Hiroshi Tanahashi Hoping To Return From Broken Rib In May

Hiroshi Tanahashi isn't planning to spend a long time out of action.

Speaking with Tokyo Sports, the Ace of New Japan Pro-Wrestling revealed he is aiming to return to the squared circle in May and he hasn't ruled himself out of making his return at Wrestling Dontaku on Wednesday, May 3. Tanahashi accepted Okada's offer to team with him against Minoru Suzuki, Ren Narita, and El Desperado in a match for the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championships. Tomohiro Ishii has been announced as Okada's other partner in what could see the creation of a dream trio.

Tanahashi is currently out of action with a broken rib, having sustained the injury in the main event of Capital Collision on April 15. Tanahashi and Okada failed to win the NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Titles at the show in a Three-Way that also featured Aussie Open and the Motor City Machine Guns.

Beyond Wrestling Dontaku, Tanahashi is scheduled to face Will Ospreay in the semi-finals of the IWGP United States Heavyweight Title number one contender's tournament. The winner will go one-on-one with Lance Archer in the final at Dominion on June 4. The victor in the tournament is expected to challenge Kenny Omega for the belt at Forbidden Door on June 25.