LogFAQs > #904593442

#29 - Hiroshi Tanahashi Nominated by: CybrMonkey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5wnKZetuss" data-time="

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK8c3olWfyE" data-time="

Making the claim that Tanahashi is a once-in-a-century talent is certainly a statement that should normally come off as the arrogant ramblings of a heel, and yet the Ace (Go Ace!) almost single-handedly pulled New Japan back from the brink of banruptcy. He's certainly get a large weight of evidence in support of the prowess of his ability. In a new era where Okada is the newest moneymaker, Naito is growing to be the man of the people, and Kenny Omega is becoming the international face of the promotion, Tanahashi has carved a new role for himself. He has evolved into a living legend. For years we've heard the comparisons of Tanahashi and John Cena, but there's no reason to consider those negative. Cena served as the draw during a dark age of WWE, and Tanahashi is the man who pulled NJPW out of its own bleak era of near-bankruptcy. In many ways, Tanahashi was a better Cena than Cena.

For me, the key is that he is just utterly, utterly charismatic. He has a winning smile and a babyface attitude that doesn't diminish his character or the pathos and drama of his matches. He gets likability because he has likability. That's why he can be graceful in defeat and stand tall in victory. He's become the brand ambassador of New Japan in a way that none of the current Big 3 are... yet. And that role fits him well.

I also want to mention that he gave Billy Gunn a 4 star match. In 2017. Billy Gunn. The guy is such an underrated hand these days.

Finally, his hair is the best hair in the history of not only wrestling, but also real life human hair.
---

"Reading would be your friend." ~Dave Meltzer