One big thing: Tomohiro Ishii shows he’s still a force to be reckoned with
At NJPW’s Hey! (EW) event on August 11, 2024, Tomohiro Ishii reminded fans why he’s called the Stone Pitbull. The 58-year-old veteran delivered a performance that left the crowd in awe and his opponents feeling the pain.
Key takeaways:
• Ishii defeated three opponents in a hard-hitting Fatal 4-Way match
• His signature moves, including the brainbuster and headbutt, were on full display
• The crowd erupted with chants of “Ishii! Ishii!” throughout the match
“Age is just a number. I’ll keep fighting as long as my body allows,” Ishii said in a post-match interview.
Why it matters
Ishii’s performance proves that veteran wrestlers can still be top draws in an industry often focused on younger talent. His continued success challenges the notion that wrestlers have a limited shelf life.
By the numbers
• Ishii has been wrestling professionally for 28 years
• This marks his 15th victory in 2024
• He’s held the NEVER Openweight Championship a record 6 times
The bigger picture
Ishii’s resilience and fighting spirit embody the core values of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. His ability to consistently deliver high-quality matches keeps fans engaged and helps maintain NJPW’s reputation for hard-hitting, realistic wrestling.
What’s next
Speculation is rife about Ishii’s next move. Some fans are calling for a title shot, while others hope to see him in high-profile matchups against international stars.
What do you think should be Tomohiro Ishii’s next big challenge in NJPW? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
