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Hiroshi Tanahashi will end his legendary career at the Tokyo Dome in 2026.
The Ace of the Universe is among the greatest wrestlers in the history of New Japan Pro Wrestling. His star power and incredible work helped guide the company through the dark times of the mid 2000s, after the failure that was Inoki-ism.
Tanahashi held the IWGP World Championship eight times, which is more than any other wrestler in history. He won three G1 Climax events, as well as nearly every other title in NJPW history. Even as he has slowed down in the ring, his work ethic has not. Tanahashi was announced as the president of New Japan Pro Wrestling earlier this year. The writing has been on the wall about the end of Hiroshi Tanahashi’s career for some time.
However, his announcement at King of Pro-Wrestling came as a huge shock. Hiroshi Tanahashi announced at the event that he was set to retire in January 2026. He will retire after a 27-year career in the ring.
After teaming up with Shota Umino and El Phantasmo to defeat House of Torture’s Yujiro Takahashi, EVIL and Dick Togo, the NJPW President made his announcement.
He said he will continue to wrestle in 2024 and 2025. The Ace will be wrestling his last match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4th, 2026.
Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement isn’t a real shock. His knee injuries have been well established over the years. His movement in the ring has been much more limited, with his last main event run coming back in 2018.
It is expected that he will retain his role as NJPW after stepping out of the ring for the final time.
