Hiroshi Tanahashi: With Fans Behind Me, Knees Or Not, I Can Do 100 High Fly Flows. Figuratively
Hiroshi Tanahashi is set to compete in his final match at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 against Kazuchika Okada.
The 49-year-old ace of the universe has admittedly been slowing down over the years, but he promises to give it his all one last time.
“There’s been so much these last 26 years. So much support and encouragement. Tomorrow, I want to repay that in some form. Whoever cheers me on will make me move a little more. Every chant will move me on to an incredible match. I want to say I’ll win… With you guys behind me, knees or not I can do 100 High Fly Flows. Well figuratively. Thanks for the house. You’ll see all my energy tomorrow,” said Tanahashi during the Wrestle Kingdom 20 press conference.
He continued, “My style is one that can adapt to anybody I’m in the ring with so whether this is a new Okada or not doesn’t trouble me. The point is win or lose, this is the last time, so I have to bring my absolute best. We’ve had the countdown boards and the website countdowns every day. I see them all the time and it’s a reminder of how there’s just fewer days all the time. But I’ve had a fulfilling career. I have no regrets. I’ve done my best, and that means tomorrow I’ll treat it as a usual match day and follow my usual routine to go to work.”
Fightful will have coverage of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 beginning at 2 AM ET.
