Hiroshi Tanahashi Discusses Reveal Of His Final Opponent, Thought It’d Be Either Kazuchika Okada Or Shinsuke Nakamura

Tanahashi versus Okada is official for Wrestle Kingdom.

At New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s November 8th event, it was revealed that Kazuchika Okada will be the final opponent for Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 in January 2026. It’ll be Okada’s first match for the promotion since departing to join All Elite Wrestling full-time.

While speaking to Proresu-TODAY, Tanahashi spoke about Okada being his final opponent and said it feels like a full-circle moment. Tanahashi said he thought the individual would be revealed to be either Okada or WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura.

“Well… it really is a matter of fate. My first match against Okada was when he was still a young wrestler, but the subsequent ‘Rainmaker Shock’ (in 2012) undoubtedly became a major turning point for New Japan Pro-Wrestling. It was the same for my own pro-wrestling career. I feel like that connection has come full circle, leading us to this final place.

Well, before that (reveal of Kazuchika Okada), there was Gedo’s setup. I thought a lot about it, like, oh, Okada… No. Since it’s connected to Gedo, maybe (Shinsuke) Nakamura? I went through all sorts of possibilities, but in the end, it was a feeling of acceptance, like, yeah, that makes sense.”

Here’s a look at the updated Wrestle Kingdom 20 card:

• Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Retirement Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada
• Four-Way #1 Contender’s Match For IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Shot: El Desperado vs. Kosei Fujita vs. Taiji Ishimori vs. SHO
• NEVER Openweight Championship: EVIL (c) vs. Aaron Wolf
• NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship & IWGP Women’s Championship — Winner Takes All Match: Saya Kamitani (STRONG) vs. Syuri (IWGP)
• IWGP World Heavyweight Championship & IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship — Winner Takes All Match: Konosuke Takeshita (World) vs. Yota Tsuji (Global)