NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi will hang up his boots for good in January 2026 as part of the company’s WrestleKingdom 20 pay-per-view event.
At NJPW King Of Pro Wrestling 2024, Tanahashi shared the news after emerging victorious in a six-man tag-team match.
Tanahashi confirmed that his final match will come on January 4, 2026. The January 4th date has traditionally been used for WrestleKingdom events.
Tanahashi is one of New Japan’s most decorated performers with several title reigns, including eight runs as IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
In late 2023, Tanahashi was appointed President of New Japan with his work so far being well-received by those in the company according to reports.
「棚橋のゴールを決めました…2026年1月4日…」
なんと棚橋弘至選手が、2026年1.4での“レスラー引退”を決意…！
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— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) October 14, 2024
