Shinsuke Nakamura Says He Did 'Everything He Could' To Be There For Hiroshi Tanahashi's Final Match

Shinsuke Nakamura has claimed he did "everything I could" to be at Hiroshi Tanahashi's retirement match at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20.

"I believe I did everything I could… but that it didn't happen, well, maybe it was because I had other missions to fulfill. That's the only way to see it. In its own way, it's dramatic, I suppose," Nakamura told Tokyo Sports.

"When Mr. Tanahashi's retirement was decided, while exploring the possibility of facing him in his retirement match, despite our long-standing relationship, I felt a connection we hadn't had before. I truly thank him from the bottom of my heart. I hope that going forward, as president, he will continue to energise not just New Japan Pro-Wrestling, but the entire Japanese pro-wrestling scene."

Nakamura instead sent Tanahashi flowers before Wrestle Kingdom, and Tanahashi paid tribute to Nakamura during his retirement match by hitting Kazuchika Okada with a Kinshasa.

Nakamura did have a presence at Wrestle Kingdom as Konosuke Takeshita wore Nakamura's red armband for his Double Title match with Yota Tsuji. Nakamura is currently signed to WWE.

Tanahashi ultimately lost his retirement match to Kazuchika Okada. The likes of Katsuyori Shibata, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Tetsuya Naito, Will Ospreay, and Jay White paid tribute to Tanahashi following the match during his retirement ceremony.

Shinsuke Nakamura had long been mentioned as a possible final opponent for Tanahashi, but it was ultimately decided the NJPW President would face Kazuchika Okada.

H/T Fightful