More Wrestlers And Personalities Honor Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Retirement From Pro Wrestling At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20

More pro wrestlers and personalities have honored Hiroshi Tanahashi in line with his retirement from pro wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom 20.

On January 4th at the Tokyo Dome, Tanahashi would main event Wrestle Kingdom 20 along with Kazuchika Okada in a singles match that would serve as Tanahashi’s final wrestling match before he retired and ended his career as an in ring performer.

In the lead up and aftermath of Tanahashi’s final match several pro wrestlers and personalities have sent out social media posts reacting to the news, including AEW’s Tony Khan.

Thank you all watching WrestleKingdom live!

Congratulations to NJPW + President @tanahashi1_100 for the massive success of this historic event, a marvelous spectacle befitting the once in a lifetime occasion:
Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement!
Thank you Ace!#njpwk20 on @njpwworld

— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) January 4, 2026

Independent wrestler and content creator Simon Miller shared his opinion on ‘The Ace’s’ final match in the industry, calling him a proper GOAT.

This was so great. I love how someone doing a hand motion can make you pop out of your seat.

Tanahashi is the man. Really enjoyed the Okada match. Happy retirement to a proper 🐐.

pic.twitter.com/CEoSRp8ymA

— Simon Miller (@SimonMiller316) January 4, 2026

Matthew Rehwoldt noted that the wrestling business is better because of Tanahashi in a post of his own.

Tanahashi San,

It was an absolute honor to watch you compete and a career highlight to call some of your matches 🙏

My time broadcasting some of the matches for NJPW in the USA was a privilege. The professional wrestling business is better because of you.@tanahashi1_100 pic.twitter.com/grEPC7wfIL

— Matthew Rehwoldt – TNA's The Drama King (@DramaKingMatt) January 4, 2026

WWE NXT’s Shawn Spears also reacted to Tanahashi’s retirement with a simple quote tweet.

🙏🏼 @tanahashi1_100 #Ace https://t.co/gJdb0Y7X7m

— Shawn Spears™️ (@ShawnSpears) January 4, 2026

Hiroshi Tanahashi himself would also react to his own retirement on social media, expressing how tired he is in the aftermath of the bout with Okada.

帰宅しました。
東京ドーム大会。超満員。たくさんの応援！ありがとうございました。
疲れたよー。

— 棚橋 弘至 (@tanahashi1_100) January 4, 2026

KENTA would also wish Tanahashi the best in his retirement match in his own tribute yesterday.

Good luck and Have fun
Thank you ACE.
1.4.2026 pic.twitter.com/kZChZ9AFbp

— KENTA aka Lil’K (@KENTAG2S) January 3, 2026

Mike Bennett noted that he feels like he did not deserve to share the ring with Tanahashi, but is so glad he did.

I had no business sharing a ring with you. But I’m so glad I did. It was an honor and a privilege. Forever grateful for your generosity. Enjoy retirement, Ace. pic.twitter.com/NgGvqLPbn9

— Mike Bennett (@RealMikeBennett) January 4, 2026

TNA’s Frankie Kazarian also commented on Tanahashi’s retirement.

I raise a glass to @tanahashi1_100 One of the very best. What an incredible career. It was an honor to share the ring with such a talented and well rounded ambassador to our industry. NJPW is in great hands.

— 👑 Frankie Kazarian 👑 (@FrankieKazarian) January 4, 2026

You can check out more wrestlers and personalities offering their tributes to the legendary Hiroshi Tanahashi’s wrestling career here.