Hiroshi Tanahashi: This Is A Star-Driven Business, We Need To Make New Ones

New Japan Pro-Wrestling superstar and current president of the promotion Hiroshi Tanahashi says the company has to work on developing and bringing in more stars to grow.

Speaking with ITRWrestling.com, Tanahashi was asked about the company’s growth now that two of its biggest stars, Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada, are reportedly set to leave the company. Tanahashi said that the company has to keep growing stars, and hopes that those stars become household names.

“This is a star driven business, and we need to make new stars,” said Tanahashi. “That goes beyond success in the ring as well- mainstream awareness and name value is the key to success. I want more of our wrestlers becoming household names.”

Tanahashi took over as president of NJPW beginning in December, when he replaced Takami Ohbari in the role. Ospreay, who was formally wrestling with NJPW, is now officially a member of All Elite Wrestling, while Okada also reportedly signed with AEW earlier this month, although no official announcement has been made.