Hiroshi Tanahashi To Retire On January 4, 2026

Hiroshi Tanahashi's in-ring career will soon be over.

Tanahashi celebrated his 25th anniversary as a pro wrestler at NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling on Monday, teaming with Shota Umino and El Phantasmo to defeat House of Torture's Yujiro Takahashi, EVIL and Dick Togo following a High Fly Flow to Yujiro.

Post-match, Tanahashi cut a promo and after thanking the fans he announced that January 4, 2026 would be his final match. While not officially announced, the show will likely be Wrestle Kingdom 20 inside the Tokyo Dome.

Hiroshi Tanahashi made his NJPW debut back in 1999 and he was the promotion's top star for several years, helping to revive New Japan Pro-Wrestling in the late 2000s and 2010s.

He will be remembered as one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all time, with his accolades including eight reigns as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, two reigns as IWGP Intercontinental Champion, three G1 Climax wins, and three reigns as IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion.

Tanahashi has transitioned to an executive role in his later career, becoming NJPW President at the end of 2023, a move that proved popular with the New Japan locker room.