Josh covers the pivotal 2014 chapter of “Tanahashi: Ace of the Universe,” a year that saw the once-untouchable Ace fight through mounting wear-and-tear, a shifting roster hierarchy, and New Japan’s global expansion to reclaim his spot on top.
From main eventing Wrestle Kingdom 8 with Shinsuke Nakamura for the Intercontinental title, to the violent grudge war with Katsuyori Shibata at Destruction in Kobe, to toppling AJ Styles at King of Pro-Wrestling to become a record-setting 7-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, this episode tracks how Tanahashi’s big-match performances, title records, and emotional narratives helped carry NJPW into the NJPW World era and set the stage for Wrestle Kingdom 9 vs. Kazuchika Okada.
by KeepnitStrongStyle