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Wrestle Kingdom 20 will be memorable for several reasons, but the emotional farewell to Hiroshi Tanahashi truly captured the audience’s hearts. Kenny Omega’s touching message a few hours later encapsulated the moment perfectly.
After the event, Omega shared on Twitter his personal reflections on the significance of sharing the ring with Tanahashi one last time. As the Ace of New Japan Pro Wrestling, Omega took a moment backstage to reminisce about those final moments.
“I had the incredible privilege of being part of Tanahashi’s retirement ceremony. Standing alongside him in the ring and witnessing his emotions in those last moments made me fully appreciate the gravity of his choice. When I went backstage, I found myself staring at the monitor, deep in thought. Before I knew it, everyone around me had left.”
The most poignant part followed: a quiet, unscripted walk taken by Omega, Tanahashi, and Kota Ibushi. Once fierce competitors on a grand stage, they shared this intimate moment for the last time.
“Tana, Ibushi, and I took our final stroll together. I joked about how we had to slowly ascend the stairs one by one. I always feel awkward about that kind of thing (it doesn’t look cool), but today felt different. We embraced it with pride.”
This walk naturally led to their final conversation in the car—a moment Omega will always remember, even if it’s hard to articulate. For longtime fans, one particularly striking line stands out:
“During the ride back to the locker room, we had our last exchange. While I could write down what was said, the meaning of it probably varies for each of us. The once-wounded rivals have now become friends. That’s truly beautiful, isn’t it?”
Omega wrapped up his heartfelt message by expressing gratitude to fans worldwide who tuned in to honor one of wrestling’s greatest figures.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the retirement of one of the all-time greats.”
It wasn’t just a farewell; it was a powerful moment of unity, respect, and reflection for the men who helped shape a significant era in professional wrestling.
What message do you think Tanahashi wanted to share with fans? And how did Omega’s words resonate after such a landmark event? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Fan Take: This news is significant for wrestling fans as it marks the end of an era, honoring a pioneer in the sport. It underscores the deep connections forged through competition, reminding us that wrestling transcends rivalry and highlights the power of camaraderie.
