Shinsuke Nakamura Says He Did Everything He Could To Try To Be At Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Retirement Match

WWE

Jan 4, 2026

As noted before, Kazuchika Okada defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi in Tanahashi’s retirement match at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 20 event earlier today at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. Shinsuke Namakura had been rumored at one point to be a potential final opponent but rumors of AEW blocking him from being Tanahashi’s final opponent were debunked and was later revealed to have been due to WWE not approving the idea instead. Nakamura was not among the notable names who attended Tanahashi’s retirement ceremony that took place after Tanahashi’s match at the event.

Tokyo Sports held a recent interview with Shinsuek Nakamura. One of the topics discussed included Namakura’s thoughts about his abscense from Wrestle Kingdom 20 and how he had done everything he could to try to be at Tanahashi’s retirement match.

“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.
When Mr. Tanahashi’s retirement was decided, while exploring the possibility of facing him in his retirement match, despite our long-standing relationship, 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.”

While Nakamura was not able to attend Tanahashi’s retirement match, he did sent flowers for Tanahashi to pay his respects ahead of Tanahashi’s match.