As NJPW legend Hiroshi Tanahashi prepares for his final match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in January 2026, rumors are swirling about who will face him in his retirement bout. Recent reports suggest WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura — one of Tanahashi’s most iconic rivals — could be in line for the honor. However, interpromotional politics between WWE, AEW, and NJPW could complicate the dream matchup.
The Ace’s Last Dance
As 2025 winds down, New Japan Pro Wrestling is preparing to say goodbye to one of its greatest icons. Hiroshi Tanahashi, the man affectionately known as “The Ace,” is nearing the end of his legendary in-ring career. After more than a year on his emotional farewell tour, Tanahashi will wrestle for the final time on January 4, 2026, at Wrestle Kingdom 20 inside the historic Tokyo Dome.
Tanahashi’s retirement tour has been a celebration of two decades of excellence — a journey that saw him face top stars across generations, from Kazuchika Okada and Tetsuya Naito to Will Ospreay and Zack Sabre Jr. But as the Tokyo Dome finale approaches, fans are buzzing about who will stand across the ring from him in his final match.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, one potential — and emotional — choice could be Shinsuke Nakamura, the current WWE Superstar and Tanahashi’s most famous rival.
Nakamura Teases the Possibility
Speculation started growing during WWE’s recent tour of Japan. Nakamura paid homage to Tanahashi by mimicking his signature mannerisms during matches and later referencing him in a post-show promo — a nod that didn’t go unnoticed by fans or by Meltzer.
Interestingly, Nakamura’s WWE contract reportedly includes a clause that allows him to work select dates in Japan. On paper, that would make a Tanahashi vs. Nakamura farewell match possible. However, Meltzer pointed out that it’s far from a done deal, and there are major hurdles to overcome.
NJPW, AEW, and WWE Politics Complicate Things
The biggest obstacle isn’t Nakamura’s willingness — it’s the current state of interpromotional politics. NJPW maintains a close working relationship with AEW, and with AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita currently holding the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, it’s expected that AEW talent will feature prominently at Wrestle Kingdom 20.
Having a WWE talent like Nakamura appear on the same card could create political friction between the promotions. Meltzer speculated that NJPW may hesitate to invite a WWE wrestler to such a high-profile show while the AEW partnership is active.
That said, Tanahashi’s retirement isn’t just another event — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Meltzer added that if there’s any scenario that could make WWE, AEW, and NJPW look past competitive barriers, this could be it. Tanahashi’s influence and legacy are that significant.
A Rivalry That Defined an Era
If Nakamura were to be chosen, it would bring things full circle. Tanahashi and Nakamura’s careers have been intertwined since the early 2000s, leading New Japan through one of its most transformative periods.
Their clashes — including classic bouts over the IWGP Intercontinental Championship and main events at Wrestle Kingdom 8 — helped define NJPW’s modern in-ring style and reestablished the promotion as a global wrestling powerhouse. The chemistry between Tanahashi’s fiery heroism and Nakamura’s flamboyant charisma became a cornerstone of New Japan’s resurgence.
A final encounter between the two, more than a decade after their last major showdown, would be the perfect symbolic closing chapter for both men’s shared legacy.
When Will the Opponent Be Revealed?
Fans likely won’t have to wait long for answers. Meltzer noted that the identity of Tanahashi’s final opponent could be revealed as soon as November 2, during Tanahashi’s “Final Homecoming” event in his hometown of Gifu, or in the days following.
Regardless of who steps up — whether it’s Nakamura, an AEW name, or a rising NJPW star — one thing is certain: Hiroshi Tanahashi’s last match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 will be more than a wrestling match. It’ll be a celebration of a legacy that helped rebuild New Japan Pro Wrestling and inspire an entire generation of wrestlers and fans alike.
Wrestling News Blog 