Hiroshi Tanahashi To Face AEW Star In His Final US Match Before Retirement

Following his retirement announcement, Hiroshi Tanahashi is set to face AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita in his final NJPW match in the U.S.

At NJPW King of Pro Wrestling 2024, Hiroshi Tanahashi announced that he plans to retire in one year with his last match set for Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026.

After his win over KUSHIDA at Battle In The Valley, Konosuke Takeshita issued a challenge to defend the NEVER Openweight Championship against Tanahashi at NJPW Windy City Riot.

On January 16, New Japan Pro Wrestling made the match between Takeshita and Tanahashi official for the April 11 show.

This bout for the NEVER Openweight Championship will serve as the final match in the United States of America for Tanahashi.

“The Ace” last competed in singles action in a win over EVIL at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19.

Also announced for NJPW Windy City Riot, Gabe Kidd will defend the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship against Tomohiro Ishii in a 30 minute Iron Man Match.

OFFICIAL

April 11 @WintrustArena Chicago

Hiroshi Tanahashi's last US match

Final Road ~Kinship~@tanahashi1_100 vs @Takesoup https://t.co/Vp7yP09l9g#njpw #njriot pic.twitter.com/djiMKbvI3z

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) January 16, 2025

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on BlueSky by clicking this link!