Hiroshi Tanahashi will finish his legendary profession on the Tokyo Dome in 2026.
The Ace of the Universe is among the many best wrestlers within the historical past of New Japan Professional Wrestling. His star energy and unbelievable work helped information the corporate by means of the darkish occasions of the mid 2000s, after the failure that was Inoki-ism.
Tanahashi held the IWGP World Championship eight occasions, which is greater than some other wrestler in historical past. He received three G1 Climax occasions, in addition to practically each different title in NJPW historical past. Whilst he has slowed down within the ring, his work ethic has not. Tanahashi was introduced because the president of New Japan Professional Wrestling earlier this yr. The writing has been on the wall concerning the finish of Hiroshi Tanahashi’s profession for a while.
Nonetheless, his announcement at King of Professional-Wrestling got here as an enormous shock. Hiroshi Tanahashi introduced on the occasion that he was set to retire in January 2026. He’ll retire after a 27-year profession within the ring.
After teaming up with Shota Umino and El Phantasmo to defeat Home of Torture’s Yujiro Takahashi, EVIL and Dick Togo, the NJPW President made his announcement.
He mentioned he’ll proceed to wrestle in 2024 and 2025. The Ace can be wrestling his final match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4th, 2026.
Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement isn’t an actual shock. His knee accidents have been effectively established over time. His motion within the ring has been way more restricted, together with his final major occasion run coming again in 2018.
It’s anticipated that he’ll retain his position as NJPW after stepping out of the ring for the ultimate time.
