A legendary career in Japanese professional wrestling is coming to an end. Following his match against Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW’s New Japan Soul event on July 6, Tiger Mask IV announced that he will be retiring from in-ring competition in July 2026.
The announcement was shared on X, with Tokyo Sports providing further translated comments from the iconic wrestler.
“I wanted to show my determination… I wonder if I was able to show it,” he said. “I’ve been wearing a tiger mask for 30 years, but I’ve decided to retire next July. Show me more Tiger Mask than ever for the year I have left.”
A Storied History
The man behind the mask, Yoshihiro Yamazaki, was trained by the original Tiger Mask, Satoru Sayama, and The Great Sasuke. He debuted under the iconic hood in 1996 and has been a staple of New Japan Pro-Wrestling since 2002. During his time with the promotion, he held the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and was a two-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion.
His retirement will mark the end of an era for one of the most respected and influential characters in the history of Japanese wrestling.
タイガーマスク選手が2026年7月での現役引退を表明しました。#njSOUL pic.twitter.com/wUgtlOtdx2
— 岡本佑介@東京スポーツ新聞社 (@okamotospo) July 6, 2025
