Hiroshi Tanahashi on NJPW’s G1 Climax 2026 Event in U.S., Him Having A ‘Very Productive’ Conversation With Tony Khan About AEW and NJPW’s Partnership Future, & NJPW Exploring New Roles for Retiring Legends in Company

Planeta Wrestling held a recent interview with NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi. One of the topics discussed included Tanahashi’s thoughts about NJPW’s upcoming G1 Climax 2026 event on July 11 in Chicago, Illinois and the importance of this event for the company’s future.

“This year’s G1 [lineup] is truly excellent. Any of the 20 wrestlers has a chance to win, and that’s very exciting. As for holding the first night in the United States, I think it’s a crucial event that can set the stage for the next three, four, or five years. It’s important for American fans to get a close look at today’s NJPW wrestlers and the current NJPW style, so this is an opportunity for that.”

Tanahashi also gave his thoughts about him having a “very productive” conversation with AEW CEO Tony Khan at this past Sunday’s AEW x Forbidden Door 2026 event about NJPW’s future under new ownership and future of their partnership with AEW.

“I had the honor of attending Forbidden Door this year, and it was a tremendous show. Tony Khan and I sat down and had a very productive conversation. We discussed NJPW under the new management of TV Asahi, as well as how we will continue to cooperate: AEW supporting NJPW in the United States, and NJPW supporting AEW in its future plans in Japan. I believe it is very important to increase the recognition of our respective wrestlers in the other country, and a strong system of talent exchange and cooperation can benefit everyone.”

Tanahashi also gave his thoughts about NJPW is currently exploring ways to keep retiring legends under new roles in the company.

“From Wrestle Kingdom in January to Dominion in June, I think there’s been a fantastic atmosphere and vibe surrounding NJPW. Going into the second half of the year, the immediate goal in the ring will be the success of the G1. Outside of it, one aspect I’d like to explore is how other retired wrestlers from this generation, like Tiger Mask and Hiroyoshi Tenzan, can best contribute to NJPW in the future.”