The Ringer has a wonderful feature up ahead of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s G1 Climax show in Dallas. In it, both Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi discuss their rivalry that spans over seven years and how they have changed the promotion for the better.
Check out a few highlights below:
On their first match at New Beginning:
Tanahashi:
From the very first matchup with him [at The New Beginning], Okada had a stable mind-set. He was a different person altogether. I felt him getting stronger every time I fought with him.
Okada:
I didn’t feel much of a chemistry at New Beginning 2012. Perhaps because the hall was filled with boos against me by fans who didn’t expect that Okada would win.
Tanahashi’s current thoughts on Okada:
Okada is a champion who is young and blessed with wonderful abilities, [but] I don’t find myself any less than him. If I ever start thinking I won’t be able to win against him, then that would mean the end of my improvement.
Tanahashi on how their rivalry brought in other stars, not the success of Bullet Club:
NJPW has made its improvements through Tanahashi vs. Okada matches. I think our fans know that. It is because of their trust in Tanahashi vs. Okada deep down in their hearts that made so many wonderful wrestlers from abroad join us. Everything worked out [for] the better.
Okada summing up their historical legacy:
When people talk about Okada, the name Tanahashi pops up, and when people talk about Tanahashi, the name Okada pops up. Not just one of us; it is important that it was him and me together. Of course, the match result is important, but I also want the American fans to see the true greatness of NJPW and the best bout between Okada and Tanahashi.
