Hiroshi Tanahashi’s legendary career has officially ended at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in front of a sold-out Tokyo Dome. The Japanese star would put over longtime rival Kazuchika Okada in a highly praised 33-minute contest, already being called a potential match-of-the-year contender.
However, for many fans, the post-match was the big talking point, as a heartfelt retirement ceremony followed, during which Keiji Muto (who took the above selfie), Tatsumi Fujinami, Tetsuya Naito, BUSHI, Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Katsuyori Shibata, and Jay White entered the ring at various points to pay tribute to one of the all-time greats, with more than a few tears shed in the process.
Hiroshi Tanahashi, born in 1976, made his New Japan debut in 1999 after training in the NJPW dojo. Becoming known as the “Ace of NJPW,” he amassed a record eight IWGP Heavyweight Championship reigns, plus triumphed in the G1 Climax three times. His key rivalries included Kazuchika Okada and Shinsuke Nakamura, with the WWE star considered a potential final opponent at one point. And while his time in the ring has now concluded, he remains a huge part of the company, having served as the President and Representative Director since December 2023.
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