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Hiroshi Tanahashi: Performing During Pandemic Would Be ‘Black Eye’ for Japanese Wrestling

SI.com’s Week in Wrestling is published every week and provides beneath-the-surface coverage of the business of pro wrestling.

Hiroshi Tanahashi: ‘To run events in the middle of a pandemic presents the wrong image of professional wrestling to society’

Hiroshi Tanahashi is one of the most decorated performers in all of professional wrestling. Known as “The Ace,” Tanahashi has been instrumental in the growth and resurgence of New Japan Pro Wrestling for the past 21 years.

Tanahashi has represented the company on eight separate occasions as its IWGP heavyweight champion, oozing charisma and captivating audiences with an in-ring brilliance that continues to draw new fans.