Matt Riddle challenges Hiroshi Tanahashi, who responds ‘I have no idea who that guy is’

The Ace and president of New Japan said he’d have to do some research to figure out who Matt Riddle is.

It doesn’t look like there will be any rest for President Ace, as Hiroshi Tanahashi had to defend his newly won NJPW World Television Championship against Ryusuke Taguchi at New Year Dash. But it was what happened afterward that has NJPW fans and wrestling observers talking.

With Tanahashi still in the ring at Sumida City Gymnasium in Tokyo, the crowd went quiet as a video played. It was a challenge to the Ace from Matt Riddle, who introduced himself and said he’d see the NJPW president “soon.”

While many fans are familiar with Riddle from his time in WWE (which came to an end with his release last fall), Tanahashi was apparently not.

“Any time, I will do it,” Tanahashi said afterward. “But I have no idea who that guy is.”

Happily, Tanahashi added that he would “have to go back and do some research,” so he’ll know all about Riddle before they meet up in the ring.

What wasn’t immediately clear is where Tanahashi and Riddle might face off, as NJPW has big events coming up in both Japan and the U.S. over the next few months. Battle in the Valley in San Jose seems a little too soon since it’s just over a week from now on Jan. 13, though other matches were made for the event at New Year Dash — including Jon Moxley vs. Shingo Takagi in a No DQ showdown.

NJPW has its series of The New Beginning shows in Osaka and Sapporo in February, then just announced Windy City Riot in Chicago for April 12. Regardless of where it takes place, a Tanahashi-Riddle match will be exciting for some, distressing to others, and definitely not something anyone would have predicted for 2024 even a few months ago.

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