A WWE star has shared their thanks to a wrestler in another company who is set to have their retirement match early next year.
NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi is set to step away from his wrestling career at Wrestle Kingdom in January 2026 as he continues his executive role.
With a decades long career in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Tanahashi is well acquainted with former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and current WWE star Finn Balor.
Known to NJPW fans as Prince Devitt, Balor has recently shared his thoughts on Tanahashi, having first met the star as a ‘Young Lion’ in the Japan-based promotion.
Speaking to Tokyo Sports, Balor shared his thanks for the welcome he received from Tanahashi and other veterans, saying:
“When I was a Young Lion, he sat across from me the first time I got on the New Japan bus. I was so nervous, I thought it was a dream that my favorite wrestler would be my teammate.
“I want to take this opportunity to say a few words to Tanahashi. He’s had an incredible career. Thank you for being so kind to New Japan’s foreign wrestlers. (Takashi) Iizuka, (Jushin) Liger, (Yuji) Nagata, everyone was so kind.
“With the support of my family-like teammates, I was able to quickly adapt to the rigors of the ring. It’s scary to live in a faraway country where you don’t even speak the language, but New Japan welcomed me so warmly. I’m forever grateful.”
(Translated from Japanese)
Balor has also expressed interest in facing Tanahashi one last time ahead of his retirement, with the pair having shared the ring across the years in NJPW before the former Prince Devitt signed with WWE.
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