Originally published on ProWrestlingSheet.

NJPW star Hiroshi Tanahashi took part in a recent interview in which he condemns wrestling promotions putting on shows during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the major companies in the United States continue to run shows without fans, New Japan Pro Wrestling has ceased operations. In an interview with Sports Illustrated (Tanahashi's quotes are translated from Japanese), it's a decision the wrestler says he wholeheartedly supports.

"There isn't a governing body for Japanese pro wrestling. As such, we can't necessarily enforce cancelations. That's been the responsibility of each company," he said. "But to run events in the middle of a pandemic presents the wrong image of professional wrestling to society and would deal a black eye to the industry that might still remain even after the pandemic ends."

At the moment, Tanahashi refuses to prioritize anything other than the well-being of those involved.

"The wrestling business is in an extremely difficult situation. After all, we are athletes in a contact sport and we perform in front of packed crowds," he continued. "That's a recipe for disaster right now."

The country of Japan has started easing back to normal life, with the nationwide state of emergency being lifted on Monday. Earlier this month, NJPW President and CEO Harold Meij detailed a plan for the company's future. The first step, Meij said, will be empty arena matches in Japan and at the NJPW Dojo in Los Angeles. The second step will involve fans being allowed back inside the building with strict precautionary measures.

As Tanahashi sees it, what we do now greatly impacts the future of professional wrestling.

"Just imagine something for me. Imagine that this pandemic is over and wrestling is back. Imagine thousands of fans together, cheering on the wrestlers fighting in the ring. Imagine those wrestlers, giving it absolutely everything they have," he said. "That mental image alone is pretty motivating. So please everyone, take care of yourselves. Let's get through this, and we'll meet again with smiles on our faces someday soon."