Tiger Mask IV Announces He Will Retire from Wrestling in July 2026

Sunday’s NJPW New Japan Soul 2025 event in Tokyo, Japan featured Hiroshi Tanahashi defeating Tiger Mask (Tiger Mask IV). Following the match, Tiger Mask announced in a backstage post-match press conference that he will be retiring from wrestling in July of 2026.

“Tiger Mask has announced his retirement from active wrestling in July 2026.”

タイガーマスク選手が2026年7月での現役引退を表明しました。#njSOUL pic.twitter.com/wUgtlOtdx2

— 岡本佑介@東京スポーツ新聞社 (@okamotospo) July 6, 2025

July of 2026 will be the 31st anniversary of Tiger Mask’s pro wrestling career.

The current Tiger Mask is portrayed by Yoshihiro Yamazaki who has been competing under the mask since 1995. Yamazaki has been the longest to portray the Tiger Mask character out of the four wrestlers who have worn the iconic mask.