In 2003, Hiroshi Tanahashi returned from near-tragedy to make his mark on a chaotic and shifting NJPW landscape. The "Young Boy" Josh Smith explores a year where Inokism, MMA, and cross-promotional politics threatened to consume the company. Amid this turmoil, Tanahashi claimed his first singles title—the newly created U-30 Championship—while forming makeshift tag teams with Yutaka Yoshie and Yuji Nagata. From Tokyo Dome heartbreaks to midcard triumphs, from feverish title defenses to grappling with insecurity and pressure, this episode chronicles the year that quietly shaped the Ace’s future greatness.
by KeepnitStrongStyle