|
Post by Ganon83 on Jun 4, 2022 13:48:21 GMT -5
Like Bret Hart? Because Tanahashi is the only person I’ve ever seen at his level (outside of the four pillars of All Japan) when it comes to putting together a match with a great, coherent story.
|
|
Legion
Fry's dog Seymour
Amy Pond's #1 fan
Hail Hydra!
Posts: 22,864
|
Post by Legion on Jun 4, 2022 13:48:45 GMT -5
I posted something similar a few weeks ago basically asking for AEW to make me care about any of these Japanese guys.
I hope they do; I hope part of the deal for the show lets then produce some highlight reels or talking head interviews or whatever.
They've still got time, so we'll soon see - thought they never really did anything with anyone else they've brought in from other companies, so I dont hold out much hope. I think the assumption is those who care enough are already watching and anyone who doesnt will just go with it for a few weeks or do their own homework.
|
|
|
Post by Clash, Never a Meter Maid on Jun 4, 2022 14:31:08 GMT -5
Maybe only next to Misawa as the most reliably great Japanese main eventer ever. And he's a way better talker than Misawa was.
|
|
Nr1Humanoid
Hank Scorpio
Is the #3 humanoid at best.
Posts: 5,511
|
Post by Nr1Humanoid on Jun 4, 2022 14:33:00 GMT -5
This does have me hyped for him coming in. Japanese guys in AEW has been disappointing so far. Hopefully they do not waste him on Moxley. It's tough to find New Japan matches because of how damagingly aggressive their TV partner is with takedowns, but this is a standout match against the best that AJ Style ever was. The G1 Climax is a huge, annual round robin tournament where people usually go all out on matches and this was as all out as you can get. That one commentator is going to give himself a coronary. Or laryngitis.
|
|
|
Post by Baldobomb-22-OH-MAN!!! on Jun 4, 2022 17:06:45 GMT -5
Also, one time he threatened to cure Tatsumi Funinami's puroresu erectile disfunction
|
|
|
Post by Mister Pigwell on Jun 4, 2022 17:27:32 GMT -5
If ya like Bret Hart or John Cena even a little he's definitely someone you should check out. He embodies a lot of what makes a couple of those specific GOATs what they are.
|
|
|
Post by AwamoriRock on Jun 4, 2022 17:27:39 GMT -5
In Japan I dunno if there’s ever been such a consistent big match main eventer aside from Arisa Nakajima. His Okada matches and that amazing Suzuki one are probably going to be the most recommended but I highly suggest his matches with Naito over the IC title. Those two have impeccable chemistry and put on a clinic in determining who is face/heel based on crowd response.
|
|
|
Post by Super Duper Dragunov on Jun 4, 2022 17:48:26 GMT -5
Most everything has already been said, but I will add that even a cynic like me loves the man. I usually loathe "Ace" type characters (the Austin's, Cena's, etc), but this is that concept done right. That and his rise was amazing. It was all organic (which is something I value in character development/storytelling). His skill and charisma saved an entire freaking company from obscurity. He's like if the character of John Cena weren't booked by an idiot who didn't understand how good guys work. Plus his in-ring work is far, and above better than almost any other Ace in wrestling. His versatility as a performer is off the charts. He can work with literally ANYONE. And he can adapt. It's one of his biggest strengths, and what I feel is one of Okada's biggest weaknesses in the ring (it's been awhile since I watched, so hopefully he's gotten better). The dude is the total package. There will never be another Tanahashi. Even when he gets all cocky and arrogant in interviews (which has gotten on my nerves in the past) I remind myself this man f***ing saved NJPW, so let him flex a little Do I think he's wasted on Mox? Yeah. I think Moxley is one-note copy and paste in so many ways. But if any man can make me excited to watch a Jon Moxley match, it's Hiroshi Tanahashi. Tana will make him look like a million bucks.
|
|
Convoy
El Dandy
Rusev admits to being a sex addict to large applause.
Posts: 7,530
|
Post by Convoy on Jun 4, 2022 18:21:21 GMT -5
Most everything has already been said, but I will add that even a cynic like me loves the man. I usually loathe "Ace" type characters (the Austin's, Cena's, etc), but this is that concept done right. That and his rise was amazing. It was all organic (which is something I value in character development/storytelling). His skill and charisma saved an entire freaking company from obscurity. He's like if the character of John Cena weren't booked by an idiot who didn't understand how good guys work. Plus his in-ring work is far, and above better than almost any other Ace in wrestling. His versatility as a performer is off the charts. He can work with literally ANYONE. And he can adapt. It's one of his biggest strengths, and what I feel is one of Okada's biggest weaknesses in the ring (it's been awhile since I watched, so hopefully he's gotten better). The dude is the total package. There will never be another Tanahashi. Even when he gets all cocky and arrogant in interviews (which has gotten on my nerves in the past) I remind myself this man f***ing saved NJPW, so let him flex a little Do I think he's wasted on Mox? Yeah. I think Moxley is one-note copy and paste in so many ways. But if any man can make me excited to watch a Jon Moxley match, it's Hiroshi Tanahashi. Tana will make him look like a million bucks. This is super well said. For all the talk about Okada being the great "big match" performer, Tana has a much better record of delivering in main event matches. He is an absolute dynamic superstar, whose charisma and talent crosses language borders while pulling the world up to his level of performance. Okada is incredibly talented, but can be repetitive in the ring and has failed at putting together good matches with underwhelming opponents. Give Tana five minutes with anyone in the world and he'll make you care like you're a child again.
|
|
Mozenrath
FANatic
Foppery and Whim
Speedy Speed Boy
Posts: 121,126
|
Post by Mozenrath on Jun 4, 2022 18:23:38 GMT -5
Tanahashi is one of the greatest wrestlers to ever live.
Also, he for some reason loves taking thirst trap pictures in aprons in the kitchen with no shirt on.
|
|
|
Post by Starshine on Jun 4, 2022 18:35:25 GMT -5
Dude can play air guitar and not look like a complete cornball dork.
If that isn’t talent, I don’t know what it.
|
|
Kalmia
King Koopa
Happy to be here
Posts: 11,713
|
Post by Kalmia on Jun 4, 2022 18:51:54 GMT -5
Tanahashi is one of the greatest wrestlers to ever live. Also, he for some reason loves taking thirst trap pictures in aprons in the kitchen with no shirt on. Technically one of those is a bookstore, but the point still stands.
|
|
Heartbreaker
King Koopa
Is actually Bindi Irwin
RIP Punk's media scrum, Page 54, Muffins, Biting People Bad™ (2022 - 2022)
Posts: 11,846
|
Post by Heartbreaker on Jun 4, 2022 19:09:35 GMT -5
Phenomenal wrestler. One of the best babyfaces. Kids love him. Ladies love him. He has amazing hair. He also cosplays!
|
|
|
Post by Super Duper Dragunov on Jun 5, 2022 0:21:52 GMT -5
The above post reminded me: I forgot to mention his hair.
From cool ponytail Tanahashi to full on anime hair Tanahashi.
No one is on his level. He has a beautiful head of hair. Even his hair is Ace.
|
|
Fundertaker
El Dandy
Hideo Kojima should direct every ending ever!
Posts: 8,940
Member is Online
|
Post by Fundertaker on Jun 5, 2022 9:17:22 GMT -5
Phenomenal wrestler. One of the best babyfaces. Kids love him. Ladies love him. He has amazing hair. He also cosplays! Such a different culture...I am sorry but he is very hard to take seriously as a physical threat after seeing this. Is this a regular part of his overall appeal? More like that Kid Bandit person? If you're asking if he cosplays in wrestling, the answer is no. He only does for TV appearences and photo shoots for magazines. He is a massive Kamen Rider fan and has appeared in a few episodes though. And no, he's nothing like Kidd Bandit. Kidd is a charismatic queer person that made that part of themselves their wrestling persona and dresses accordingly. Tanahashi is the definition of everything pro-wrestling should encompass into a single entity in a way that I don't think has ever been done before.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2022 9:21:17 GMT -5
Such a different culture...I am sorry but he is very hard to take seriously as a physical threat after seeing this. Is this a regular part of his overall appeal? More like that Kid Bandit person? If you're asking if he cosplays in wrestling, the answer is no. He only does for TV appearences and photo shoots for magazines. He is a massive Kamen Rider fan and has appeared in a few episodes though. And no, he's nothing like Kidd Bandit. Kidd is a charismatic queer person that made that part of themselves their wrestling persona and dresses accordingly. Tanahashi is the definition of everything pro-wrestling should encompass into a single entity in a way that I don't think has ever been done before. Fair enough I deleted my original post as it was badly worded for what my question was asking but that fills in the situation better. Still not my cup of tea when it comes to pro wrestlers but your last line is pretty dramatic "Tanahashi is the definition of everything pro-wrestling should encompass into a single entity in a way that I don't think has ever been done before." so I am excited to see how he could fit in. As much as I followed 2000s ROH etc I basically skipped the Japan scene completely knowing it would not be my thing.
|
|
|
Post by flowercity on Jun 5, 2022 10:01:58 GMT -5
Watch his G1 28 Finals match against Kota Ibushi where he sold so well that it looked like Ibushi was literally beating him to death. I rewatched this match last night. I thought at the time, and confirmed yesterday, it is one of the greatest matches I have ever seen.
|
|
|
Post by Magic knows Black Lives Matter on Jun 5, 2022 10:32:40 GMT -5
The Once in a Century talent ain’t just a nickname. Mans is too nice
|
|
|
Post by Clash, Never a Meter Maid on Jun 5, 2022 10:57:12 GMT -5
If an ace character is being booked to win 90% of the time, like they actually should be,, then that booker is smart, period. I have no clue why we need to tear WWE’s aces down to build up Tanahashi. Austin and Cena are just as legendary, for good reasons.
Also, an ace should be a little arrogant and cocky. Why not? They’re on top.
|
|
|
Post by Hulkshi Tanahashi on Jun 5, 2022 14:22:47 GMT -5
|
|