Tetsuya Naito Expresses Disappointment Over Not Being Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Final Opponent

Naito always thought he would be the one to retire Tanahashi.

Headlining NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 is Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match. He’ll be in a singles match against current AEW talent and seven-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada.

Tanahashi’s pending retirement was discussed by former NJPW talent Tetsuya Naito. Naito was interviewed by web Sportiva and expressed that he always felt he’d be the person to put an end to the era of Tanahashi in New Japan.

Naito is disappointed that he is not Tanahashi’s final opponent. He added that him no longer being under contract to New Japan increased the chances of him being Tanahashi’s final opponent.

“I’ve always had that feeling. It was my job to end the era of Hiroshi Tanahashi, but in the end, I wasn’t the opponent in Tanahashi’s retirement match, so I’m very disappointed that I wasn’t able to make that happen.” Naito went on to mention his opinion that leaving NJPW increased the chances of him being Tanahashi’s final opponent, “Yeah, even more so. In fact, leaving might have made it slightly more possible.”

To start 2026, Pro Wrestling NOAH is presenting ‘NOAH The New Year 2026.’ Los Tranquilos de Japon are scheduled to challenge for the GHC Tag Team Championship. It is being advertised as BUSHI and a mystery partner going for the titles.

BUSHI and Tetsuya Naito wrapped up with New Japan earlier in 2025.