>[FREEDOMS] Takashi Sasaki praises Hiroshi Tanahashi’s “inspirational presence,” vows to carry on his spirit of giving dreams

>FREEDOMS representative Takashi Sasaki (50) opened up about the story behind Hiroshi Tanahashi’s (48, NJPW) guest appearance for the promotion.

>On November 6 in Tokorozawa, Saitama, Tanahashi teamed with Jun Kasai in a “dream tag match” against Toru Sugiura & Tomoya Hirata, scoring the win with a one-night-only move dubbed the *High Fly Pearl Harbor* (Flying Body Press).
>With Tanahashi set to retire at the Tokyo Dome on January 4, this appearance will likely be his first and last for FREEDOMS.

>Sasaki revealed that Tanahashi’s involvement began after his retirement announcement in October 2024.
>“I’d heard for years that Sugiura and Hirata both decided to become wrestlers after watching Tanahashi during their middle and high school years. I’d always vaguely hoped that someday I could give them the chance to face him,” Sasaki said.
>After some logistical hurdles, the right date and venue finally aligned, making the appearance possible.

>Sasaki expressed his wish for Sugiura and Hirata to inherit Tanahashi’s “dream-giving” approach.
>“Tanahashi has always been someone who inspires people’s dreams. What we do in the ring can be pretty violent, but there are fans who watch our deathmatches and say, ‘Tomorrow’s another tough day at school or work, but I’ll hang in there.’ I want the guys to learn from such a bright, sun-like senior and express that same energy even more,” he said.

>Though defeated, Sugiura clenched his fist backstage and said,
>“Getting to wrestle Tanahashi-san for his last match here—even if only a little—I know we absorbed some of his *Tanahashi spirit* between us.”

>The “will of the sun” that Tanahashi represents continues to shine brightly over the pro wrestling world.

https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/articles/-/365908