Shinsuke Nakamura Says He Tried To Be At Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Retirement Match

Shinsuke Nakamura was not able to make it to NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 to pay tribute to Hiroshi Tanahashi, but he says he tried his best. As noted, Tanahashi worked the final match of his 26-year career at Sunday’s event, with a number of big stars from his past appearing to pay tribute. The list included White, Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Katsuyori Shibata, Keiji Mutoh, Tatsumi Fujinami, and even Tetsuya Naito.

Nakamura had a long-standing rivalry with Tanahashi, and he spoke with Tokyo Sports about his friend. You can see the highlights below:

On Not Appearing at Wrestle Kingdom 20:

“I believe I did everything I could… but that it didn’t happen, well, maybe it was because I had other missions to fulfill. That’s the only way to see it. In its own way, it’s dramatic, I suppose.”

On Tanahashi’s Retirement:

“When Mr. Tanahashi’s retirement was decided, while exploring the possibility of facing him in his retirement match, although we have known each other for many years, I felt a connection we hadn’t had before. I truly thank him from the bottom of my heart. I hope that going forward, as president, he will continue to energize not just New Japan Pro-Wrestling, but the entire Japanese pro-wrestling scene.”

Nakamura did pay tribute to Tanahashi in a post to social media after the latter’s retirement.