Hiroshi Tanahashi Reflects on His Career, Fulfilling His Dream of Wrestling in Front of a Sold Out Crowd at the Tokyo Dome

During a recent interview with NJPW1972.com, New Japan President and former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi discussed his career coming to an end this weekend at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, his thoughts on his entire career, fulfilling his dream of wrestling at a sold-out show at the Tokyo Dome, and more. Below are some highlights:

Hiroshi Tanahashi on How He’s Feeling in Terms of Mobility

“My knees are the weak point for sure. Running the ropes you really want to put all you have into that first step to clear the ring side to side right, but I never quite have the pace on my knees, I try to make up with it with my upper body.

On How He’s Performed on His Road to Retirement

“I’ve really been giving it 100% every single day. I was glad to be able to challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight even if I couldn’t win it, and although I said I would wrestle every NJPW wrestler by the end of the year… I didn’t get to everyone but I wrestled more this year than any other. … Heheh, I beat the Young Lions. But I love singles matches! Having that singular focus, having to think in that frame and out think my opponent. It’s a lot of fun. And having to adapt when things don’t go how you might expect, I think I was able to keep evolving through the year.”

On Finally Being Able to Wrestle in Front of a Sold Out Crowd at the Tokyo Dome

“Thanks everyone! I’d been saying for so long that I want this show sold out, but I never thought we’d fill the place up in early December. You know, I’ve never heard what a sold out Tokyo Dome pop sounds like as a wrestler in the ring. As a fan I was at the October 9 1995 NJPW vs UWFI show, and the Inoki retirement, but right in the cheap stand area. To sell it out for my last match is a really neat way to end things.”

His Thoughts on Kazuchika Okada as His Final Opponent

“I always felt my retirement match should be against somebody I have a long tie to and with deep connections. There were a few it could have been, but I’m happy that Okada challenged. I don’t think I ever really got my revenge for the Rainmaker Shock, you know? In terms of overall wins and losses, I’m down against him, but also, it’s about that first impact, the moment that made him a superstar. In a way I’ve been waiting 14 years to get my win back from 2012. … We’re 11 years apart in age, and I think that’s an interesting dynamic. Usually rivals are in the same age range in their career. Rivalries are the biggest selling point, the thing that stands out most to fans. In the 2000s for me it was Shinsuke Nakamura and in the 2010s, Kazuchika Okada.”

Tanahashi on Summing Up His Illustrious Career

“Well, things changed with the times obviously. But I think in a lot of ways I was paid in advance, so to speak. I think a few times, the results came ahead of fan expectation, so there were times where I was a little ahead of the times, and I got booed for it. But that was a necessary pain. Not to brag, but it gave me the courage to continue without regrets.”

His Thoughts on the Dark Days in NJPW

“When we had a hard time drawing, I was told a lot that the staff would be doing their best to sell tickets directly if need be. But I remember thinking that if the wrestling is no good then the tickets won’t sell. So I really doubled down on my performances, as well as promotion. It wasn’t about ‘please come to the matches,’ but showing them ‘this is how great wrestling is, why don’t you give it a shot’. I really wanted to bring pro-wrestling to as many people as possible.”

Hiroshi Tanahashi faces off against his old rival, Kazuchika Okada, in the final match of his career at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on Sunday, January 4. The event will stream live on NJPW World.