The in-ring career of Hiroshi Tanahashi is now over, with the NJPW legend wrestling his final match at Wrestle Kingdom 20.
14 months on from Tanahashi announcing his retirement tour, the Ace stepped into the ring for the final time on January 4, 2026.
Hiroshi Tanahashi faced AEW’s Kazuchika Okada in his final match, which took place in the main event spot of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20.
Kazuchika Okada was ultimately victorious, pinning Hiroshi Tanahashi after 33 minutes of action to retire his longtime rival.
You can watch clips from the match below.
A retirement ceremony took place following the bout, with numerous stars from Tanahashi’s past appearing to give the retiring star flowers.
A number of AEW names made appearances to honor Tanahashi in this segment, including, Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Jay White and Katsuyori Shibata.
Shibata’s appearance saw him trade chops with Tanahashi before the two men embraced.
While he has now stepped away from the ring, Hiroshi Tanahashi will continue in his role as president of NJPW.
The latest NJPW updates and news stories following Wrestle Kingdom 20 in the Tokyo Dome can be found right here.
.@tanahashi1_100 "Thank you Ace"
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CcdQ1X9P52#NJPW #njpwworld #njwk20 #棚橋引退 pic.twitter.com/zuVU338hd5
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2026
.@rainmakerXokada "Tombstone Piledriver"
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CcdQ1X9P52#NJPW #njpwworld #njwk20 #棚橋引退 pic.twitter.com/pQrf39NSoq
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2026
.@tanahashi1_100 "PK → Bomaye → High Fly Flow"
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CcdQ1X9P52#NJPW #njpwworld #njwk20 #棚橋引退 pic.twitter.com/6rKNpdfuIR
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2026
🏟️WRESTLE KINGDOM 20 in 東京ドーム 棚橋弘至引退🏟️
棚橋弘至引退試合
何度も激闘を繰り広げたオカダとの最後の一騎打ち‼️🆚 @tanahashi1_100 × @rainmakerXokada
登録&視聴 ⏩ https://t.co/CcdQ1X9P52#NJPW #njpwworld #njwk20 #棚橋引退 pic.twitter.com/BQI1xXBcJR— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2026
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