Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada are two of the greatest rivals in New Japan Pro-Wrestling history, engaging in legendary battles that often involved the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
More recently, Tanahashi and Okada have been on the same side as a dream team representing NJPW.
Speaking to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Tanahashi discussed his relationship with Okada.
“I can rely on Okada,” said Tanahashi. “He has that ability to turn the tables when the chips are down, and that fires everybody up, myself included. Okada is trying to make New Japan Pro-Wrestling more exciting, whether in Japan, the U.S., singles or tag team division. He has the same desire as I do.”
Okada and Tanahashi did meet at NJPW Battle in the Valley in February with Okada coming out on top.
Tanahashi said about the bout, “It had been a long time since I wrestled Okada, and I definitely felt a big gap between me and him. Okada wasn’t blown up at all during the match; I couldn’t drive him into the wall like I had been able to in the past. That’s what I remember the most from the match.”
Okada and Tanahashi will be on the same team at NJPW Capital Collision when they challenge for the STRONG Openweight Tag Team Championships against Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) and Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) in a three-way tag bout.
Fans can check out the current lineup for the show by clicking here.