Konosuke Takeshita Says Shinsuke Nakamura Entrusted Him To Wear His Red Armband
Fans may have noticed Konosuke Takeshita wearing a red armband similar to that of Shinsuke Nakamura’s during his match against Yota Tsuji at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20.
It turns out, the armband was given to Takeshita by Nakamura himself, who couldn’t be present for Wrestle Kingdom or Hiroshi Tanahashi’s final match.
Speaking at the post-show press conference, Takeshita explained the significance of the armband.
“This January 4, 2026 Tokyo Dome, on this ring where Hiroshi Tanahashi is retiring, there are pro wrestlers who want to stand here but can’t. ‘Stand in the ring for my share too,’ that’s what they said when they entrusted it to me,” he said.
Nakamura was arguably Tanahashi’s greatest rival, and the two will forever be linked as the Three Musketeers alongside Katsuyori Shibata.
Nakamura did send Tanahashi a gift ahead of his retirement bout.
Takeshita competed in the co-main event, losing the IWGP World Heavyweight Title to Yota Tsuji. Tanahashi faced Kazuchika Okada in his retirement match.
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.
