Hiroshi Tanahashi Announces Final Match at NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling

Hiroshi Tanahashi, one of NJPW most iconic figures, made a monumental announcement during the King of Pro-Wrestling event, marking the 25th anniversary of his legendary in-ring debut.

Competing in a six-man tag team match alongside Shota Umino and El Phantasmo, the trio took on House of Torture’s EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru. Tanahashi and his teammates sported gladiator-themed gear, paying homage to the event’s sponsor, the upcoming Gladiator II movie starring Denzel Washington.

Tanahashi sealed the victory for his team, but it was his post-match speech that stole the show. Grabbing the microphone, the “Ace of NJPW” declared his desire to keep fighting forever but revealed that the end of his illustrious career is near. Tanahashi announced that he will give everything he has for one more year, culminating in his final match on January 4th, 2026 at Wrestle Kingdom.

The celebration was cut short, however, as Dick Togo and EVIL ambushed Tanahashi. Despite El Phantasmo’s attempt to make the save, the attack escalated when newly crowned World Television Champion Ren Narita took out Phantasmo. EVIL then ominously declared that Tanahashi doesn’t get to decide when he’s finished—implying that Tanahashi’s final chapter may not go as planned.