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.

Ash By Elegance on Developing Her New Character in TNA & Comparisons with “Timeless” Toni Storm Character in AEW
WWE: Liv Morgan Reportedly Was Offered Role in Queen of the Ring Film, Becky Lynch Blames Ref Jessika Carr for Her Women’s WarGames Loss & “Boycotting” WWE RAW Until Her Demands Are Met, More News
No Backstage Heat on Paul Heyman After Fan Shoving Incident After WWE Survivor Series WarGames 2025 Event




