Kazuchika Okada Credits Hiroshi Tanahashi For Selling Out The Tokyo Dome
Kazuchika Okada will forever go down in history as the one to retire Hiroshi Tanahashi. There was no other match that could’ve drawn nearly 47,000 fans in the Tokyo Dome, but NJPW pulled out all the stops for Tanahashi’s final match.
Okada, the current AEW International Champion, put an end to Tanahashi’s career once and for all. The longtime rivals put on a masterclass infront of a sold out crowd to close Wrestle Kingdom 20.
“Thank you very much. Well, you know, I initially declined this retirement match, but I’m glad I went ahead and did it,” Okada said after the match.
“Well, I couldn’t exactly struggle against someone who’s about to retire, could I?” Okada asked. “I came here as the AEW International Champion, representing AEW, so I think I was able to properly showcase Kazuchika Okada’s current strength.”
Okada added, “Well, yeah, it was great to be back in the New Japan Pro-Wrestling ring after so long, and I was reminded once again of just how amazing Hiroshi Tanahashi is. If you asked me if I could fill the Tokyo Dome to capacity when I retire, I’d say it’s doubtful. The fact that the Tokyo Dome was completely sold out this time was thanks to Tanahashi’s 26 years of hard work, so I think he’s truly remarkable and amazing.”
“Thank you very much. I’m truly glad that I was able to fight against Tanahashi and stand in this New Japan Pro-Wrestling ring. Thank you.”
Wrestle Kingdom 7 in 2013 hosted the first epic singles match between two men that would define New Japan Pro Wrestling. Okada has since taken his talents to AEW, but it’s clear just how much it meant to him to not only return to NJPW, but headline such a prestigious event against one of the best to ever do it.
Okada later sent out a tweet that translated to, “Tanahashi-san, thank you for your hard work. Let’s meet again, everyone in Japan.”
No one can ever take away what these two men have contributed to the business. Their rivalry and places in NJPW history will never be forgotten. Even though Tanahashi rode off into the sunset, Okada is still wrestling consistently for AEW.
