Hiroshi Tanahashi’s 26-year pro wrestling career officially ended at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 inside a sold-out Tokyo Dome. The “Ace” of NJPW wrestled his final match in the main event against longtime rival and current AEW star Kazuchika Okada. Okada, the reigning AEW International Champion, was accompanied to the ring by Gedo for the historic encounter.
The match featured several tributes to other NJPW legends. Tanahashi channeled Shinsuke Nakamura by performing Nakamura’s signature wind-up and hitting a Kinshasa (Bomaye) on Okada, which resulted in a two-count. Okada responded by executing a modified Destino and using Tetsuya Naito’s signature fist taunt. The final sequence saw Okada hit his signature Rainmaker pose before putting Tanahashi down with a Rainmaker clothesline to secure the win. Before leaving the ring, Okada told Tanahashi, “Thank you.”
Following the match, a retirement ceremony was held featuring appearances by Katsuyori Shibata, Jay White, Kenny Omega, Tetsuya Naito, Kota Ibushi, Will Ospreay, and others. Tanahashi addressed the crowd, thanking them for their attendance and expressing his hope that they will continue to support NJPW.
The emotional post-match proceedings took a lighter turn when Tanahashi tried to leave but was pushed back into the ring. He was tossed an air guitar and performed his best air guitar solo ever, following it up with multiple encores at the encouragement of the fans. He then led the Tokyo Dome crowd in doing the wave. The night ended with a traditional ten-bell salute to honor Tanahashi’s legendary career.
Hiroshi Tanahashi’s final ever entrance in professional wrestling inside Tokyo Dome in front of 50,000+ fans. ❤️
FOR ONE LAST TIME… GO ACE!
pic.twitter.com/NS2GpAeNtT— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) January 4, 2026
Hiroshi Tanahashi doing his fellow NJPW 3 Musketeers Katsuyori Shibata & Shinsuke Nakamura’s taunts and moves. 🔥
PK. BOMA YE. HIGH FLY FLOW!!!
THIS IS PEAK PRO WRESTLING.pic.twitter.com/cRrCjJxSro
— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) January 4, 2026
SWITCHBLADE JAY WHITE LIVE IN ATTENDANCE INSIDE TOKYO DOME AS A SURPRISE FOR HIROSHI TANAHASHI’S FAREWELL. ❤️❤️❤️
NO MORE BANNED IN NJPW.
SWITCHBLADE BACK TO HONOR THE ACE.
pic.twitter.com/6KgL71iOdU— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) January 4, 2026
🏟️WRESTLE KINGDOM 20 in 東京ドーム 棚橋弘至引退🏟️
たくさんの愛をありがとう
登録&視聴 ⏩ https://t.co/CcdQ1X9P52#NJPW #njpwworld #njwk20 #棚橋引退 pic.twitter.com/TtxdE6XGE0
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2026
Jay White made an appearance to pay his respects to Hiroshi Tanahashi!#njwk20
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) January 4, 2026
