Japanese pro wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi's illustrious in-ring career is set to conclude on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at NJPW's Wrestle Kingdom 20 event. There has been a lot of speculation regarding who his final opponent will be, with reports suggesting that WWE's Shinsuke Nakamura is a contender.
According to Fightful Select, the match has yet to be officially signed, but NJPW has narrowed the list down to three potential candidates. A press conference is scheduled for the next week, where the identity of Tanahashi’s final opponent will be revealed.
While Nakamura has been discussed internally as a possible opponent, it is considered a long shot, and he is not expected to be announced as the final choice. This speculation follows last weekend's Final Homecoming event in Tanahashi’s hometown of Gifu, during which NJPW booker Gedo approached Tanahashi about preparing for a final opponent at Wrestle Kingdom 20, indicating that they need only Tanahashi's confirmation to move forward.
Dave Meltzer, speaking on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, noted that WWE's Nakamura and AEW’s Kazuchika Okada are the leading candidates to face Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Meltzer pointed out that the lack of an announcement at Tuesday’s press conference suggests that Nakamura might be in play; if it were Okada, there would have been no reason to keep it a secret.
Nakamura is currently under contract with WWE, while Okada, one of Tanahashi’s greatest rivals in NJPW, is signed to AEW. Meltzer also mentioned that when Tanahashi was asked at the recent press conference if his opponent was part of ongoing negotiations, he refrained from commenting, indicating that negotiations are indeed fragile. This ambiguity suggests that it is more likely Nakamura is involved; if it were Okada, it wouldn't warrant so much secrecy.
Additionally, Meltzer addressed the possibility of Kenny Omega being a candidate for Tanahashi's final opponent due to a recent sit-down interview they had on NJPW World. However, this concept seems unlikely, as the interview took place some time ago when Omega visited Japan for medical work and video game-related activities. Meltzer explained that this interview was recorded before Omega's long-time friend and tag team partner, Kota Ibushi, suffered a broken femur. He speculated that Omega's career may not extend long enough for Ibushi to make an in-ring return, considering that Ibushi's recovery will likely take “a couple of years.”
