Hiroshi Tanahashi revealed that he and Shinsuke Nakamura had discussed the possibility of facing off one last time before retiring at Wrestle Kingdom. Nakamura, who rose to fame in New Japan Pro Wrestling before joining WWE in 2016, shared a significant rivalry with Tanahashi during their time in NJPW. Prior to Tanahashi’s final opponent being announced as Kazuchika Okada, there were rumors that Nakamura might make a surprise return to be his last opponent, as he did previously at NOAH. Despite speculation being largely dismissed due to WWE’s competitive dynamics with NJPW, AEW, and CMLL, Tanahashi acknowledged in an interview with Tokyo Sports that the idea had been talked about but also pointed to multiple challenges preventing it. He explained, “When Nakamura came back to Japan, we talked about many things, and he expressed a desire to do it one last time. But, well, there are many complications.”
Tanahashi also mentioned that Tetsuya Naito, another former NJPW star who moved to NOAH last year, would likely attend the Wrestle Kingdom event. He expressed a deep respect for both Nakamura and Naito, saying, “Nakamura has always been my rival, and Naito joined New Japan because he admires Tanahashi. I want people to feel, ‘I wasn’t wrong.’ I want them to say, ‘I’m glad I was Tanahashi’s rival,’ and, ‘I’m glad I looked up to Tanahashi,’ and for fans to feel proud they supported him — I want it to have a happy ending.” Tanahashi is set to have his final match at Wrestle Kingdom’s main event, where he will face Okada before a sold-out Tokyo Dome.
Fan Take: This news is significant for WWE fans as it highlights the deep ties and historic rivalries that transcend promotions, showing the emotional and cultural importance of these wrestlers’ careers. A potential final match with Nakamura would not only be a dream matchup but also a powerful closing chapter, signifying respect and legacy across wrestling worlds—something fans deeply cherish.
