Hiroyoshi Tenzan Competes In Final Match Of His Career

The final match of Hiroyoshi Tenzan’s career.

The final match of four-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroyoshi Tenzan’s in-ring career took place on August 15th at New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s G1 Climax 36 show. His final opponent was Satoshi Kojima, with whom he’s held the IWGP Tag Team Titles six times.

It was Tenzan’s 30,000th day in the pro wrestling business, and that includes just over 3,000 matches to his name.

Before the bout against Kojima started, Tenzan demanded that the five-minute time limit be removed, and the crowd applauded. Kojima went on to defeat Tenzan with the ‘Cozy Lariat.’

Post-match, there was a surprise appearance from Takashi Iizuka. Tenzan stated that he knew Iizuka would show up. Iizuka stepped into the ring and attacked Tenzan, but Kojima came to his former partner’s aid. Tenzan stopped Kojima from further beating down Iizuka so he could plead with Iizuka to break out of his trance and be in the moment. Iizuka eventually broke character and embraced Tenzan.

Iizuka left the ring and offered a handshake to the ring announcer that he always targeted. The announcer was shocked, but Iizuka ended up pulling him over the guardrail and ripping his shirt off.

Members of the NJPW talent roster came out to the ring. NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi took to the ring as well to give Tenzan a bouquet. There was also a video message from five-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Koji Kanemoto.

Among the special guests for the in-ring ceremony were Jun Akiyama, Hiroshi Hase, Keiji Muto, Riki Choshu, Tatsumi Fujinami and Masahiro Chono. Choshu and Chono pranked Tenzan by grabbing his arms, and Chono saying he was going to slap Tenzan. Tenzan agreed to it.

To close, there was a 10-bell salute for Hiroyoshi Tenzan to put a bow on his 35-year career at 55 years old.