Backstage Update on NJPW’s Current Plans for Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Final Opponent for Wrestle Kingdom 20

As noted before, New Japan Pro Wrestling President and talent Hiroshi Tanahashi will be retiring from his in-ring wrestling career at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 20 event on January 4, 2026 at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. This past Sunday’s Hiroshi Tanahashi～Final Homecoming event featured a post-match backstage press conference involving Tanahashi and Gedo with Gedo teasing that he is bringing in someone to be the final opponent.

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that Tanahashi’s retirement match has yet to be officially signed as of today. Those spoken to reportedly stated that NJPW officials have narrowed down the field to three potential candidates for Tanahashi’s final opponent.

It was reported that NJPW is currently expected to officially reveal who will be the opponent in a press conference planned to take place next week.

In regards to the potential of WWE talent Shinsuke Nakamura being chosen, it was reported that Nakamura is currently not expected to be announced as the final opponent.