As previously reported, Japanese pro wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi will face Don Callis Family's AEW Unified Champion, "The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada, at the upcoming NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 event, marking Tanahashi's retirement match. There were some speculations that WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura might be considered for this spot, with his name even mentioned as a potential opponent for Tanahashi in NJPW.
Following the announcement of Okada as Tanahashi's opponent, rumors emerged suggesting that Tony Khan and AEW had prevented NJPW from choosing Nakamura. However, according to Fightful Select, this is not the case. Several sources within NJPW confirmed that AEW did not block such a match. It was also noted in the report that no one from WWE had heard of any discussions regarding Nakamura's participation, and NJPW always recognized that securing Nakamura would be a "pipe dream." A representative from NJPW explicitly stated that no situation like that ever occurred.
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.
