The self-proclaimed “Master of the Cetury”, Tanahashi embodies what it means to be the Ace of New Japan Pro Wrestling. After debuting for NJPW in October of 1999 he has the highest record of IWGP Heavyweight titles (8 times). That achievment goes alongside a Grand Slam, with Tanahashi one of precious few to win the IWGP heavyweight, Intercontinental, Tag, US and NEVER Openweight Championships, as well as 3 G1 Climaxes.  

After a legendary run, Tanahashi’s results were less consistent in the 2020s, but his performances were always on point. After three brief reigns as IWGP US Champion, summer 2022 would see the door between AEW and NJPW broken down as Forbidden Door took place in Chicago. Tanahashi would challenge AEW World Champion CM Punk for the event, but when Punk sustained an injury, a match for the interim AEW title was made with Jon Moxley, the Ace coming up just short in a memorable battle. 

After scoring a pinfall win over Karl Anderson at the G1 Climax 32 finals in August, Tanahashi would turn his focus to another title- the NEVER Openweight Championship- in Kobe at Burning Spirit 2022.