10 Biggest Stories From NJPW's Wrestling Dontaku And What They Mean Going Forward
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi Confronted By Jay White Upon Return From Injury
New Japan's proverbial Ace has experienced a multitude of highs and lows over the past year. His most recent low was struck upon losing to Zack Sabre Jr. in New York City and disappearing for the past month due to an elbow injury. Saturday should have been a high point for Hiroshi Tanahashi as he made a surprise appearance in Fukuoka to announce that his road back to the IWGP title will begin 5 June.
The announcement had fans in the arena cheering in approval, but the joyous mood was quickly soured when Jay White appeared with Gedo in tow. The Switchblade squared off with Tanahashi, stating that despite the Ace wanting another shot at the IWGP title, he would have to start at the back of the line before laying out the Ace and stomping his elbow. Luckily, as Jay looked to deal further damage with a chair, he was halted by the Young Lions at ringside.
Before departing, however, White once again made it definitively clear that he believes he is next in line for an IWGP Championship opportunity. As such, the true number one contender will seemingly be determined in a bout between the two next month.