Hiroshi Tanahashi: ‘I’ve Been Stocking Up on 14 Years’ Worth of I’m Tired’

Hiroshi Tanahashi, the Legendary Ace of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, called it a career earlier today at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, wrestling his last match against Kazuchika Okada. After the match, Tanahashi remarked, “I’m tired,” noting that he’s “been stocking up on 14 years’ worth of ‘I’m tired.'”

Per NJPW, Tanahashi stated on his last match, “I think if I don’t say this now, I’ll never be able to say it for the rest of my life, so I’ll say it (※in a loud voice) Ahh, ahh, I’m tired! From 2012, for 14 years, I haven’t said I’m tired, so I’ve been stocking up on 14 years’ worth of ‘I’m tired.’ Hah, I’m tired (applause in the venue). Thank you very much.”

Kazuchika Okada defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi in the main event at the Tokyo Dome. The event was announced as a sellout beforehand. You can check out some highlights of the match, plus Tanahashi’s post-match press conference, below:

棚橋「これね、今言っとかないと、一生言えないと思うんで言います（※大きな声で）アァ、アァ、疲れた！2012年から14年間、疲れたって言ってなかったんで、14年分の『疲れた』をストックしてますんで。ハァ、疲れた（場内拍手）。ありがとうございます」

全文はhttps://t.co/DfkCQMuSvB#棚橋引退 pic.twitter.com/YldounCjbk

— 新日本プロレスリング株式会社 (@njpw1972) January 4, 2026