Hiroshi Tanahashi began his historic reign at Wrestle Kingdom 5, marking the start of a new era for NJPW.
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As 2011 began, New Japan Pro-Wrestling embarked on a new era of growth, led by Hiroshi Tanahashi and his record-setting V11 title reign. Tanahashi’s reign attracted larger crowds to NJPW events and showcased his love for the fans.
Tanahashi’s reign started on January 4, 2011, when he faced Satoshi Kojima. Kojima, a third-generation star, had previously wrestled for All Japan Pro Wrestling but committed to NJPW full-time after winning the G1 in 2010.
Despite Kojima’s surge in momentum and holding the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Tanahashi believed he should be the one leading NJPW into the new decade. The match between Tanahashi and Kojima showcased their respective deadly finishers, with both wrestlers trying to avoid each other’s signature moves.
Kojima managed to counter one of Tanahashi’s High Fly Flows and kicked out of a second, surprising the crowd. Tanahashi also faced a moment of danger when he took a lariat off the apron, reminiscent of Antonio Inoki’s defeat to Hulk Hogan in 1983. However, Tanahashi persevered and ultimately secured the victory with a decisive High Fly Flow.
Another notable match at Wrestle Kingdom 5 featured Togi Makabe and Masato Tanaka. Makabe had been engaged in a violent feud with CHAOS, led by Shinsuke Nakamura, and Tanaka joined the mix as part of the Complete Players faction with Jado and Gedo. Makabe emerged victorious in this brutal encounter, delivering a powerbomb through a table and the King Kong knee.
Hirooki Goto faced Takashi Sugiura for the third consecutive Wrestle Kingdom event. This time, Goto teamed up with Kazuchika Okada, who was on his US excursion at the time. Okada’s return to the Dome marked the beginning of his transformation into a different persona, setting the stage for his future success.
Wrestle Kingdom 5 also featured a clash between Shinsuke Nakamura and Go Shiozaki, representing NJPW and NOAH respectively. Nakamura’s victory over Shiozaki foreshadowed his own iconic reign with the newly-created IWGP Intercontinental Championship later in 2011.
Throughout the event, Tanahashi’s dominance and Nakamura’s determination to surpass him were evident. Tanahashi’s record-breaking IWGP reign set the stage for future rivalries and achievements within NJPW.
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