Hiroshi Tanahashi wants to make history.
The NJPW star challenged MJF to a match for the AEW World Championship at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, and AEW confirmed the bout. However, MJF has shot it down, as he has made it clear that he won’t face Tanahashi at the show.
In an interview with Tokyo Sports, Tanahashi looked ahead to what promises to be an eventful summer and stated that he aims to leave his name in the history books. (Translation via Jeremy Lambert of Fightful)
“My Wembley debut is coming soon. I will prove that I am the first Japanese to win a title match and main event at Wembley in 100 years. I haven’t left my name in the history books yet, so I will start from here. Winning the belt in the U.S., winning the G1, and the main event at Wembley. It’s all set up nicely. It’s Mr. Blueprint.”
Tanahashi previously competed at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2022, where Jon Moxley beat him to win the Interim AEW World Championship.
The NJPW G1 Climax 33 tournament will kick off on July 15. Check out the list of competitors here.
WrestleZone will have coverage of AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door as it airs on June 25.