Hiroshi Tanahashi Wants To Prove He Can Still Go In Retirement Match, ‘I Don’t Want Them To Justify My Retirement’

Hiroshi Tanahashi is set to have his retirement match on January 4th at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 against Kazuchika Okada.

Tanahashi made his debut in 1999 and has become one of the top stars in New Japan Pro-Wrestling history.

Speaking to NJPW, Tanahashi was asked what he wants fans to see on January 4th.

“I don’t want them to justify my retirement. I don’t want them to see me look older or slower, but to see a Tanahashi who can still go, and that everybody else is chasing right to the end,” he said.

Tanahashi has been training with Aaron Wolf, who will make his pro wrestling debut at the event.

Tanahashi said about Wolf’s debut, “Some wrestlers retire more than once (laughs). But there’s only one debut. It’s an important point. I want him to put in the absolute best he has.”

Fans can check out the lineup for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, which will be headlined by Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada, by clicking here.