New Japan Pro Wrestling star Hiroshi Tanahashi, who will be working with Ring of Honor as part of ROH and NJPW’s new relationship, recently spoke with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard. Below are some interview highlights:
On Shinsuke Nakamura signing with WWE:
“I was very surprised he would go to WWE,” said Tanahashi. “I can’t replace him, and nobody can be like him. Nakamura is an original.”
Has WWE reached out to him?:
“WWE has never reached out to me,” said Tanahashi. “I watch WWE sometimes. They are good–they do not move too fast. But there has been no contact. I’m happy in New Japan. I have loyalty, and I love New Japan. That is all.”
His goal in ROH:
“I want the ROH championship,” said Tanahashi, who is a seven-time IWGP champion. “I want Jay Lethal’s title. When I get his belt, I’ll defend it in the U.S. and I’ll defend it on all the big shows in New Japan.”
Criticism of ROH’s in-ring style:
“The ROH style is too fast,” said Tanahashi. “Everything is too fast, too quick. This one, next one, bam. You need to give the audience time to cheer. The audience cannot think when it is too fast. I hate when the style is too fast. There’s no limit when that happens.”