Hiroshi Tanahashi Announces Final UK Match at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door

Hiroshi Tanahashi is making one last stop in the United Kingdom—and he’s saving it for the biggest possible stage.

NJPW has officially announced that “The Ace” will compete at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door on August 24 at the O2 Arena in London. The bout will mark Tanahashi’s final match in the UK before his upcoming retirement at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026.

Tanahashi’s return was first teased at AEW Double or Nothing on May 25, when he made a surprise appearance following a six-man tag match involving Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, and Kyle O’Reilly against the Don Callis Family. After the match, the Callis Family launched a post-match beatdown—but Tanahashi stormed in to even the odds.

“AEW’s Double or Nothing Pay Per View event on May 25 saw the sudden appearance of Hiroshi Tanahashi!” NJPW confirmed in their statement. “Brody King and Tomohiro Ishii would even the odds somewhat though, and then Hiroshi Tanahashi would tip things over the edge, delivering a Slingblade to Kyle Fletcher.”

Tanahashi later spoke on AEW Collision, explaining why he got involved and what’s ahead. In his own words, Forbidden Door will host his final match on British soil.

“Forbidden Door on August 24 in London’s O2 Arena will see his final match in the UK,” NJPW noted. “Who will he face on this momentous occasion?”

That opponent hasn’t been announced yet, but fans are already speculating who will get the honor of facing Tanahashi in such a meaningful sendoff. With Tanahashi’s retirement set in stone, every match between now and January will carry added significance—and this UK farewell is no exception.