US EditionHiroshi Tanahashi Breaks Down in Tears as Wrestling Icon Who Suffered Career-Threatening Injury Returns
Hiroshi Tanahashi ended a legendary 26-year career with a 33-minute final match and emotional send-off witnessed by 46,913 fans at the sold-out Tokyo Dome.
- At Wrestle Kingdom 20 in the Tokyo Dome, Hiroshi Tanahashi, NJPW star, retired after a 33-minute final match against Kazuchika Okada before a sold-out crowd on January 4, 2026.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi's 26-year career prompted a formal farewell as the NJPW roster and Japanese wrestling legends Keiji Muto and Tatsumi Fujinami joined before Tanahashi addressed the audience.
- Okada wrestled with a darker, heelish approach, targeting Tanahashi's ligaments and finishing with his Rainmaker as their rivalry record closed at 10-5-3 in Okada's favor.
- After the match, the ceremony featured three encores and a 10-bell salute as Hiroshi Tanahashi tearfully addressed fans, while Katsuyori Shibata returned to trade chops and hug him.
- Looking beyond the farewell, New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced G1 Climax 36 will open April 17, 2026, at Chicago's NOW Arena and featured Aaron Wolf's pro debut.
9 Articles
9 Articles
Here’s What You Missed From Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Retirement At Wrestle Kingdom 20
Wrestle Kingdom 20 culminated in an emotional farewell to NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi's legendary in-ring career. Also, several new champions were crowned, including IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji.
John Cena Pays Tribute To Hiroshi Tanahashi After Wrestle Kingdom 20
As previously reported, Kazuchika Okada recently defeated the legendary Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 during Tanahashi’s retirement match. Since the conclusion of Tanahashi’s illustrious in-ring career, the wrestling community has shown an outpouring of support and tributes, including one from 17-time WWE World Champion John Cena. Cena shared a photo of Tanahashi on […]
WWE Star Shinsuke Nakamura Breaks Silence After Absence From Hiroshi Tanahashi's Retirement Match
WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura was absent from Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match. New Japan Pro-Wrestling marked the end of an era at Wrestle Kingdom 20 as Hiroshi Tanahashi competed in his final match. While legends and former rivals filled the Tokyo Dome to honor ‘The Ace,’ one major name was noticeably absent. WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura, […]
Hiroshi Tanahashi said goodbye to the ring in front of a packed Tokyo Dome, falling to Kazuchila Okada in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 20. This was Tanahashi's final match as a professional wrestler. After an intense battle lasting over 30 minutes, Okada finished him off with his devastating Rainmaker. After connecting with a diving elbow drop… Origin
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