Real Reason Former Champion Is Retiring Confirmed

Real Reason Former Champion Is Retiring Confirmed NJPW

NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi has revealed the real reason he is retiring from wrestling, amid his farewell tour.

The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion announced in October 2024 that he had just over a year left as an active competitor, announcing that his retirement match would take place at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026.

Speaking with J:magazine, Tanahashi confirmed that he agreed with NJPW when he became president that he’d have two years left as an in-ring wrestler.

Explaining that he has to step away from the ring so that all of his attention can be on his NJPW president role, Tanahashi said:

“That’s right. Originally, when I became president, it was decided that I would have two years left of active career.”

“Yes. The company told me that if I became president, I would have one year left as a wrestler. However, I thought it would be difficult to convey my gratitude to all the fans in Japan in just one year, so I asked them to let me play for two years.”

(Translated from Japanese)

Clarifying that there was no option for him to continue wrestling as NJPW president, Tanahashi said:

“That’s right. I think I could have been president as a figurehead. But the company told me they wanted me to be a proper professional president, looking after sales figures and personnel matters, and also negotiating with sponsors.

“Now I even chair meetings. With my hair growing out like this.”

(Translated from Japanese)

Hiroshi Tanahashi was appointed the president of NJPW in December 2023.

While Tanahashi’s in-ring career will end on January 4, 2026, a top prospect is scheduled to make his debut on this show, with Olympic gold medalist judoka Aaron Wolf signing with NJPW.

It is believed that Wolf received a WWE contract offer before choosing to sign with NJPW, click here to read more.

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4 weeks ago by Sanchez Taylor

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