Hiroshi Tanahashi defended his NJPW World Television Championship against Matt Riddle on February 23rd at New Beginning in Sapporo. Tanahashi dropped the title to Riddle after an eight-minute battle.
New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced that Hiroshi Tanahashi suffered an ankle injury during the NJPW World TV Title match. Therefore, Tanahashi won’t be able to compete in the New Japan Cup. Tanahashi was supposed to face Nic Nemeth for the IWGP Global Title at Sakura Genesis on April 6th. The bout was postponed due to the injury.
Hiroshi Tanahashi was also supposed to compete at the Anniversary event on March 6th and New Japan Cup Night 3 on March 10th. Boltin Oleg replaced Tanahashi in both matches.
“Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Following further examination on an ankle injury sustained at New Beginning in Sapporo, Hiroshi Tanahashi will be absent from the New Japan Cup series, as well as Sakura Genesis on April 6 to allow for a full recovery.
His previously announced IWGP Global Championship match will be delayed until a later date to be determined.
We apologise to fans looking forward to seeing Tanahashi wrestle and appreciate your understanding.
The following changes have been made to forthcoming cards:
March 6 Ota
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii & El Desperado vs Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI–>
Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii, El Desperado & Boltin Oleg vs Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI
March 10 Hyogo
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shota Umino, YOH & El Desperado vs EVIL, SHO, Yujiro Takahashi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru–>
Shota Umino, YOH, El Desperado & Boltin Oleg vs EVIL, SHO, Yujiro Takahashi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru”