Katsuyori Shibata, Jay White, Tetsuya Naito, Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi Appear At Retirement Ceremony For Hiroshi Tanahashi
Hiroshi Tanahashi finished up his in-ring career at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, losing to Kazuchika Okada in the main event.
After the bout, Okada thanked Tanahashi before walking off.
The New Japan locker room emptied out as Tanahashi was presented with flowers by NJPW officials.
As Tanahashi stood alone in the ring, some of his top friends and foes from the past returned to send him off into retirement.
First was Jay White, who is currently sidelined with injury. White battled Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 12 after returning from excursion.
.@tanahashi1_100 💐 @JayWhiteNZ
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CcdQ1XamUA#NJPW #njpwworld #njwk20 #棚橋引退 pic.twitter.com/jombbphOhL
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2026
He was followed by Will Ospreay, who faced Tanahashi twice in singles competition during their respective careers.
.@tanahashi1_100 💐 @WillOspreay
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CcdQ1X9P52#NJPW #njpwworld #njwk20 #棚橋引退 pic.twitter.com/tcxoVuuPI7
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2026
Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi, who limped out without a crutch and is still dealing with a broken femur, were out next. Omega and Tanahashi had many battles, including Omega’s last match as a full-time NJPW performer at Wrestle Kingdom 13.
.@tanahashi1_100 💐 @ibushi_kota & @KennyOmegamanX
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CcdQ1X9P52#NJPW #njpwworld #njwk20 #棚橋引退 pic.twitter.com/6yylY0oY2v
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2026
Katsuyori Shibata was next to greet Tanahashi. Instead of immediately hugging Tanahashi, he locked up with “The Ace” and they exchanged chops before hugging. Shibata, Tanahashi, and Shinsuke Nakamura were the Three Musketeers of NJPW.
.@tanahashi1_100 🤝 @K_Shibata2022
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CcdQ1X9P52#NJPW #njpwworld #njwk20 #棚橋引退 pic.twitter.com/EyGV3HVBwL
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2026
Keiji Mutoh and Tatsumi Fujinami got in the ring next to share a moment with Tanahashi.
After group photos, Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI made their return to NJPW to pay their respects to Tanahashi. Naito got on the mic and said even though he left NJPW, Tanahashi gave him the chance to walk down the ramp one last time. They hit the tranquilo pose before Naito left the ring.
🏟️WRESTLE KINGDOM 20 in 東京ドーム 棚橋弘至引退🏟️
内藤哲也から棚橋弘至へ
登録&視聴 ⏩ https://t.co/CcdQ1X9P52#NJPW #njpwworld #njwk20 #棚橋引退 pic.twitter.com/jPHPC6nTya
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2026
Fans can find Fightful’s coverage of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 by clicking here. Check out the post-show podcast for a full review here.
