Jarrett then went back to the story, comparing Tanahashi’s final wrestling moments to that of Tanahashi’s North American contemporary, John Cena. 

“So, Cena smiled and gave up, and then, post-match, what happened? The – we’ll call it – the office and boys, and that whole layer [of people],” he recounted. “We’re talking two different cultures, and if you don’t take that into consideration…with that being said, you had the office come out, and you had the talent come out, and Cena took off his shoes…and he left.”

The veteran then opined that the reaction to Cena walking off hasn’t been favorable, while in Tanahashi’s case, it was, and he’s still considered the “Ace of NJPW.” 

“He didn’t smile and tap. And I do believe, and this may be old school or not old school, I think there’s…a huge difference in 1-2-3’s and taps,” Jarrett concluded, expressing that the fan reaction has been telling.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “My World with Jeff Jarrett” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.