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Tony Khan, KENTA, More Pay Tribute to Hiroshi Tanahashi Following Final Match at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20
Image Credit: AEW
Hiroshi Tanahashi is retired following NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 and Tony Khan, KENTA and more took to social media to pay tribute. As noted, The Ace lost his final match at Sunday’s big event to Kazuchika Okada. The match main evented the show and put a wrap on Tanahashi’s 26 year career.
Following the match, Tanahashi was paid tribute in the building by a host of stars including Jay White, Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Katsuyori Shibata, Keiji Mutoh, Tatsumi Fujinami, and a surprise appearance by Tetsuya Naito. Several stars also posted to Twitter including Khan, KENTA, and others.
The AEW president wrote:
“Thank you all watching WrestleKingdom live!
Congratulations to NJPW + President @tanahashi1_100 for the massive success of this historic event, a marvelous spectacle befitting the once in a lifetime occasion: Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement! Thank you Ace!
#njpwk20 on @njpwworld”
Meanwhile, KENTA posted:
“Good luck and Have fun
Thank you ACE.
1.4.2026”
You can see more reactions below:
Thank you all watching WrestleKingdom live!
Congratulations to NJPW + President @tanahashi1_100 for the massive success of this historic event, a marvelous spectacle befitting the once in a lifetime occasion:
Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement!
Thank you Ace!#njpwk20 on @njpwworld— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) January 4, 2026
Good luck and Have fun
Thank you ACE.
1.4.2026 pic.twitter.com/kZChZ9AFbp— KENTA aka Lil’K (@KENTAG2S) January 3, 2026
I raise a glass to @tanahashi1_100 One of the very best. What an incredible career. It was an honor to share the ring with such a talented and well rounded ambassador to our industry. NJPW is in great hands.
— 👑 Frankie Kazarian 👑 (@FrankieKazarian) January 4, 2026
I had no business sharing a ring with you. But I’m so glad I did. It was an honor and a privilege. Forever grateful for your generosity. Enjoy retirement, Ace. pic.twitter.com/NgGvqLPbn9
— Mike Bennett (@RealMikeBennett) January 4, 2026
🙏🏼 @tanahashi1_100 #Ace https://t.co/gJdb0Y7X7m
— Shawn Spears™️ (@ShawnSpears) January 4, 2026
Tanahashi San,
It was an absolute honor to watch you compete and a career highlight to call some of your matches 🙏
My time broadcasting some of the matches for NJPW in the USA was a privilege. The professional wrestling business is better because of you.@tanahashi1_100 pic.twitter.com/grEPC7wfIL
— Matthew Rehwoldt – TNA's The Drama King (@DramaKingMatt) January 4, 2026
This was so great. I love how someone doing a hand motion can make you pop out of your seat.
Tanahashi is the man. Really enjoyed the Okada match. Happy retirement to a proper 🐐.
— Simon Miller (@SimonMiller316) January 4, 2026
