An international wrestling veteran has announced their retirement for 2026, bringing to an end a three-decade career.
At NJPWS’s New Japan Soul on July 6, Tiger Mask IV lost to Hiroshi Tanahashi at the iconic Korakuen Hall.
Following the match, Tiger Mask VI – portrayed by Yoshihiro Yamazaki – confirmed that he will be retiring as an in-ring competitor in 2026.
More specifically, he will retire in July of next year, 31 years after his debut.
The announcement was shared on Twitter, along with a message (translated from Japanese) that read:
“Tiger Mask has announced their retirement from active wrestling in July 2026.”
As can be seen below this news story, the tweet was accompanied by a photo of Tiger Mask IV backstage in the press area.
Tokyo Sports provided further insight into the announcement, quoting Tiger Mask IV as saying, in translated post-NJPW match comments:
“I wanted to show my determination. .. .. I wonder if I was able to show it.
“‘I’ve been wearing a tiger mask for 30 years, but I’ve decided to retire next July.
“Show me more Tiger Mask than ever for the year I have left.”
Yoshihiro Yamazaki was trained by Satoru Sayama and The Great Sasuke, going on to face the latter in his first match under the iconic name on July 15, 1996 at Karakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
Earlier that year, Sayama faced his protege in an exhibition match, being victorious over the future Tiger Mask.
Satoru Sayama was the first Tiger Mask, training the Yamazaki, which was something that didn’t happen for the second and third men to bear the name.
Tiger Mask IV would go on to have his first match in New Japan Pro-Wrestling at NJPW Wrestling World in 2002, teaming with Jushin Thunder Liger and The Great Sasuke to take on Dick Togo & TEAM2000 (Gedo & Jado).
That long association with NJPW has led to Tiger Mask IV holding the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and being a two-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion with Jushin Thunder Liger and Robbie Eagles.
NJPW and AEW will once again crossover for the co-produced Forbidden Door pay-per-view, taking place in London, England on August 24.
Transcript from Tokyo Sports.
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
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