NJPW has internally discussed the possibility of bringing in a WWE superstar as Hiroshi Tanahashiâ€s final opponent.
Tanahashi announced his retirement plans at a press conference last year. His sendoff is scheduled for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026.
The Ace has since faced both local and international competitors, traveling thousands of miles to team up with Darby Allin, The Golden Lovers, and Will Ospreay against The Death Riders, Gabe Kidd, and The Young Bucks at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door in August 2025.
While details regarding Tanahashiâ€s final opponent remain undisclosed, Fightful (via Fightful Select) recently reported that New Japan has held internal discussions about potentially bringing in WWE superstar Shinsuke Nakamura as Hiroshi Tanahashiâ€s opponent for his farewell match.
“Nakamura was discussed internally in NJPW as a potential option for Hiroshi Tanahashiâ€s retirement match, but itâ€s seen as a pipe dream.â€
The report also noted that despite it being a long shot, it was at least discussed by NJPW. Among the factors of it being unlikely, Shinsuke Nakamuraâ€s contract status could be an issue, as well as the matter of WWE even letting it happen. Nakamura is rumored to be up soon, but NJPW officials are under the impression that he re-signed last year. However, that remains unconfirmed.
It was also noted that if WWE did let it happen, there was speculation about how it might affect NJPWâ€s status with AEW and CMLL.
Shinsuke Nakamura gave a shoutout to Hiroshi Tanahashi at WWE event
Shinsuke Nakamura was Hiroshi Tanahashiâ€s biggest rival in NJPW before Kazuchika Okada took the mantle from his then–fellow CHAOS member. Nakamura shared his thoughts on Tanahashiâ€s retirement back in February.
“In todayâ€s world of professional wrestling, retiring at 48 years old may be a little early,†Shinsuke Nakamura said. “But we cannot measure the damage Tanahashi has endured, and he must also have responsibilities as president.â€
The King of Strong Style also gave a shoutout to The Ace during WWEâ€s recent tour of Japan, borrowing Tanaâ€s “Aishtemasu†(I love you) catchphrase following Nakamura and Jey Usoâ€s tag team match against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed.
While wrestling fans would be eager to see Hiroshi Tanahashi face Shinsuke Nakamura one final time, the likelihood of the match happening remains slim due to Nakamuraâ€s WWE contract and New Japanâ€s ongoing working relationship with AEW.
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