Copyright Newsweek
A big rumor on the planned retirement match for one NJPW icon can be put to rest. Hiroshi Tanahashi will have his final professional wrestling match on Jan. 4, 2026, at the Tokyo Dome. The final match of Tanahashi's career will take place on the "Wrestle Kingdom 20" card. Rumors have swirled online with the belief that WWE superstar Shinsuke Nakamura could be Tanahashi's final opponent, given their history. Fightful reports that Nakamura is not expected to be featured in Tanahashi's last match. It was noted that NJPW is down to three possibilities, and the company will be making a decision "in the next week or so." More News: WWE and AEW Stars Donate to Ridge Holland’s GoFundMe Page History Between Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi Nakamura and Tanahashi rose to prominence during the same era. At the time, NJPW needed a spark amid rough business. Tanahashi was credited for pulling the company out of danger over the years, becoming the NJPW "Ace." All the while, Nakamura was developing his character, and his popularity grew significantly. Nakamura and Tanahashi would face off in a slew of classics. Their G1 Climax 25 grand final back in 2015 is looked at by many as the top match in their rivalry. Nakamura signed a deal with WWE the following year. When Tanahashi retires, he'll be 49 years old. He has taken on the role of NJPW's president in an attempt to drive more business to the company. Once Tanahashi wraps up his in-ring career, it'll allow him to focus more on the future of NJPW. That future begins with the "Wrestle Kingdom 20" main event. IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Konosuke Takeshita will take on IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji. The winner will lay claim to both titles. More News: WWE Legend Makes Final Decision on Wrestling Career Major Health Update of Former WWE Champion Amid AEW Absence Rumors of Top WWE Raw Star’s Punishment Dismissed by Insider
