Hiroshi Tanahashi Pulls Out Of IWGP Global Title Match Against Nic Nemeth Due To Injury
The current IWGP Global Champion Nic Nemeth was scheduled to make his first defense of his title against Hiroshi Tanahashi on April 6th at NJPW Sakura Genesis. Unfortunately, Tanahashi won’t be able to compete at Sakura Genesis due to an ankle injury and his title opportunity against Nemeth has been postponed to a later date.
From NJPW:
Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Following further examination on an ankle injury sustained at New Beginning in Sapporo, Hiroshi Tanahashi will be absent from the New Japan Cup series, as well as Sakura Genesis on April 6 to allow for a full recovery.
His previously announced IWGP Global Championship match will be delayed until a later date to be determined.
We apologise to fans looking forward to seeing Tanahashi wrestle and appreciate your understanding.
The injury to Tanahashi’s ankle occurred during his NJPW TV Title defense against Matt Riddle on February 23rd at New Beginning in Sapporo, a match in which he lost the championship to Riddle.
While he is recovering from the injury, Tanahashi will also have to miss the NJPW 52nd Anniversary event and the rest of the New Japan Cup tour.
Boltin Oleg will be stepping in and replacing Tanahashi in tag team encounters at NJPW events on March 6th and March 10th.
Tanahashi took to X and commented on his injured ankle:
It was in worse shape than I thought. I am truly sorry. I will heal properly.
Hiroshi Tanahashi (translated with Deepl)
Bodyslam.net wishes a speedy recovery for Hiroshi Tanahashi.
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