5 non-AEW talents who could face Cody for the TNT Championship

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OSAKA, JAPAN – NOVEMBER 03: Hiroshi Tanahashi enters the ring during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling ‘Power Struggle’ at the Edion Arena Osaka on November 03, 2019 in Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images) /

Hiroshi Tanahashi

I have to do it. Fingers crossed right? Tanahashi on the list is more than just one of three genie wishes though. It makes business sense. Since the beginning of AEW, rumors have run rampant on a potential relationship with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Cody, the Young Bucks, Adam Page, and Kenny Omega all have roots in that company, yet as of today no formal agreement exists.

That said, AEW talent has made appearances for New Japan. Jon Moxley in the 2019 G1 and Wrestle Kingdom. Chris Jericho at Dominion last year and Wrestle Kingdom as well.

Hiroshi Tanahashi could serve as the player to be named later in those two trade deals. What a player he’d be. Tanahashi has been a face of New Japan for years and undoubtedly would draw eyes to the AEW product.

Stylistically, his style matches Cody’s well as both sell and understand how to tell stories in the ring. As far as ring work goes, Tanahashi though not in his prime anymore, still can deliver on a high level and in a way that could help further establish Cody as a key act around the world.

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And who knows? Maybe the success of a deal like this could be the catalyst for a full on partnership between both promotions moving forward.

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