In a recent interview with a local Japanese radio station, Tanahashi was critical about Kenny Omega’s in-ring style, stating that the current IWGP Heavyweight Champion is like watching a movie with no Kishotenketsu (dramatic arc of traditional Japanese narratives).” He feels that the last 5 minutes of a Kenny match is all that matters, because there’s no story.
The IWGP Heavyweight Champ spoke with New Japan Pro Wrestling about Hiroshi Tanahashi, who will challenge Omega for the Heavyweight title at the Toyko Dome, and speaks on what type of match should represent NJPW:
"Here's the thing, Tanahashi has this idea that wrestling has to be a certain way. There are borders that you shouldn't cross. Wrestling should be wrestling, there's a 'classic' way. But the thing is when I watch a Tanahashi match, I feel nothing. When I show a Tanahashi match to my friends, to my father to my fans; they are f------ bored. But when I show some of my matches, they feel something in their hearts, it makes them think about something. When a Tanahashi match ends, you've already f------ forgotten it. I wanted matches that stay with me forever, more than 24 hours, more than one week. Why they f--- do you think they call me the best bout machine?!
"It's not because I'm the greatest athlete in wrestling. Because I can create emotion and I can create a memory and because Tanahashi could never f------- do that. Really Tanahashi belongs in the WWE. He can be the next Roman Reigns. So, don't think for a second that's New Japan style. What Tanahashi should do is f------ thank me because you actually think a Tanahashi main event could ever go to America? You never could. You can go to America once, because it's an interesting name, its's a novelty for New Japan to come to America. Do you think if you put Tanahashi and Billy Gunn as a main event do you think he could ever come back? Of course not. So, with this worldwide movement, with the boost in numbers for New Japan World, somebody should tell this a--hole to think about business."
Check out the full interview
here.