Hiroshi Tanahashi Shows Support For Yota Tsuji After Tsuji Apologizes For ‘Bushiroad’ Comment

Tsuji receives support from the President.

After Yota Tsuji retained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship over Jake Lee at NJPW The New Beginning in Osaka, he directed his attention to NJPW parent company Bushiroad. He stated that the wrestlers are not just cards in a game. He added that they risk their lives when they step into the ring.

Tsuji’s comment stemmed from the departures that NJPW has faced. As of late, EVIL, David Finlay, and Hiromu Takahashi have all wrapped up with NJPW.

Tsuji would go on to apologize for his comment and explain what he was trying to convey. His full quote can be read here.

After day one of the NJPW x CMLL Fantasticamania tour, as Tsuji was delivering his backstage remarks, he was approached by NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi, who showed support for the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Tanahashi said he understood what Tsuji was trying to say.

2.18代々木第二大会、第5試合終了後に辻陽太がコメント。棚橋社長も駆けつける

詳細（無料記事）
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— 新日本プロレスリング株式会社 (@njpw1972) February 18, 2026

In addition to being the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Tsuji is also the IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion. He’ll be defending the Global Title against Andrade El Idolo on February 27th at NJPW The New Beginning USA.