Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Final Opponent Announced At NJPW Road In Anjo Event

Submitted by Tom Araya on

At last night’s NJPW Road in Anjo event in Anjo, Japan, AEW Unified Champion and member of the Don Callis Family, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada, made a shocking appearance. He challenged pro wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi to face him in his retirement match at Wrestle Kingdom 20, scheduled for January 2026.

During the segment, Okada greeted Tanahashi after he had defeated Yuto-Ice in the main event. As Tanahashi prepared to send the fans home happy with an air guitar performance, Okada's music hit, and he entered the ring alongside Gedo. Okada echoed the words he had spoken to Tanahashi after returning from his excursion in 2012, saying, “Congratulations on your retirement, and thanks for all your hard work.” He then issued a challenge for Wrestle Kingdom, adding, “Don’t get too tired before then.”

Gedo stated, according to NJPW, “Okada vs. Tanahashi will make for the best retirement match because Okada is on a whole other level!” He also remarked, “The rain will fall on Wrestle Kingdom 20.”

Last night's show marked Okada’s first appearance in a NJPW ring since New Beginning 2024. The two legends have a storied rivalry, dating back to their first singles match at New Beginning 2012. This includes main event bouts for the IWGP Heavyweight Title at Wrestle Kingdom 7, 9, and 10. Okada left NJPW in early 2024 and officially signed with AEW later that year.

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 will take place on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan, and will air live on NJPW World.