As 2025 draws to a close, a momentous event awaits New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) as its president, Hiroshi Tanahashi, will face his final match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4th at the Tokyo Dome. Tanahashi will battle AEW International Champion Kazuchika Okada, one of the most significant rivals of his career. However, Okada won’t be NJPW’s only representative during this historic farewell. NJPW officially announced that stars Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay will be present to witness Tanahashi’s retirement, joining numerous other special guests who will honor him before a record-setting audience in Japan’s capital. More attendees are expected but have yet to be disclosed.
Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay share deep ties with Tanahashi, having competed in NJPW throughout the 2010s and early 2020s. Tanahashi played a pivotal role in their transition from junior heavyweight to heavyweight. Notably, Omega defeated Tanahashi in 2016 to claim his first heavyweight singles title, the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Tanahashi later reclaimed victory over Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 13 in 2019, becoming IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Ospreay moved to heavyweight during the summer of 2019, facing Tanahashi in key matches, including a victory at the legendary Nippon Budokan. Their rivalry continued with Ospreay winning again in 2023, leading to a major victory over Omega at the Forbidden Door event. All three joined forces in 2025 for Tanahashi’s final UK and AEW match, highlighting the shared history and mutual respect among these wrestling icons.
Fan Take: This announcement is huge for AEW fans because it underscores the deep connections and influence AEW talent like Omega and Ospreay have within NJPW, enriching storytelling and cross-promotional possibilities. Tanahashi’s retirement symbolizes a changing of the guard, setting the stage for new rivalries and collaborations that could elevate the sport worldwide.
