.0] "At a time when Japan was lacking legitimate stars, Hiroshi Tanahashi broke out in NJPW as the Ace and biggest draw in the company. His ability to connect with the crowd and draw them in is fantastic. I don't think there is anyone in the last 10 years that is better at the psychological aspects of wrestling than Tanahashi, his timing and execution is near flawless, even when racked with injuries. His rivalry with Okada brought the company back into prominence and completely reinvigorated it. There really is no aspect of wrestling that Tanahashi doesn't excel at: Promos, wrestling, charisma, crowd connection, he can do anything. He absolutely deserves all the credit for saving NJPW during the dark days and making them the best wrestling company in the world. There have and will be wrestlers who draw bigger crowds for NJPW but it none of it would have been possible without the Ace of the Universe."
Gravelord wrote on 23.03.2018:
[10.0] "When the novelty of Inokism began to wear off around 2003 and NJPW was left the verge of bankruptcy by 2006, many onlookers within the wrestling world were already signing the death certificates for the promotion. Even when Yuke's purchased 54% of the company and forced Antonio Inoki out, NJPW was still left without any credible stars, as the Third Generation (Yuji Nagata, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Manabu Nakanishi, and Satoshi Kojima) had either been embarrassed and marginalized in favour of MMA fighters during Inokism or, in Kojima's case, seen the writing on the wall and left the company in protest. If NJPW was to rebuild, it needed a transcendent star akin to the famed Three Musketeers (Shinya Hashimoto, Keiji Mutoh, and Masahiro Chono) who carried NJPW to mainstream success during the 1990s. Enter Hiroshi Tanahashi. He has often referred to himself as a "Once in a Century Talent", a bold claim, but once you watch his body of work, you'll quickly come to realize he ain't bullshiting. Tanahashi is one of those rare (you might say, a Once in a Century) talents who excel at every aspect at pro wrestling, be it in-ring ability, promo skill, unique look that makes him stand out, or even a memorable entrance. However, Tanahashi's best and most important quality if his immense charisma -- that is, his ability to not only draw people to him, but to inspire and evoke emotion from fans and detractors alike (don't believe me? Just watch his match with G1 Climax match with AJ Styles; by the end, his selling has fan crying). After all, pro wrestling is all about drawing fans to come to shows, buy merchandise, and purchase subscription services. Tanahashi is not only the man most responsible for reinvigorating interest in NJPW, but he has managed to endear the product to a once untapped demographic in Japan: female fans. Tanahashi has not only cemented himself as the most important Japanese wrestler of the past 20 years, but also as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time"
Headlock wrote on 14.03.2018:
[10.0] "Tanahashi hat eine glorreiche Karriere, voller sagenhafter matches, intensiven Rivalitäten und ja beinahe schon legendären Titel Regendchaften. Tanahashi ist ein sehr guter Wrestler, der den Look und das Charisma eines Mega Stars hat. Wenn ich das Wort "Ace" höre dann kommt als erstes CIMA in den Kopf aber dann kommt Tanahashi."
TheLoudMouth wrote on 08.01.2018:
[10.0] "Einer der besten, glaubwürdigsten und authentischsten Seller weltweit, der sich seit gefühlten fünf Jahren auf dem Zenit seiner Karriere befindet und einfach nicht schlechter wird aufgrund seiner nahezu perfekten In-Ring-Psychologie."
Dragon Fighter wrote on 05.11.2017:
[10.0] "There are not enough adjectives to describe this guy. A once a century talent for sure. He carried new japan from the dark days in mid 2000 to become the best promotion in the world. A master of in ring work and psychology. Great mic work and charisma as well. Endless classics which make him big match tana. Elevated another phenomenal talent: okada. A GOAT, HOF for sure. Well deserved 10."
The Big Blue Machine wrote on 02.10.2017:
[10.0] "A wrestling machine. A intensely charismatic techinician that despite a very basic moveset, can make a 5-star match thanks to his psychology, without a doubt his best weapon. Tanahashi contributed to make New Japan a thing once again between 2011 and 2016, and despite having passed the torch to Okada, at the age of 40 he is still one of the best in the world."
TooSweetPhil wrote on 15.08.2017:
[10.0] "Der Beste Wrestler Aller Zeiten. Ja das hört sich oft meistens wie eine direkte Hyperbel an, aber wer mit Hiroshi Tanahashi vertraut ist, dem dürfte diese Aussage bekannt sein. Dieser Mann ist nicht nur für NJ's Golden Age verantwortlich, sondern liefert immer noch Mal für Mal fantastische Matches. Gibt es einen besseren Big Match Performer? Nein, denn wenn Tanahashi ein Big Match hat, liefert er. Es ist atemberaubend, dass Tanahashi, trotz eigentlich nur leicht überdurchschnittlichen Move-Sets (Dragon SPLX, High Fly Flow, Slingblade) in alle seiner Matches Innovation reinbringt. Er ist dafür verantwortlich, dass Okada zum nächsten Großen Weltstar manövriert ist, denn diese beiden hatten die Beste (legit) Rivalität aller Zeiten. Gibt es jemanden der besser sellen kann als Tanahashi? Nein, denn während andere Wrestler auf schreien, schwören oder Doppel-Flips vertrauen, sellt Tanahashi konsequent, authentisch und schlicht perfekt. Was er sellen kann, kann er auch austeilen, Limb Work immer innovativ, brutal und durchgezogen. Sein Charakter-Display während seiner Matches ist einzigartig. Wenn Leute kommentieren, von wegen "der japanische John Cena" merkt man schon, wie wenig sie sich mit der Materie auseinandersetzen. Bezogen auf Gegner, Crowd und Atmosphäre kann sich Tanahashi zwischen Heel/Face wandeln und somit entweder Hope Spots oder Cocky Air Guitars performen. Wieviele All-Time Klassiker hat Tanahashi über die Jahre gezeigt? Unzählige, gegen Nakamura, Suzuki, AJ, Naito, als auch mein persönliches All-Time Favourite Match gegen Okada (WK10). Tanahashi ist wahrlich ein "Once in a Century Talent" und das zementiert ihn als einen der besten, vielleicht sogar den Besten aller Zeiten."
jensterer wrote on 08.07.2017:
[10.0] "People giving Tanahashi low scores because "he was shoved down our throats" or because "he isn't a draw" are so clueless, that none of their opinions should ever really be valued. On top of being one of the best workers of this generation, Tana is largely responsible for NJPW's survival."
prowrestlingisreal wrote on 08.07.2017:
[10.0] "If you don't admit that Tanahashi is one of the GOAT's, you're delusional or you don't know what pro wrestling is about, great ring psychology, charismatic AF, can make himself and his opponent look good, have various classics with various opponents, He's one of the reasons why NJPW is on their feet now, and he's one of the biggest draws in recent memories, GO ACE!"
LordGabriel wrote on 07.07.2017:
[10.0] "In my opinion , probably the best wrestler in NJPW , every match that involves him is a gathering of tension and hard working. My favourite match with him is fore sure Tanahashi vs. Okada - Wrestle Kingdom 10."
Randomuser12345 wrote on 22.06.2017:
[10.0] "The total package, one of the best babyfaces I have ever seen. Second only to HBK in terms of creating emotion and drama in a match. Incredible mind for pacing a match, can work with anyone, incredible physique, great interviews from what translations I have seen, there's nothing he can't do. A joy to watch."
TheRainmaker28 wrote on 09.06.2017:
[10.0] "LOL, I laugh about the latest comments. Tana is one of the greatest wrestlers of all-time and deserve respect for everything he did. The dude elevated Okada on 2012/2013, elevated Omega last year when losing to him for the IC title and elevated Naito on the fucking Dome and people have the courage to compare him to Cena. If you don't like Tana, you just don't like good wrestling."
BerserkGuts wrote on 14.04.2017:
[10.0] "Probably one of the most important wrestlers for New Japan Pro Wrestling. Shouldering the biggest responsibility of leading the company out of the gutter back to the top. His feuds with Okada, Nakamura, Naito and many more, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. A true professional who puts the company first and is the lifeblood of NJPW."
Infamous wrote on 03.04.2017:
[10.0] "Might be my favorite wrestler of all time. Charisma, selling, psychology, very few are on par with him on anything that makes someone a good wrestler. He is a legend and will forever be regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Maybe even the greatest."
Blood Pump wrote on 30.03.2017:
[9.0] "Often called the Japanese Cena as far as booking is concerned, which is kind of unfair to both men really. Yeah both were booked to be gods among children when they were at top and yeah they both spend their time putting over talent more often then not now and days but the two are night and day. I'm not taking anything from Johns work ethnic but he was never good at making his opponent look good while still being put over (that has changed a little with Styles and Owens). Hiroshi and whoever he was facing both tended to look very good no matter the result. While I don't think Hiroshi is the greatest worker now or even in the late 00s (not even in NJPW) hes consistently excellent; just about always making an effort."
Mizzle Assault Ant wrote on 17.03.2017:
[6.0] "Tanahashi is alright but I can't help but find him very overrated. His offense is often incredibly light and stands out as a stark contrast to the heavy hitting style of most of his peers. He also has a tendency to allow his matches to on and on, past the point where they feel they have peaked. I know most don't share this opinion, just my personal feeling on the man."
PistolPeteMatty wrote on 26.02.2017:
[10.0] "There isn't a person on this planet who is better in a big match scenario than Tanahashi. Easily one of the best of all time, and probably the main reason NJPW survived the 2000's."
Cheker wrote on 23.02.2017:
[10.0] "THE ACE, the man responsible for the upswing in New Japan's fortunes a decade ago. Incredible wrestler, incredibly charismatic, great storyteller, just a really likable guy. I'm going to miss him when he retires. And, honestly, the comparisons to John Cena are insulting, on his best day Cena couldn't even begin to lace up Tanahashi's boots."
SanthoshVN wrote on 19.02.2017:
[10.0] "Hiroshi Tanahashi is a John Cena of New Japan. He is one of the guys who backed the company during the dark period of the company. He has the ability to pull out the best even from a low level wreslter. His rivalry with Kazuchika Okada is considered as the current best rivalry. If you are new to NJPW you should not miss Tanahasahi's matches. He is nothing but a genius"
Resident wrote on 28.01.2017:
[7.0] "Tanahashi is a good wrestler for sure. But I prefer Nakamura or Okada. I heard a lot of hype on Tanahashi. I known he is a multi-time IWGP Heavyweight champion and his High Fly Flow move is a nice version of the Frog Splash. However, overall I haven't been impressed. I don't think Tanahashi would have been able to get over in the U. S. as Nakamura has and his style seems more geared to the Japanese audience. While he is a good technical wrestler, I don't think he has much charisma and from what I see, he is just average on the mic. While others like Nakamura and Okada have that charisma and to me Nakamura and Okada are better at telling a story in the ring. Yes, he has had many 5 star matches, but maybe his best days have come and gone, because in the last few years, all the matches I have seen of him have just been average except for a few and actually his tag matches with Michael "mail it in" Elgin didn't seem that great at all to me. He's still quite good, but currently I don't think he is one of the very best in New Japan (I'd give that to Okada, Naito, and Omega)."
JonColwell wrote on 08.01.2017:
[10.0] "The ACE of New Japan! His match with Naito at Wrestle Kingdom 11 will forever go down as one of the best matches in IWGP Intercontinental Championship and NJPW history. Nakamura's last match in NJPW with him in that six-man tag was the first NJPW match I ever watched, and it hooked me on as a fan of NJPW."
rjsbx11 wrote on 07.01.2017:
[10.0] "Tana's last 4 years are arguably the greatest 4 years in pro wrestling history. The only guys who had those types of runs at the top while being successful and having absolute classics like Tanahashi are Flair, Kobashi and Misawa. I have him in my top 10 all time, which doesn't have a particular order. The big issue I have is cross generations and guys who potentially landscaped the business. For me, I can't truly appreciate them because of the disconnect. When you look at the incredible matches he's had, his undeniable charisma and his ability to lead the New Japan brand back to the top of Japanese wrestling and one of the biggest wrestling promotions on the planet, he's definitely a GOAT."
Puro Spirit wrote on 21.12.2016:
[10.0] "One of the greatest workers in the history of Puroresu , the man is up there with the puro gods such as Misawa and Kobashi .... a special talent that almost always delivers a classic match ....."
Undisputed wrote on 15.11.2016:
[10.0] "This is a genius of Puroresu, I know is Misawa or Kobashi are more popular than Tana but this man is my favorite Japanese wrestler. Great charisma, very good ring skill and chemistry with Naito, Nakamura, Okada, Styles. Really Ace."
MAGICIAN wrote on 12.11.2016:
[10.0] "Zu Hiroshi Tanahashi muss man eigentlich nicht viel sagen. Der Kobashi unserer Zeit, von 2012 bis 2015 durchgehend der beste Wrestler der Welt gewesen. Viele viele Klassiker, viele viele schöne Momente. Hat nun seinen "Ace-Status" an Okada abgegeben, ist aber wohl für uns alle für immer das ACE. Eine lebende Legende!"
akm0 wrote on 17.10.2016:
[10.0] "Tanahashi is probably the best japanese wrestler right now. His knowledge of the business is as deep as it can get - just read his book - his passion is outstanding, his work is surprising, his charisma is unmatched and can work with anybody with any style. Not to mention his in-ring psychology. While he has given to the fans one of the best series of matches of the last 15 years with Okada, he also has stepped up to turn NJPW in what it is today. The crowd just loves him and for a good reason: every moves he does, has a special flavour. I remember reading that he chosed the frog splash as a finisher because it looked painful (immagine a guy who weights 103 kg/227 lb crushing down on you from the top rope at full speed) and that demostrate how much he cares about giving to the fans the feel of a real fight. He really is once in a century talent."
Luv all wrestling wrote on 08.10.2016:
[10.0] "Tana is a once in a century talent, even nearing 40, he can still have 5 star matches pretty easily, and is very charismatic."
Viper99 wrote on 25.08.2016:
[10.0] "Hiroshi Tanahashi ist einer der absoluten Top Wrestler der Welt! Rein In-Ring Technisch wohl einer der TOP 3 dieser Welt. Jeder Move hat bei diesem Mann einen sinn und dies machte jedes seiner Matches mindestens Gut. Er besitzt absolutes Star Appeal und ist Japans größter Star. Einfach ein exzellenter Wrestler."
cheerupmurray wrote on 18.08.2016:
[10.0] "Dave Meltzer says Tanahashi is unquestionably the best wrestler of the 2010's, I'll go one step further. Tanahashi is the greatest wrestler in the history of the business."
ApexOfEvolution wrote on 18.07.2016:
[9.0] "Bis vor drei/vier Jahren einer der besten Wrestler der Welt, der inzwischen leider seinen Zenit überschritten hat. Seine Matches waren immer weltklasse und er ist zu recht Rekordhalter des IWGP Heavyweight Titles. Hoffe, dass man ihn noch einige Jahre im Ring sieht, vor allem bei ROH ist er immer wieder ein Highlight."
Once in a 100 fan wrote on 07.07.2016:
[10.0] "One of the greatest wrestlers in history in my honest opinion! One look at him and you'll know that he is definitely one of the top dogs in NJPW! Watching this man and his matches have reinvigorated my love with pro wrestling as he is able to adapt and work well with anyone he steps in the ring with and elevate them with his performances and the charisma that he possesses; that is not something that you can say with many wrestlers. Plus his rivalries with Kazuchika Okada and Shinsuke Nakamura are the stuff that legends are made of and are up there with rivalries like Flair & Steamboat, Bret & Shawn, Austin & Rock, Misawa & Kobashi, etc. Truly definitely one of if not THE greatest wrestler in the world!"
DB992 wrote on 17.05.2016:
[9.0] "Pure emotion in the ring. I favor his battles with Okada the most. He has it all: incredible moveset, magnetic charisma and every quality to be an ace in the economy of a federation like NJPW, which he helped to rise back to the top of their game after those disastrous early 2000s."
arrancar wrote on 05.05.2016:
[10.0] "One of the greatest wrestlers of all time. The emotion he puts into his matches and the emotion he evokes from the audience is unparalleled to any other wrestler I know of. He also genuinely cares for the art of wrestling, seen in how he will devote extend periods of time after shows to seeing the fans after a wrestling show and will also work through various injuries in order to continue wrestling. So, not only an amazing wrestler but also a good person and a dedicated professional. Some of his matches rank in my very favourite, as well as in the favourites of many other wrestling fans, because all that emotion and athletic ability can't help but result in multiple absolutely incredible matches. He's had arguably the greatest rivalry of all time (or, at the very least, the greatest rivalry of the last 10-15 years) with Okada, and succeeded in also helping develop Okada into the star he is today. Tanahashi's WK9 and WK10 matches are the main reasons why Okada is my favourite wrestler, so I also have that to thank Tanahashi for. He isn't my favourite wrestler, but the effort that Tanahashi puts into his matches (and the wrestling profession in general) and the reception he elicits from live crowds puts him unquestionably as one of the best wrestlers I've ever seen."
NastyYaffa wrote on 15.04.2016:
[10.0] "THE ACE. Tanahashi's NJPW main event run has been absolutely legendary, and he has proven to be worthy of "the ace" moniker. One of the best in-ring workers ever."
RainmakerF7 wrote on 29.03.2016:
[10.0] "There is no one like him. Unbelievable in the ring worker, incredibly charismatic with an outstanding ability to work with the crowd. He is the main reason New Japan Pro Wrestling is the second biggest (and definitely the best) wrestling promotion in the world. Truly once in a century talent. When it is all said and done, Tanahashi will be right there with Flair, Misawa, Kobashi, Michaels or Jumbo among the best of all time."
Jobbs wrote on 18.03.2016:
[10.0] ""THE ACE" He's done it all in New Japan and just an all around amazing athlete. Just one of the greatest of all time as well as he's been in some legendary feuds and matches and he holds the record for most IWGP Title reigns. Anytime this man is in the ring, you know you're in for a treat."
CorvinLE wrote on 08.03.2016:
[8.0] "Für mich ist Tanahashi ein sehr guter Wrestler und war verdient viele Jahre das Top-Face von NJPW. Doch hat es sich mit ihm ausgelutscht, seine Matches werden etwas langweilig. Trotzdem hat er gute Matches gehabt. Sein Wrestlingstyle ist interessant und sehr schnell geführt. Allem in allen ist er immer noch ein guter Wrestler dochverdienter weise jetzt nicht mehr das Gesicht von NJPW."
Antimaster wrote on 16.02.2016:
[10.0] "Über viele Jahre DER Mann im Puroresu gewesen, jedes Jahr dutzende Top Matches. Man muss kein ganz großer Tanahashi Fan sein, was ich nicht bin, um anzuerkennen, wie großartig dieser Mann nun für mittlerweile ein Jahrzenhnt ist. Für mich auf einer Stufe mit den Besten überhaupt und für New Japan als einer der ganz wenigen nicht zu ersetzen."
TrevPuroFan wrote on 15.02.2016:
[10.0] "Am I the only one who can't get enough of Hiroshi Tanahashi. I mean the guy is pushing 40, his injuries are starting to take a toll on him, yet everytime he steps in that ring he puts on a fantastic performance and pulls out the best out of every single one of his opponents."
berserk589 wrote on 08.01.2016:
[10.0] "This guy always delivers in the big match. One of the smartest and charismatic wrestlers of this era or any other."
hatebreeder wrote on 07.01.2016:
[10.0] "Ace of the Universe! Dieser Beiname kommt nicht von ungefähr. Der mit Abstand Beste bei NJPW. Nuff said.. Update 2016: In der Matchguide-Datenbank sind 6 (! ) seiner Matches in den 26 beliebtesten aller User vertreten. Das sagt einfach alles. Der Mann ist so unfassbar gut, dass es schon fast unfair ist. Ein Geschichtenerzähler, eine Legende, der Hauptgrund, warum NJPW wie Phönix aus der Asche gestiegen ist nach dem verkorksten Anfang des Jahrtausends."
Kevin434 wrote on 03.01.2016:
[10.0] "Er ist eine japanische Legende, einer der besten Wrestler aller zeiten. Dieser Mann ist praktisch die Definition von gutem Storytelling. Er kann mit jedem ein gutes Match worken und probemlos jeden Style mitgehen. Dazu ist er noch sehr Charismatisch. Aktuell der zweitbeste Wrestler der Welt, nach Nakamura, und er hat zurecht das Standing was er jetzt hat."
Sundowner wrote on 02.10.2015:
[7.0] "If wrestling were as popular anymore then Tanahashi would be nowhere near the level that Hashimoto, Misawa and Inoki (real aces) were at at their peak. Tanahashi is a modern ace and compared to the old days it isn't much. He is a great worker but completely overrated by the masses. His matches are pretty much the same everytime I see him."
yanus wrote on 18.04.2015:
[9.0] "Very charismatic wrestler, who structures his matches extremely well. Unfortunately, his offensive moves often look very weak."
SapolBlack wrote on 27.03.2015:
[10.0] "Wenn man heute in Japan sich um schaut, gibt es nu eine grandiösen Mann der Neuzeit. Tanahashi bringt einfach alles mit von Körperbau, Charisma , Intensität und Matchqualität ist alles Vorhanden. Der Superstar von NJPW und direkte vergleich zu John Cena von der WWE."
Taker77 wrote on 09.03.2015:
[10.0] "Tanahashi is so damn good, someday he should be part of the WWE Hall of Fame for his outstanding achievements. He is the brightest star of a whole country."
pfuschi wrote on 07.03.2015:
[10.0] "The ace of Japan, almost as good as Shawn Michaels to me. Tanahashis work attic is incredible and his ringstyle is a great mix between a Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels, he does combine the best of these two legends. He really is a total package, great in the ring, great work attic, great great great selling, great highflying moves, great outfit, great entrance theme, great body and big charisma. Everything a wrestle needs, Tanahashi has it, I´m very happy for Tana that he was the Main-Event on the last Wrestle Kingdoms, he has the look of a main eventer, he feels like the main event, he should stay in the Main- Event as long as his body can handle it. The only point why I put him close behind Shawn would be that his career was not as flexible and mixed up, he didn´t change much in the last years, everything stays the same which is the only thing I would put against Tanahashi. Shame on all the Wrestling Organisations that they never made it happen, Shawn Michaels against Hiroshi Tanahashi, what a dreammatch that would have been. I would have been there, no matter if in Japan or USA."
llboxing wrote on 26.01.2015:
[8.0] "Possibly the greatest in ring performer of his generation. Good looks, excellent versatility, psychology, ability to sell, wide variety of moves and still has uncanny athleticism, not to mention the most chiseled physique among Japanese wrestlers. The Shawn Michaels of New Japan. A heartthrob to female fans, a rock star to male fans, and a super hero to kids. Still a huge draw although his John Cena-esque appeal is beginning to wear thin. Has only a couple years left before age starts to catch up with him."
Le Wrestling Fan wrote on 04.01.2015:
[10.0] "What can you say about this man? He is simply amazing. Every night, every match, you see something amazing. Hiroshi Tanahashi is the best in the world today, and there is nothing, and I mean nothing, that can deny his ability as a wrestler, entertainer, and the face of Japanese wrestling."
TRMB wrote on 26.12.2014:
[10.0] "Der meiner Meinung nach beste Wrestler der Welt. Er hat einfach alles. Habe ihn in Oberhausen live gesehen. Der Mann weiß genau was er tut. Jede Bewegung hat einen Sinn. Super Austrahlung, klasse Moves und vor allem einfach ein netter, cooler Typ."
Matt4Wrestling wrote on 06.11.2014:
[10.0] "Ein Technik und Kraftpaket per excellence! Selten so gut getimte Aktionen gesehen und so gutes selling! nicht Umsonst das Ace von IWGP!"
flewryan wrote on 07.10.2014:
[9.0] "Tanahashi! Mehr muss man dazu wohl nicht sagen, er hat in seinem Match gegen Andy genau das gezeigt, dass ihn als Star auszeichnet."
Alex Maeda wrote on 29.09.2014:
[10.0] "Etwas anderes als 10 Punkte kann ich hier nicht geben. Tanahashi ist der Star der Puro-Szene, NJPWs Ace Nr. 1 und das schon seit Jahren. Jetzt liegt es in den nächsten Jahren an ihm, die Fackel an Leute wie Okada weiterzureichen. Wem, wenn nicht Tanahashi, sollte das auch gelingen?"
8BitLegend wrote on 21.09.2014:
[8.0] "In der vergleichsweise kurzen Zeit die ich NJPW jetzt verfolge bereits jetzt einer meiner Faves. Ich sollte mir beizeiten mal seine Klassiker ansehen."
Merdalix wrote on 08.08.2014:
[7.0] "An overall passable wrestler but his offence is unconvincing and his monster pushes over the years have been undeserving. Granted his selling and ring psychology are damn noteworthy."
Matzinho wrote on 28.07.2014:
[10.0] "Tanahashi sieht aus wie eine japanische Videospielfigur und er wrestlet nicht den Strong Style. Trotzdem muss ich ihn würdigen als denjenigen, der zu NJPs Aushängeschild avanciert ist und die gute Phase eingeleitet hat. Er ist im Ring zwar nicht mein Typ, aber er kämpft ansehnlich und ich genieße doch seine Matches."
ale wrote on 15.05.2014:
[10.0] "Einer der besten, die ich je gesehen hab, auch live der Wahnsinn. Ist in Japan unglaublich populär. Von daher 10."
eldenaaaaa wrote on 14.02.2014:
[10.0] "one of my favorite in ring performers today this man is amazing at wrestling"
daniel cassidy wrote on 28.01.2014:
[10.0] "Simply put, the greatest package in professional wrestling today and unarguably one of the greatest in history. Hiroshi Tanahashi is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the ultimate peak in professional wrestling, and having such an astronomical draw and following (to the likes of Hulk Hogan) is a feat that cannot be replicated. With delivery of amazing matches, many of which are on my "all time" list, and the best charisma in the business, there is no doubt in my mind that Tanahashi is one of the very best professional wrestlers to ever grace any circuit. This man has ALL of my respect forever."
Bluminho 93 wrote on 03.12.2013:
[10.0] "Man kann ihm einfach nur 10 Punkte geben. Nakamura ist mir persönlich zwar sympathischer, aber Tanahashi ist die weltweite Nummer 1 in eigentlich allen Bereichen, die das Wrestling ausmachen. Er kannn jeden Gegner zu dessen Höchstleistungen ziehen und kann soagr spontan die Heel Rolle in einem Match annehmen, je nach Crowd Reaktion. Dass er dieses Jahr bereits in die Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame aufgenommen wurde, spricht einfach Bände. Trotz der Tatsache, dass er New Japans Topstar ist, ist er sich darüber hinaus nie zu schade, sich für andere Wrestler hinzulegen respektive diese zumindest sehr gut aussehen zu lassen. Es gibt einfach keinen Besseren und ich hoffe auf viele weitere Jahre von Tanahashi als Ace of the Universe auf Top Niveau!"
LukethePirate wrote on 17.11.2013:
[10.0] "Best in the world today, and one of the best of all time. Had a plethora of 5* matches from 2011 onwards and carries himself as a top level superstar in every aspect."
joshimania wrote on 23.06.2013:
[6.0] "An acceptable but very overrated wrestler. His offense doesn't look convincing and his matches tend to be filler matwork leading into obligatory nearfalls."
Steenerico wrote on 03.06.2013:
[10.0] "Tanahashi ist aktuell der beste Wrestler auf der Welt, was man auch an seinem überragenden Titelrun gesehen hat, wo er einen MotY Kandidaten nach dem anderen gezeigt hat. Seine letztjährigen Matches gegen Suzuki und Okada waren für mich die beiden besten Matches des Jahres 2012 und auch dieses Jahr war er bisher an den besten Matches des Jahres beteiligt und lieferte mit seinen Titelmatches gegen Okada, Anderson und nochmals Okada schon drei Match of the Year Kandidaten ab. Etwas anderes als 10 Punkte kommt für mich bei diesem Ausnahmewrestler nicht in Frage."
Kenshin Uesugi wrote on 27.04.2013:
[10.0] "Bei so einem Mentor kann ja nur Gutes rauskommen, aber mal jetzt im Ernst. Tanahashi hat einfach alles, vom Körperbau, den Wrestlingfähigkeiten, der Ausstrahlung und dem Charme. Mit Nakamura, der Ace von NJPW und eine zukünftige Legende, mit vielen Gemeinsamkeiten mit seinem Mentor. Der vielleicht genauso bedeutend und groß wird wie er oder sogar ihn überragen wird, aber nur vielleicht. Edit: Hat nun endgültig die Grenze überschritten was Höchstleistungen am Stück und über Jahre angeht. Es ist einsam auf dem Olymp im NJPW, deswegen ist es auch kein Wunder das mittlerweile Nörgler und Miesmacher kommen, sie seien an dieser Stelle gegrüßt! Er sei zu lange und zu oft Champ und im Main Event, manch einer singt sogar das Lied das er der japanische John Cena ist. Mal abgesehen davon das es so ist als ob man Äpfel mit Birnen vergleicht, muss ich doch ernsthaft am Sachverstand und Logik dieser Aussage zweifeln und vehement wieder sprechen. Wenn man der Beste in fast allen Bereichen ist, dann ist das so. Punkt, Rums Bums aus die Maus!"
apc24 wrote on 29.03.2013:
[10.0] "Ace of the Universe! He's the face of wrestling in Japan in my opinion, he's a great, spectacular wrestler and has the ability to make a yearlong title reign seem legit."
deathsitcom wrote on 28.03.2013:
[10.0] "Tanahashi ist der einzige wrestler der Welt, der mich derart begeistert, dass ich 10 Punkte rausrücken muss, obwohl ich sein gimmick absolut nicht ausstehen kann. Aber alles andere wäre einfach absurd, Anime-style und Luftgitarre hin oder her, im Ring ist er einfach perfekt. Mag sein, dass er meistens die selbe Schiene fährt, aber sie funktioniert und wird bis dato nicht langweilig. Sein title-battle mit Okada, das 5* Hammermatch gegen MiSu, wie er Anderson kürzlich zu dessen Karriere-highlight geführt hat, und generall sein Agieren als Ace von NJPW, alles großartig. Zudem hat er mir das schöne Erlebnis beschert, dass ich mir durch bloßes Erwähnen seines Namens in einer Kneipe in Tokyo über alle Sprachgrenzen hinweg Freunde gemacht habe, allein dafür ein aishite imasu!"
Play2X wrote on 21.02.2013:
[10.0] "Nachdem ich mittlerweile seit 2 Jahren immer Mal wieder NJPW gucke muss ich doch sagen, dass Tanahashi Hiroshi die ganze Zeit über IMMER megastark war. Es gibt derzeitig wohl niemanden, den ich lieber sehen würde. Außer Nakamura Shinsuke."
Fountain of Misinformation wrote on 11.02.2013:
[10.0] "Bewertung vom 16. 07. 2012: Toller Wrestler, ein echter "Star", ein Frühvollendeter, das Wahnsinns-Talent seiner Generation aber sein Luftgitarrenspiel ist ziemlich mies, ich glaube das ist kein echter Rocker! Nachtrag vom 11. 02. 2013: Ich weiß nicht warum ich ihm "nur" neun Punkte gegeben habe, aktuell vielleicht der "Beste Wrestler der Welt", aber eigentlich bedarf es solcher Worte gar nicht, ein klarer elf Punkte Wrestler. Wenn er nicht die selten von mir vergebenen zehn Punkte verdient hat, wer dann?"
Obermacker wrote on 11.02.2013:
[10.0] "Och, Bewertung wird nicht gezählt, wenn man nix dazugeschrieben hat! Na dann begründe ich die 10 Punkte ganz einfach damit: Der beste, charismatischste, japanische Wrestler, der letzten 10 Jahre - Punkt!"
Spearman wrote on 24.11.2012:
[10.0] "Der defintiv beste Wrestler der Welt, ich kann mich an wenig Matches mit Tanahashi erinnern, die schlecht waren. Er hat eine Austrahlung, wie sie sonst keiner hat."
Tamjuk wrote on 13.10.2012:
[10.0] "Hiroshi Tanahashi ist der John Cena New Japans mit nur einem Unterschied: er kann wrestlen! Charismatisch, Aussehen eines Superstars und einfach nur ein guter Wrestler. Als Kritik kann man naturlich sagen, dass er zu formelhaft arbeitet, aber er ist eben das Gesicht New Japans, er ist schon da wo er hin will, er muss nichts riskieren."
Robert Taylor wrote on 05.09.2012:
[10.0] "Wenn mich jemand fragen würde wie ich das Wort Zuverlässigkeit definieren würde, dann wäre meine Antwort Hiroshi Tanahashi. Er bringt ganz einfach immer seine Leistung, meistens sogar eine sehr starke Leistung. Hat seine derzeitige Position bei New Japan absolut zu Recht inne, er hat den Look und vor allem das Können im Ring. Gehört zur absoluten Weltspitze und es gibt nicht viele, die ihm das Wasser reichen können. Dass er hier bei Cagematch nicht eine einzige Bewertung unter 8 Punkten bekommen hat, ist ein weiterer Beweis für seine Klasse."
Jack London wrote on 06.04.2012:
[10.0] "Auch wenn seine Dominanz gegen Ende seines Rekord-Title-Runs doch langweilig zu werden drohte, ist jedes Match mit Tanahashi eigentlich immer mindestens gut. Er ist einfach ein Weltklasse-Worker, der auch noch ein derart großes Charisma hat, dass es auch bis zu uns nach Europa strahlt. Tanahashi ist der Grund, warum New Japan die Liga #1 in Japan ist. Den anderen großen Ligen fehlt einfach eine derartige, alles überstrahlende Figur wie Tanahashi sie es nun mal ohne Zweifel ist."
Aquifel wrote on 08.03.2012:
[10.0] "War immer schon Sahne im Ring und er hat auch sehr viel Ausstrahlung (selbst für Europäer, die sonst eventuell nicht so viel mit Japan anfangen können), aber gerade mit seinem letzten Run als IWGP Champ hat er bewiesen, dass er nicht umsonst einer der grössten, wenn nicht gar DER grösste Star in Japan ist (momentan)."
Manolo wrote on 28.01.2012:
[10.0] "Aktuell zweifellos der beste japanische Heavyweight. Neben seinen Fähigkeiten im Ring verfügt er auch über Charisma und ist absolut zurecht der größte Star in Japan. Mit ihm wurde das Produkt von NJPW in den letzten Jahren auch wieder viel besser als zu Beginn des Jahrtausends."
ShakDragoon wrote on 05.10.2011:
[10.0] "Sehr guter Allrounder, der verdienterweise an der Spitze der New Japan Heavyweight Division steht. Ich hoffe jedoch, dass die Liga es nicht versäumt, neben ihm und Nakamura auch andere Talente dauerhaft nach oben zu pushen. Obgleich die Matches der Beiden stets für gute Unterhaltung und hochwertige In Ring Action garantieren."
Rated R Champ wrote on 22.09.2011:
[10.0] "Tanahashi ist nun seit einigen Jahren das Aushängeschild des japanischen Marktführers und das zurecht. Im Ring ist der Mann über jeden Zweifel erhaben, er versteht es Matches aufzubauen er hat den Look und (soweit ohne Japanischkenntnisse erkennbar) auch wirklich Charisma. Der Begriff Total Package greift hier einfach."
Hu-Man wrote on 24.02.2011:
[10.0] "Er ist wohl DER japanische Superstar, den man in den USA mit John Cena vergleichen kann. Mit dem Unterschied, dass seine Stärken im Ring liegen und Cena eher der Mann am Mic ist."
The Rated R Superstar EDGE wrote on 30.12.2010:
[10.0] "Für mich zusammen mit Kenta der beste Japaner. Hat außerdem alles was ein Superstar braucht."
Homicide187 wrote on 03.11.2010:
[8.0] "Sicherlich der Draw in Japan und auch gut im Ring und auf jeden Fall unterhaltsam. Aber sein Anime Aussehen find ich dich immer störend, wodurch ich ihn einfach nicht als den "Superhelden" oder ernsten Gegner sehen kann. Aber wie gesagt seine Matches enttäuschen eigentlich nie."
Hans Gruber wrote on 05.07.2010:
[10.0] "Ganz klare 10 Punkte! Das Ace von New Japan. Nr1. Main Eventer für mindestens noch 10 Jahre, natürlich nur wenn die Kniee weiterhin mitmachen."
Denz wrote on 13.06.2010:
[10.0] "Ich habe mir so einige einer Matches angesehen, wie zum Beispiel das gegen Kurt Angle oder AJ Styles. Der Typ hat einen ziemlich guten Körperbau, ein sehr schneller Techniker. Viele Japan-Wrestling Fans sehen ihn als japanischen Shawn Michaels - zu recht!"
Erased wrote on 22.05.2010:
[10.0] "Sehr guter Technicker, der dazu noch eine große Portion Ausstrahlung hat und vom Wrestling sowie vom Entertaining auch etwas versteht. Ihm schaut man gerne zu."
T-Wayne wrote on 08.04.2010:
[9.0] "Super Kerl, der sich wirklich den Weg zum Maineventer in der größten japanischen Liga erkämpft hat. Tolle Aktionen und Charisma hat er dazu auch noch, schade nur, das der High Fly Flow seine Knie zerstoert hat."
wotan1985 wrote on 09.03.2010:
[10.0] "Hiroshi ist genau das was für mich ein Heavyweight ausmacht. Einfach Perfekt."
Big Bad Booty Baby wrote on 28.09.2009:
[9.0] "Tanahashi ist (auch wenn ich mich noch nicht lange mit Puroresu beschäftige) der wohl beste NJPW Worker zur Zeit. Er war der erste den ich mit japanischem Wrestling in Verbindung brachte und das zu Recht. Er ist super im Ring und sehr charismatisch. Er wird sicherlich noch lange New Japan repräsentieren und noch öfters den IWGP Titel halten."
homicidal cena michaels wrote on 11.07.2009:
[10.0] "Derzeit bester Japaner und auch weltweit ganz vorne dabei. Zurecht mehrfach IWGP Champion."
The Main Event wrote on 09.07.2009:
[8.0] "Hiroshi ist mir sehr sympatisch und wrestlen kann er auf jeden Fall. Aus ihm wird hoffentlich nochmla was."
Blaze wrote on 24.01.2009:
[10.0] "Der absolute King von New Japan. In den letzten 3 Jahren für die Company extrem wichtig und hat riesiges Potenzial, irgendwann in einem Atemzug mit Misawa, Kobashi usw. genannt zu werden. New Japans MVP, wrestlerisch sehr gut mit einer Menge an Charisma."
STRIGGA wrote on 05.01.2009:
[10.0] "Hiroshi Tanahashi ist für mich der beste Performer in Japan, wenn nicht sogar darüber hinaus. Er hat die Ausstrahlung eines absoluten Superstars und verhält sich auch im Ring so. Dazu kommt sein überragendes Wrestling. Einer der Vorreiter des neuen New Japan Heavyweights."
Rancor wrote on 07.12.2008:
[9.0] "Tanahashi hat sich zu einem der besten, wenn nicht DEM besten Schwergewichts-Wrestler weltweit entwickelt. Er hat sich als erster seiner Generation den Status eines Superstars erarbeitet."
Tomko wrote on 16.11.2008:
[9.0] "Geniale Fähigkeiten, eine Menge Charisma und einen coolen Look machen diesen aufstrebenden Superstar aus, der mich aber noch ein kleines bisschen mehr überzeugen muss, damit es die 10 wird !"
AnFu wrote on 05.06.2008:
[10.0] "Cooler Typ, eigener Stil im Ring, mir gefällt einfach das Gesamtpaket Tanahashi, er leistet sehr gute Arbeit im Ring, er hat noch einiges vor sich, einer der großen Japaner jetzt schon."
Rob Van Duesenschrauber wrote on 17.04.2008:
[9.0] "Da muss ich meine Wertung nach oben korrigieren. Tanahashi steht bei New Japan absolut zurecht im Main Event. Denn da gehört er die nächsten Jahre hin, wenn er sein Niveau hält."
Kaffoe 666 wrote on 25.03.2008:
[10.0] "Mein momentaner Liebling im Puro. Tana ist einfach göttlich!"
The Instant Classic wrote on 23.03.2008:
[8.0] "Genialer Wrestler mit vorhandenem Charisma, das allerdings nicht an Top Leute heranreicht."
AMMO wrote on 21.12.2007:
[8.0] "Zeigt andauernd starke Matches für NJPW! Wird in der Zukunft IMO noch einiges erreichen, dadurch NOCh keine volle Punktzahl, die denke ich aber sicherlich kommen wird."
D-Style wrote on 07.12.2007:
[8.0] "New Japans Zukunft; er wird sich noch besser entwickeln, daher erstmal nur die 2, mit Tendenz zur 1. 2007 wird Tanahashi noch besser denke ich; seine Strong Style Matches gegen Nagata & Goto sind der erste Schritt zur NJPW Führung."
Blue Meanie wrote on 04.12.2007:
[10.0] "Noch nicht so viel gesehen, aber das was ich gesehen habe war awesome. Beeindruckend guter Wrestler, der zudem auch (im Gegensatz zu vielen seiner Japan Kollegen) recht charismatisch ist und eine richtig starke Ausstrahlung hat."
shannonmoore wrote on 29.07.2007:
[8.0] "Wenn Japan dann Tanahashi :) Bin erst seit kurzem Fan von Japanischen Wrestling und er einer der ersten die mich intressierten."
PuroDragon wrote on 24.06.2007:
[10.0] "Im Ring genau das was man(Ich) haben will, den Look hat er ebenfalls und er hat mich bis jetzt mich immer bestens unterhalten, bis jetzt haben mir seine Matches gegen Nagata am Besten gefallen"