Hiroshi Tanahashi Announces That He Is Cutting His Hair, Receives Skill Award at Tokyo Sports 2025 Pro Wrestling Awards

The now-retired Hiroshi Tanahashi is entering a new era, as he concluded his in-ring career last weekend at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20. Tanahashi now plans to fully embrace his role as President of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. During the Tokyo Sports 2025 Pro Wrestling Awards ceremony earlier today in Tokyo, Japan, Tanahashi was in attendance, where he received the Skill Award. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion also revealed he plans on cutting his trademark long hair soon.

Speaking on winning the award, Tanahashi stated, “There are MVP, Outstanding Achievement, Fighting Spirit, and so on, but what I didn’t win was the Rookie of the Year award and the Skilled Worker award. I didn’t win the Tag Team award either… but I’m happy that I managed to slip into the Skilled Worker award at the end, as it’s rare to win them all.”

With regards to whether or not he will keep his hairstyle now that he’s retired, Tanahashi stated, “I have a little time off next week, so I’m going to get a haircut over the weekend. I’m going to cut the back of my hair completely.” Regarding his hairstyle, he stated, “No, I’ll become a cool guy. I’ll just become a cool guy.”

The once and forever Legendary Ace also noted he plans going for more of a subdued color this time, adding, “I’m thinking about going for a more subdued hair color than jet black, but I’ll still look like a cool older man. I’ll say it again (laughs).”

Regarding his transition from wrestler to NJPW executive, Tanahashi stated, “It’s a transition within myself. I’ve always believed that professional wrestlers have to have long hair in the back, so I had a wrong interpretation (laughs).” He continued, “But now that I’m retiring and taking on the role of president, I hope that cutting my hair in the back will be the first time I’ve made a transition within myself.”

Hiroshi Tanahashi Received a Grand Send-off at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20

At last weekend’s NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, Hiroshi Tanahashi lost to Kazuchika Okada in the main event. A retirement ceremony was also held for Tanahashi after the match.

Multiple NJPW veterans and current AEW stars attended the post-match ceremony, including Jay White, Will Ospreay, Katsuyori Shibata, and Kenny Omega. WWE Hall of Famers Keiji Mutoh, aka The Great Muta, and Tatsumi Fujinami were also in attendance for the festivities.