Will Ospreay shared a heartfelt tribute to Hiroshi Tanahashi shortly before Tanahashi’s retirement match at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Tanahashi, concluding his 26-year tenure with New Japan Pro Wrestling, will face long-time rival AEW International Champion Kazuchika Okada at the Tokyo Dome. The event is expected to draw a sold-out crowd, including notable wrestlers like Ospreay and Kenny Omega, who have strong connections with Tanahashi from their time in Japan.
Ospreay took to social media to express his gratitude and admiration, acknowledging the significant impact Tanahashi had on his development both as a wrestler and as a person. He praised Tanahashi for teaching the value of kindness and respect, and for setting a high standard within the wrestling community. Ospreay remarked that traveling Japan alongside Tanahashi was one of the most rewarding experiences of his life, inspiring him to become the kind of wrestler and individual he aspires to be. He expressed honor in witnessing Tanahashi’s final performance in front of a packed Tokyo Dome, thanking him for his incredible career.
The two have met in singles matches twice—once at the 2019 G1 Climax and again at NJPW Resurgence 2023, where Ospreay defeated Tanahashi in a semifinal bout. They were also teammates in the Blood & Guts match last year, where they triumphed over the Death Riders.
Fan Take: This tribute from Will Ospreay highlights the deep respect and influence Tanahashi has within the wrestling world, especially among AEW stars. For AEW fans, this moment underscores the importance of honoring wrestling legends while promising a bright future shaped by the next generation of talent inspired by icons like Tanahashi.
