Hiroshi Tanahashi Final Opponent Revealed

Hiroshi Tanahashi now knows who his final opponent will be, and it is a rival The Ace is very familiar with.

On November 8, it was revealed that Tanahashi would go one on one with Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026 in what will be the NJPW icon’s final match. After defeating Yuto-Ice in the main event of the Road in Anjo show, Tanahashi’s celebrations were interrupted by the familiar coin drop, signalling the arrival of The Rainmaker. Okada then met Tanahashi in the ring alongside his old manager Gedo on what is also Okada’s 38th birthday.

Okada congratulated The Ace and New Japan President on all of his accomplishments before laying down the challenge to face him at the promotion’s biggest show of the year:

“Congratulations on your retirement and thanks for your hard work. Don’t get too tired before then.”

The Ace and The Rainmaker have faced each other 17 times in singles matches, often with the IWGP World Championship at stake. Of those matches, Okada has 9 wins and Tanahashi has 8.

Hiroshi Tanahashi Now Knows Who His Final Opponent Will Be

Now that Tanahashi knows who he will face in his retirement match, the updated line-up for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 is as follows:

• Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada – Tanahashi’s final match
• Aaron Wolf vs. EVIL
• Saya Kamitani (STRONG) vs. Syuri (IWGP) – Winner takes all for the NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship & IWGP Women’s Championship
• Konosuke Takeshita (World) vs. Yota Tsuji (Global) – Winner takes all for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship & IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship

Featured image: AEW