Katsuyori Shibata Doesn’t Think He’ll Be Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Last Opponent

In an interview with Tokyo Sports, Katsuyori Shibata said that while he would like to be the last opponent for Hiroshi Tanahashi, he doesn’t think it will happen. Tanahashi is expected to wrestle his last match at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom on January 4, 2026. Here are highlights:

On being a trios champion in AEW: “The trio I’m in now is very rewarding for me, and it really makes me feel like I’m wrestling. My goal is to continue defending this title.”

On a possible match with Okada: “Definitely. It all depends on the timing, doesn’t it? It might come suddenly.”

On Tanahashi’s last match: “I think Wolf Aaron would be the best. I think it would be interesting if Wolf’s debut match was Tanahashi’s retirement match. If they offered me the job and I could do it, I’d love to. However, I’m kind of banned from the ring too, so it might be difficult.”