Shinsuke Nakamura Sends Hiroshi Tanahashi A Gift Ahead Of His Retirement Bout

Hiroshi Tanahashi will wrap up his career at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, taking on Kazuchika Okada in the main event.

Shinsuke Nakamura is one of Tanahashi’s greatest rivals, and he sent Tanahashi a gift ahead of his retirement bout.

Tanahashi posted the following photo on social media. The card reads, “Thank you for your 26 years of hard work!
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Hiroshi Tanahashi
Shinsuke Nakamura”

ありがとう。 pic.twitter.com/BWQVTpU4Sg

— 棚橋 弘至 (@tanahashi1_100) January 4, 2026

Speaking to the press ahead of Wrestle Kingdom 20, Tanahashi revealed that he spoke with Nakamura about the two potentially wrestling one last time during his retirement tour.

Unfortunately, the bout never happened.

Fans can read Tanahashi’s full comments here.