Press Conference Scheduled As Legendary Name To Retire: WWE Involvement, Backstage Plans & More - Reports

The latest report has shed light on backstage plans and WWE's possible involvement in a legendary wrestler's upcoming retirement match. The name in question is Japanese legend Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Hiroshi Tanahashi has been at the top of his game for over two decades now. The legendary 8-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion is set to hang up his boots after one final match at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom on January 4, 2026. There have been speculations about who will be Tanahashi's final opponent.

According to a previous report by Fightful, WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura was discussed internally to face Hiroshi Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom. However, the latest report by Fightful suggests that The King of Strong Style won't face Tanahashi.

The report also highlighted that the Japanese legend's final opponent will be revealed within the next week. It was also mentioned that, as of November 6, 2025, NJPW plans to schedule a press conference to announce Hiroshi Tanahashi's last opponent.

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WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura talked about Hiroshi Tanahashi's upcoming retirement

During an interview with Tokyo Sports in February 2025, Shinsuke Nakamura talked about a possible reunion with Hiroshi Tanahashi before the latter's retirement.

The King of Strong Style said he wasn't ruling out a reunion with Tanahashi, but he didn't want to promise fans anything, highlighting that he didn't want to take that huge responsibility on himself.

"They say, ‘Never say never.’ I hear people talking about it, but when you think about the reality of the situation — you can say whatever you want about emotions, but you have to clear up practical issues. There are probably some things I shouldn’t say, and I can’t promise anything. I can’t take responsibility for that," Shinsuke Nakamura told Tokyo Sports.

It remains to be seen if WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura will be involved in Hiroshi Tanahashi's final match before his wrestling retirement.