Ever wondered how a wrestling icon like Hiroshi Tanahashi crossed paths with AJ Styles in the wild world of TNA? It's a story that bridges two legendary promotions and leaves fans buzzing about the 'what ifs' of crossover rivalries. But here's where it gets intriguing—Tanahashi's journey isn't just about epic clashes; it's a testament to how talent transcends borders in the squared circle.
TNA Impact Wrestling, often simply called TNA, is a major professional wrestling company that's given rise to stars like AJ Styles and Kurt Angle. For newcomers to the sport, think of it as an alternative universe to WWE, where high-flying action and intense rivalries take center stage. Manolo Has Pizzazz, a seasoned veteran who's learned life's ups and downs through over a decade of wrestling coverage on Cageside Seats, knows this scene inside out.
Now, picture this: Hiroshi Tanahashi, the unstoppable Ace of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), is hanging up his boots for good. His swan song hits the mat at NJPW's Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4 from the iconic Tokyo Dome—a spectacle that's sure to be emotional for fans worldwide. To pay tribute, TNA is spotlighting all of Tanahashi's appearances in the Impact Zone with a special compilation. And get this: His TNA debut? A thrilling showdown against none other than AJ Styles. Yes, that's right—Tanahashi versus The Phenomenal One!
Dive back to TNA Final Resolution in 2006, where Tanahashi, fresh off his IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship glory, squared off against Styles. For those new to wrestling lingo, the IWGP titles are like the heavyweight belts in NJPW, representing elite skill and prestige. Tanahashi started strong, showcasing his technical prowess with a dragon sleeper takedown, a giant swing, and a crisp elbow drop—moves that display raw power and precision. Styles, ever the resilient competitor, fought back with a dazzling springboard flying forearm, reminding everyone why he's a phenom. But here's the twist that turned the match into a memorable mess: Interference reared its ugly head. Shannon Moore dashed in to ambush Styles, only for The Phenomenal One to dodge, leaving Moore to accidentally clock Tanahashi with a foreign object. Ouch! Despite the chaos, Styles sealed the deal with his signature Styles Clash for the win. In just about ten minutes, these two superstars lit up the ring, hinting at the megastar potential they both possessed. It's a flashback that highlights how even a tainted finish couldn't dim their shine—and for beginners, it shows how outside interference can add drama, though it often sparks debate on whether it was fair play.
And this is the part most people miss: Tanahashi and Styles didn't stop there. Their rivalry spilled over into NJPW, where they clashed multiple times. In 2014, Tanahashi dethroned Styles to claim the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, only for Styles to reclaim it in 2015. But Tanahashi got the ultimate revenge later that same year by besting Styles in a high-stakes G1 Climax encounter. It's a back-and-forth saga that underscores Tanahashi's endurance and strategic mind, proving he's not just a powerhouse but a chess master in the ring.
TNA's compilation dives deep into Tanahashi's Impact Zone legacy, featuring every televised match with a lineup of familiar faces that reads like a who's who of wrestling history. Here's the rundown:
- Tanahashi versus AJ Styles at Final Resolution on January 15, 2006—a clash that set the tone for their epic feud.
- Tanahashi taking on Roderick Strong on Xplosion on January 17, 2006, showcasing his skill against another rising star.
- Tanahashi teamed with Volador Jr. against the Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) during an Impact taping on October 27, 2008, blending high-flying acrobatics with technical wrestling.
- A chaotic ladder match pitting Tanahashi and Volador Jr. against Abyss, Matt Morgan, Team 3D (Bully Ray and Devon), and LAX (Homicide and Hernandez) on October 28, 2008's Impact taping—think ladders, weapons, and alliances gone awry for an all-out war.
- Tanahashi joined forces with Eric Young, Consequences Creed (better known today as Xavier Woods), Doug Williams, Homicide, Jay Lethal, Jimmy Rave, Petey Williams, Sonjay Dutt, and Volador Jr. in a wild X-Division Elimination Match at Turning Point on November 9, 2008, where eliminations and surprises kept fans on the edge.
- Tanahashi and Sonjay Dutt battled Lethal Consequences (Jay Lethal and Consequences Creed) during an Impact taping on November 11, 2008, highlighting tag-team dynamics.
- Tanahashi versus the lightning-fast “Speedball” Mike Bailey at Multiverse United on March 30, 2023—a modern showdown blending styles from different eras.
- Tanahashi facing off against Alex Shelley at Multiverse United 2 on August 20, 2023, proving that even legends can adapt to new challenges.
To top it off, TNA has shared a nostalgic photo gallery capturing Tanahashi's moments in the Impact Zone over the years, available right here for a visual trip down memory lane. These images aren't just pictures; they're snapshots of a wrestler who brought international flair to TNA's unique brand of entertainment.
But here's where opinions might divide: Was Tanahashi's stint in TNA a missed opportunity for global domination, or was it a fun detour that enriched his legacy? Some argue he could have dominated TNA like he did NJPW, while others say the interferences and shorter formats limited his full potential. What do you think—did TNA underestimate Tanahashi, or was it simply a stepping stone?
Share your favorite memories of Hiroshi Tanahashi in TNA below. Did that AJ Styles match blow your mind, or is there another encounter that stands out? Agree or disagree with these takes, and let's discuss—what made Tanahashi's TNA run so special?
