“If Muto’s Retiring at 60, Then I’ll Retire at 61” Says Tanahashi

“If Muto is retiring at 60, then I’ll retire at 61” — Hiroshi Tanahashi Speaks on Former Mentor, Keiji Muto

by: Winnie J.

As the legendary Keiji Muto prepares for his final match at Tokyo Dome on March 21st before his retirement, New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Hiroshi Tanahashi had a lot to say about his former mentor. Despite his superstar status now, in his younger years, Tanahashi served as Muto’s assistant; and as he’s slated to go up against IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada on March 18th in San Jose, he can’t help but recall how Muto had fought for the same title back in 2009 at Tokyo Dome.

GYMで脚のトレーニング。武藤さん(@muto_keiji )と並んでレッグプレス。よく一緒に練習に行った、付き人だった頃を思い出しました。 #うぃーし pic.twitter.com/5jyUjJtAku

— 棚橋 弘至 (@tanahashi1_100) June 2, 2016

Tanahashi was a freshman in college, while Muto was already a superstar on TV when the two first met. The young college student had gotten his picture taken with his idol at the Kyoto Prefectural Gymnasium, and when he joined New Japan in April of 1999, his idol then became his senpai. Reflecting on his years as Muto’s assistant, Tanahashi reveals the most important thing he learned: Star power.

“When a fan would ask for a handshake, as his assistant I’d usually decline on his behalf — I’d say, ‘sorry but we’re having a private moment right now…’ and he’d interrupt and say ‘Yes, of course’, and shake their hand. That blew me away. I thought ‘Wow, what an amazing guy. Keiji Muto’s a real star!’” Tanahashi told Tokyo Sports.

Another fond memory Tanahashi had was from January 2002, when Muto joined All Japan Pro-Wrestling. Muto had asked Tanahashi to join him. “He told me ‘I want a bright, young wrestler; everyone else, they’re not gonna cut it’”, recalled Tanahashi. “I was so honored; I think he really saw potential in me. But I said ‘I’m sorry, I like New Japan Pro-Wrestling, so I think I’ll stay’”. Tanahashi then added, “If I had gone with Muto then, what would’ve happened to New Japan? I never even thought of it.”

WrestleKingdom 3 saw the passing of the torch from the icon Keiji Muto @muto_keiji to the Ace of the Universe, Hiroshi Tanahashi @tanahashi1_100 who would take it and lead #njpw out of the darkness @ESBooked pic.twitter.com/1wbgHi5hMu

— ShiningWizardDesigns (@ShiningWizardDs) March 3, 2018

Tanahashi’s decision to stay would be a major turning point in the history of professional wrestling. The former young assistant to Muto eventually grew to become an ace, giving hope and lifting the organization from its “dark age”.

After going their separate ways, the mentor and assistant duo would meet again in 2009 on opposite sides of the ring. They were in Tokyo Dome, with Tanahashi challenging Muto for the IWGP Heavyweight title. But as he stepped into the ring, there was something Tanahashi just couldn’t shake off. “I was told to forget everything I felt for him as a fan… But I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I had watched him on TV, read about him in magazines, I was even his assistant… And to be facing Muto one-on-one as the main event in Tokyo Dome… it was just so surreal. It was only when the bell rang that it all came together for me.”

Despite his nerves, Tanahashi surpassed his mentor that day, and returned triumphant. After the match, Muto likened professional wrestling to ekiden, a major long-distance relay race popular in Japan, saying “It’s time to pass the sash on to Tanahashi”. What ended up being passed on wasn’t just the IWGP belt, but the position of leader in the world of pro-wrestling. “New Japan was in a tough spot at the time and Tanahashi came and shook things up. I’m a little sad to be passing the baton on, but I always knew this day would come”, Muto had said at the time.

ICYMI

NJPW XTRA is now up on Youtube with a full preview of Saturday's Battle in the Valley!

Watch now: https://t.co/7PiTytDuLo#njpwSTRONG #njbitv pic.twitter.com/pit4Vvj0Zl

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) February 16, 2023

While Muto prepares for his final match, Tanahashi is set to fight IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada. When Muto fought Tanahashi, he was 46. Tanahashi is now the same age. “It’s still too early to grow old. I think that every time I recall my match against Muto. Well, if Muto is retiring at 60, then I’ll retire at 61. I’ll surpass him until the very end” said Tanahashi, not wanting to stand in the shadow of his former mentor.

In his final match, Muto will face Tetsuya Naito, who is Tanahashi’s kouhai, or junior. “It’s very typical of Muto not to look for nostalgia — he’ll want to fight this season’s wrestlers, and I expect nothing less”. Ever supportive, Tanahashi had one last thing to say to his former mentor: “Keiji Muto, please be Keiji Muto until the very, very end!”

Tanahashi heads to San Jose for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship main event, and upon his return hopes to give Muto a send-off as champion.