Hiroshi Tanahashi Says He And Shinsuke Nakamura Talked About Having One Last Match

Hiroshi Tanahashi will face Kazuchika Okada in his retirement match at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20.

Okada is one of Tanahashi’s most famous rivals, and he’s returning to NJPW for the first time since February 2024 to share the ring one last time Tanahashi.

Tanahashi has faced many of his past foes and future stars during his retirement tour, but never got to face Tetsuya Naito, who left the promotion, or Shinsuke Nakamura, who is signed to WWE.

Speaking to the press (via Tokyo Sports), Tanahashi commented the status of Naito and Nakamura.

“I feel like Naito will be at the Tokyo Dome. When Nakamura came to Japan I was talking about various things and we were saying that we wanted to do it one last time, but well, there are a lot of things going on…” he recalled. “Nakamura was always my rival, and Naito joined New Japan because he liked Tanahashi. I want them to think, ‘I wasn’t wrong.’ I want them to think, ‘I’m glad I was Tanahashi’s rival,’ and ‘I’m glad I admired Tanahashi,’ and I want all the fans to think, ‘I’m glad I supported Tanahashi,’ and I want it all to have a happy ending.”

Naito is still active in Japan, recently competing for Pro Wrestling NOAH.

Fans can find more comments from Tanahashi ahead of his final match here.