5 Superstars who could win the vacant IWGP World Heavyweight Championship

#4. Hiroshi Tanahashi could be a top candidate to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship

Hiroshi Tanahashi is a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion

Hiroshi Tanahashi is a multi-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Hence, there is absolutely no reason not to include The Ace in the conversation about winning the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

#モチベーション の自給自足。 #鉄の意志 pic.twitter.com/qhywbjR1WU

— 棚橋 弘至 (@tanahashi1_100) May 28, 2021

While Tanahashi doesn't seem like the biggest admirer of the idea of merging the two titles, he definitely should be included in the world title picture. A few weeks ago, Tanahashi's feud against Jay White came to a conclusion with him losing the NEVER Openweight Championship to Switchblade.

Tanahashi's first reign as the NEVER Champion came to a dramatic end but if needed, NJPW could have The Ace re-enter the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship picture. While there is no proper direction or feud for The Ace, NJPW could start rebuilding Tana's momentum by having him compete in the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship picture.

棚橋が裕二郎にテキサスクローバーホールド！天山がチェーズにアナコンダバイス！そして、ワトも石森にアナコンダバイス…!!本隊トリオがBULLET CLUBを締め技“三重奏”で沈める!!5.26後楽園大会の結果は⇒https://t.co/7EmZUwtJ1v#njwgs #njpw pic.twitter.com/LYPWeCCK6q

— 新日本プロレスリング株式会社 (@njpw1972) May 26, 2021

An eight-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Tanahashi knows everything about competing at the top. Having already saved New Japan multiple times in the past, the promotion could turn to The Ace once again and have him win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.