NJPW: Liger retirement ceremony draws emotional reaction and surprise return
By Sam Gladen
Jushin Thunder Liger’s official retirement ceremony took place at the top of the card of NJPW’s New Year’s Dash.
Liger who competed in the last matches of his 31-year career on both nights of Wrestle Kingdom was accompanied to the ring by the locker room as the show opened. There was a processional of gifts from NJPW Brass and some high-profile members of the roster, including former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada and the Ace of New Japan Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Following processional gifts, a video package of Liger’s career highlights played and was bookended by a surprise video from the founder of New Japan, Antonio Inoki, who thanked Liger for his many years of service.
Liger’s wife and the creators of the original Jushin Thunder Liger manga were also in attendance and part of the gift processional. Following the presentation of the gifts, Liger was given an opportunity to speak and said, “To my opponent Hiromu Takahashi, I am grateful to retire at your hand. For 31 years, to all the fans that have supported me, Thank you so much.”
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Liger took a moment and bowed to the audience before continuing, “The professional wrestler Jushin Thunder Liger is no longer, but New Japan Pro Wrestling will continue to thrive and get bigger thanks to everybody here.”
Liger also took a moment to address his family directly, his wife and son and most notably his mother, who was able to make it to the arena to see her son in the ring one last time, ” From Hiroshima, Jushin Thunder Liger’s mother is here and was in the Tokyo Dome last night.
“Thank you for raising me from birth, I have nothing but gratitude towards you. To my wife and to my son, I have made you so lonely being on the road for so long. But now I am coming home and you will have to put up with me. After 31 years. Thank you so much.”
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Following his comments, the locker room rejoined Liger in the ring for a ten bell salute before getting the main show underway.