Hiroshi Tanahashi's 26-year career is coming to an end in 2026. His final match will go down at Wrestle Kingdom 20, set for January 4 at the Tokyo Dome. One of the biggest stories in recent months surrounded the idea of who he'd face in that spot. Well, the guessing game is over as former IWGP World Champion, and current AEW Unified Champion, Kazuchika Okada is returning to New Japan for the big match.
Okada returned to New Japan after Tanahashi was victorious in the main event of NJPW Road to Anjo. The challenge for the match was laid down and it became clear who won out the final slot. There were a lot of rumors about who would fill this spot. Fightful Select even reported that WWE Superstar, Shinsuke Nakamura was a "pipe dream" with hopes that NJPW and WWE could find a way to work together to make that match happen.
According to Cagematch, Hiroshi Tanahashi is number two on the all-time list for total matches by opponent for Kazuchika Okada. To date, they've faced each other in 248 matches, with Okada winning 100 of those, and Tanahashi winning 144. Four have gone to a draw.
The Tanahashi versus Okada series is one of the most important in NJPW's history. Tanahashi holds the record for the most world championship reigns with eight, while Okada is right behind him with seven.
This match will certainly be one of the biggest showcases on the card. Expect Tanahashi to make an appearance in All Elite Wrestling to further build to the showcase before the January face-off. It will be interesting to see if Tanahahi goes out with the victory, picking up a win over one of the most important men in the business on the way out, or will he "go out on his back" as so many believe should be the case for retirement in professional wrestling.