Gedo Teases Bringing in Opponent for Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Retirement Match at NJPW 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.

Sunday’s NJPW Hiroshi Tanahashi～Final Homecoming event in Gifu featured Yota Tsuji defeating Tanahashi to retain his IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship. Following the match, Tsuji gave a speech praising Tanahashi and stating his goal of wanting to lead New Japan and become even greater than Tanahashi for the company. Tanahashi responded back giving his endorsement of Tsuji.

Following the match, Tanahashi had a backstage press conference to discuss his match against Tsuji. This led to Gedo showing up to interrupt and the two had a talk about Tanahashi’s upcoming retirement match. Tanahashi stated that he doesn’t have an opponent decided upon yet and Gedo responded teasing he will be making arrangements to bring in someone for Tanahashi.

Gedo – “Tanahashi-san, have you decided on your opponent for your retirement match yet?”

Hiroshi Tanahashi – “I haven’t decided on my opponent for my retirement match yet.”

Gedo – “It hasn’t been decided yet… If that’s the case, well… I’ll prepare it. Just let me know.”

‘I can make it happen’
Is Gedo offering to ‘make arrangements’ for Tanahashi’s final match??? https://t.co/dJD1U12Yua

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) November 2, 2025