Gedo Offers to Prepare a Final Opponent for Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20

Gedo had an intriguing proposition for Hiroshi Tanahashi. During today’s NJPW Final Homecoming event, the soon-to-be-retired Ace of New Japan, Hiroshi Tanahashi, wrestled in front of his hometown of Gifu for the last time.

Yota Tsuji defeated Tanahashi in a singles match for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship. During his post-match interview, NJPW veteran Gedo approached Hiroshi Tanahashi and offered to prepare a final opponent for Tanahashi’s last match, which will take place at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in January 2026.

Gedo asked, “Tanahashi-san, has the opponent for your retirement match still not been decided?” Tanahashi responded, “The opponent for my retirement match hasn’t been decided yet.” Gedo then said, “Not decided… If that’s the case, um… I’ll prepare one for you. Just say the word.”

It’s unknown who Gedo might have in mind for Hiroshi Tanahashi for his retirement match. Tanahashi will wrestle the final match of his career at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20. The event takes place on January 4, 2026 at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. It will be broadcast live on NJPW World.

Back in December 2023, Tanahashi was named the new president of NJPW, so he will transition fully to his office role once his in-ring career concludes. A clip of Tanahashi and Gedo’s backstage interaction from NJPW Final Homecoming is available for viewing below:

なんとBSの棚橋の前に外道が登場！

棚橋「何？ 何？」
外道「棚橋さん、まだ引退試合の相手決まらないですか？」
棚橋「引退試合の相手はまだ決まってないです」
外道「決まってない…。もしあれだったら、あの…俺、用意しますから。言ってください」

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— 新日本プロレスリング株式会社 (@njpw1972) November 2, 2025