Hiroshi Tanahashi Looking To Increase Pay & Introduce Multi-Year Deals For NJPW Wrestlers, Discusses Idea Of Talents Being Under Contract While Based Overseas

Contract talk with the NJPW President.

There’s an extensive two-part interview that Proresu-TODAY rolled out with New Japan Pro-Wrestling President Hiroshi Tanahashi.

During the chat, Tanahashi dove into the talent departures over the last several years, such as Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, David Finlay, and Hiromu Takahashi. Tanahashi said back in 2004, he considered the idea of making the move to the USA, so he understands why the wrestlers have made the decision they’ve made.

That is why pay raises, changing NJPW’s internal structure, and revising contract terms are priorities for him. He added that he wants to introduce multi-year deals into the fold as well.

“I’ve stayed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling my whole career, but there was a time in the past, around 2004, when I considered going to America.  So I understand how the wrestlers feel. As a professional, it’s only natural to want to join a promotion that values you highly and offers better terms, including higher pay. That’s precisely why improving New Japan’s internal structure, raising pay rates, and revising contract terms are urgent priorities. I strongly feel that we must create a ‘barrier’ to prevent good wrestlers from being poached by other promotions—such as by introducing multi-year contracts—and maintain the strengths of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.”

Following up on that, Tanahashi was asked how he plans to compete with the wealthy pro wrestling organizations that are overseas.

He said the reality of the situation is that, given the market size in Japan, it can be difficult to match what USA-based companies can offer when it comes to competing for talent.

“The guarantee amounts offered by overseas promotions are indeed enormous. It’s a world where hundreds of millions of yen change hands with multi-year contracts, so the reality is that it’s still difficult to offer contracts of that level in Japan, given the current market size. So, how do we raise the guarantees for the wrestlers who choose to stay and compete in Japan? There’s really only one tried-and-true path: Put on great matches, work hard on promotional activities, and boost the promotion’s revenue.

That’s why we’re now actively encouraging young wrestlers like Shota Umino and Yuya Uemura to appear in the media and participate in promotional activities. They’re helping to raise their profile, increase merchandise sales, and boost audience attendance. That, in turn, becomes profit for the entire promotion and ultimately leads directly to higher pay for them. It’s important that they understand this cycle and act accordingly.”

In part two of the interview, Tanahashi spoke about wanting to establish contracts with wrestlers that would allow them to be based overseas while being able to compete at New Japan’s big events.

“At this point, our focus is on further strengthening our overseas strategy. Currently, our relationships with major overseas promotions, including AEW, are very strong. Even if a wrestler seeks opportunities in AEW or elsewhere, it doesn’t mean our ties are completely severed. If the wrestler’s wishes and conditions align, we want to create a flexible and new form of contract and scheme that allows them to continue participating in New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s big matches while being based overseas, like an advanced version of overseas training. It’s crucial to create a system where wrestlers, unbound by the constraints of exclusive contracts, can thrive on the global stage and bring that experience back to the New Japan ring.”

NJPW is headed towards the 2026 New Japan Cup final on March 21st, and after that, they’ll be moving to Sakura Genesis on April 4th.