New Japan Pro Wrestling icon Hiroshi Tanahashi is set to retire with his final match against longtime rival and AEW unified champion Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Okada, who has previously voiced his belief that their match deserves to headline Wrestle Kingdom 20 despite not being for a title, recently shared his thoughts on Tanahashi and the significance of their upcoming bout.
When asked about facing Tanahashi in his retirement match, Okada admitted it was a tough concept to grasp. Although he hasn’t fully processed Tanahashi’s retirement, he noted that had he stayed with New Japan Pro Wrestling, he might have felt closer to retirement himself. Given his move to America and AEW, retirement wasn’t on his mind. Okada expects to reflect more deeply on the situation later in the year, after completing AEW commitments, and before Wrestle Kingdom in Tokyo Dome.
Okada openly credited Tanahashi as the foundation of his wrestling success, stating it made perfect sense for Tanahashi to retire now. He described their match as a form of “repayment,” acknowledging the profound influence Tanahashi has had on him personally and professionally.
Highlighting Tanahashi’s impact, Okada said the “Rainmakers” as they are now wouldn’t exist without Tanahashi, especially referencing their initial match in Osaka. He emphasized that Tanahashi is essential to understanding what Okada embodies as a performer. Asked to summarize Tanahashi’s influence in one word, Okada struggled, describing him instead as a rival, friend, and mentor—someone with both admirable qualities and traits that challenged him.
Even though Okada plays a villainous character in AEW, his respect and deep connection to Tanahashi are evident. How these complex feelings will influence their final showdown remains to be seen.
Fan Take: This retirement match is not just a conclusion of an era but a celebration of the legacy that shapes AEW’s rising stars like Okada. It highlights the sport’s rich history while promising fans a deeply emotional and unforgettable encounter that could redefine wrestling narratives in AEW and beyond.
