Tiger Mask Announces Retirement Plans

New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Tiger Mask IV is set to retire from in-ring competition in July 2026.

At Sunday's New Japan Soul show in Korakuen Hall, the 54-year-old lost to Hiroshi Tanahashi in a match that came almost 30 years after his pro debut. After the match, he informed Tokyo Sports of his decision to retire next year.

Tiger Mask IV debuted against one of his trainers, The Great Sasuke, in a match on July 15, 1995. Incidentally, that match also took place in Korakuen Hall.

The current Tiger Mask is portrayed by Yoshihiro Yamazaki, who has worn the iconic mask for far longer than any of the previous three incarnations.

The original Tiger Mask was portrayed by Satoru Sayama (one of Yamazaki's trainers) between 1981 and 1984. The gimmick was then purchased by All-Japan Pro Wrestling, who gave the mask to Mitsuharu Misawa until 1990. When the rights reverted to NJPW, Koji Kanemoto took over as Tiger Mask III between 1992 and 1994.

Among his many accolades, Tiger Mask IV is a former six-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. Beginning his career with Michinoku Pro, he became a pillar of NJPW's junior heavyweight division after joining the company in 2002.

Cultaholic is now on WhatsApp! Follow us here. Sign up to the Cultaholic Wrestling Newsletter now.