Episode 149: My Own Preparedness
September 9, 2026
On a certain day at 3:00 PM, a contract signing ceremony for Yota Tsuji and Hirooki Goto was held in Kobe.
As the witness, I sat right in the middle between both wrestlers.
This "middle" position is actually a spot I didn't have much connection with during my active ring days. Inside the ring, I was always in the "diagonal" position, directly facing my opponent. In order to win, I only thought about defeating the person in front of me.
Yet here I am now, sitting right between the two of them.
As a witness, what will these two say? With an expressionless face, I took my seat while hiding such high expectations beneath the surface.
I've heard that the name "Tsuji" refers to a place where roads intersect. Precisely today, his career might be approaching yet another "crossroad" (tsuji).
From that day I called out to him at Jiyugaoka Station, to think a day would come where I'd be sitting next to him at a contract signing as the IWGP Champion...
Man, Tanahashi really has an eye for talent, doesn't he?♪ ...I'm praising myself here, but reaching this point is obviously thanks to Tsuji's own effort and determination. What I discovered was strictly potential. The one who turned that potential into reality was the man himself, fighting relentlessly in the ring.
On the other hand, regarding Goto—there's a memory I simply cannot forget.
In 2007, the day when Goto, fresh off his excursion return, challenged me at Ryogoku Kokugikan. At any rate, his momentum was terrifying. He attacked me with a scary intensity, as if he had removed his own limiter.
As President, I'd love to see that Hirooki Goto once again. That thought is definitely in my mind as well.
The words exchanged at the signing ceremony. Signing the certificate of authorization, and then, the bell waiting beyond that.
"Are you ready for this?!!" ...Talk about a line with high versatility (laughs).
Just imagining it makes my anticipation for Kobe build up higher and higher.
Sitting in the middle, I try my best to remain as inconspicuous as possible, but... right now, my physique is, well... In a different sense, "my own preparedness" might be required on my part (laughs).
Jokes aside. The me of today has a different kind of preparedness compared to the wrestlers.
Delivering this bout in the absolute best form possible. Creating an environment where the two of them can fight with everything they've got in the ring. And making it an event that makes the fans who come to the venue think, "I'm so glad I came to Kobe today."
That is my job right now. Facing off in the center of the ring are Tsuji and Goto. Preparing that ring, building the stage, taking in the preparedness of both men, and connecting it to the future.
Tsuji and Goto. IWGP. Kobe. Contract signing ceremony.
Everything is set. Please look forward to the upcoming series as well.