Hiroshi Tanahashi Appears On Dynamite: AEW & NJPW Working Together?

Tanahashi wasn't the only NJPW tease on last night's show...

by Andy H Murray
Hiroshi Tanahashi AEW
AEW

The NJPW/AEW rumour mill is swirling once more following New Japan legend Hiroshi Tanahashi's short appearance on last night's episode of Dynamite.

The Ace appeared as one of many talking heads honouring Chris Jericho for his 30th-anniversary celebrations, offering congratulations. The @AEWonTNT account has posted the following clip to Twitter:-

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This wasn't the only NJPW-related bit of content on the show, however, as Jon Moxley and Lance Archer made direct reference to their IWGP United States Championship clash for the promotion in their promos, referring directly to "Wrestle Kingdom" and the "Tokyo Dome." These are comfortably the most overt references AEW has made to NJPW in some time, with official New Japan images of the Moxley/Archer match used to compliment the segments.

Last week saw NJPW President Harold Meij announce his resignation from the promotion. Per Dave Meltzer in last week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter, AEW President Tony Khan wasn't sure how this change would impact a potential AEW/NJPW working relationship, though his initial gut feeling was "good."

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At the very least, AEW would have had to seek NJPW's permission to use the Moxley vs. Archer images. A working relationship may still be a long way away.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.