One of the biggest names in the history of New Japan Pro-Wrestling could be coming through the Forbidden Door.
But while this video from Hiroshi Tanahashi that played during Fight for the Fallen tonight (July 28) was certainly designed to get wrestling fans excited that One True Ace would be making his way to Dynamite or an AEW PPV soon, he doesn’t specifically say that...
A new challenger has emerged! @njpw1972 ace Hiroshi Tanahashi (@tanahashi1_100) will challenge the winner of tonight’s #IWGP US Title match between @LanceHoyt and @Hiku_Leo.@njpwglobal @njpwworld @njpw1972 pic.twitter.com/VPj1YMgffD
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 29, 2021
In fact, there’s a chance he might not even face an AEW wrestler. It seems unlikely they’d hot potato the IWGP United States title to Hikuleo one week after Lance Archer beat Jon Moxley for it, but it could happen.
NJPW retweeted the video to make it clear those questions were valid.
Tanahashi is coming for the IWGP US Heavyweight title!
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) July 29, 2021
But where?
When?
and maybe most important, WHO? #njpw https://t.co/8h3QpyRyZM
Will Tanahashi be on an AEW show soon? Or was this all a crafty bit of promotional business for an upcoming New Japan show, and a match between two New Japan stars?
Stay tuned.
Get complete Dynamite results and coverage here.
UPDATE 1: Archer retained his title, and it was quickly made clear this will happen in New Japan.
#AndStill!
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) July 29, 2021
Congratulations to @LanceHoyt on his successful defence, but @tanahashi1_100 awaits!
Per @ShutUpExcalibur on #AEWDynamite, Archer's next defence WILL see him travel to a NJPW ring...
We know the who- but the where and when? #njpw pic.twitter.com/ajJqPbt232
UPDATE 2: Is this part of a long build to Jon Moxley vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi? SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY.
Someone call the #TokyoOlympics and get @JonMoxley to Japan #AEWDynamite #FightForTheFallen pic.twitter.com/OSti1oJN2a
— All Elite Wrestling on TNT (@AEWonTNT) July 29, 2021
UPDATE 3: New Japan just announced Tanahashi vs. Archer will take place at their show in Los Angeles on Aug. 14, so the Ace will be on U.S. soil...
BREAKING:
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) July 29, 2021
During @AEW Dynamite, @tanahashi1_100 issued a challenge to the winner of the night's IWGP US Heavyweight Championship bout!
Now, Tanahashi has revealed a time and place: RESURGENCE: The Torch at L.A. Coliseum!
TICKETS: https://t.co/6ukDAMgO4C#njresurgence pic.twitter.com/DK5yWiSmjB