Hiroshi Tanahashi Reveals Dream Last Match Scenario

The legendary career of New Japan Pro Wrestling star Hiroshi Tanahashi is set to come to an end at Wrestle Kingdom 20, which will emanate from the Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2026.

During a recent interview with J Magazine!, the 48-year-old spoke about what his ideal retirement match would look like, saying:

"I've been saying this since I was young: 'I'll retire when I give up on becoming the IWGP Champion'. So, if I'm going to stick to my beliefs, the ideal scenario would be to lose in a title match and retire. But, of course, there's a chance I might win (laughs). I'd have to say, I'm not retiring after all! (laughs). I think the crowd at Tokyo Dome would probably start chanting, give us our money back! … I want to retire while still looking up and holding onto the desire to be the best".

With regards to what he thinks his life will be like once his in-ring days are over, Tanahashi added:

"I guess I'll just go back to being a fan like I used to be, and maybe I'll miss the ring… Who knows, maybe next year or something, a mysterious masked man named 'The Ace' will appear on the New Japan Pro Wrestling ring (laughs)".

Tanahashi's last UK match will take place at Forbidden Door on August 26.

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