Hiroshi Tanahashi

HOFRetired (In-Ring)Presidentof

Real Name:

Hiroshi Tanahashi

Billed From:

Tokyo, Gifu, Japan

Billed Height:

5′ 11″

Billed Weight:

222 lbs

Debut:

1999

Retired:

2026 (27 year career)

Birthday:

11/13/1976

Age: 49

Promotions Wrestled in:NJPW | CMLL | AEW | TNA | AJPW | HOG | ROH | CZW | NOAH

Championships Won (1):

1x NJPW IWGP Heavyweight Champion (1987-2021)

Career Summary

Hiroshi Tanahashi was born on November 13, 1976, in Ōgaki, Gifu, Japan. He wrestled from October 1999 until retiring on January 4, 2026, and is most closely linked with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he later moved into an executive role and was publicly identified as the company’s president and representative director in 2023.

Tanahashi became the face of NJPW through the 2000s and 2010s, building his reputation around big main events, long tournament runs, and a steady “ace” presentation. He is credited with major NJPW championship success, including a record eight reigns as IWGP Heavyweight Champion and 26 total NJPW title reigns overall, plus multiple top tournament wins such as three G1 Climax victories (2007, 2015, 2018) and two New Japan Cup wins (2005, 2008).

His finishing offense centered on the High Fly Flow (frog splash) and other established finishers, like the sling blade and Texas clover hold. He also worked outside NJPW through partnerships and special appearances, including CMLL, TNA/Impact, AEW, ROH, RevPro, and NOAH. His Hall of Fame recognition includes induction into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 2013.