Subhojeet Mukherjee on January 4, 2026
Hiroshi Tanahashi closed the book on his in-ring career at Wrestle Kingdom 20, but he wasn’t done speaking from the heart. After his retirement match against Kazuchika Okada on January 4, 2026, The Ace of NJPW delivered one final gift to fans—a raw, reflective letter shared with Tokyo Sports that pulled back the curtain on the man behind the legend.
Tanahashi didn’t hold back about the toll of retirement and the weight of everything he’s accomplished over 26 years in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. The note opened with one brutally honest truth. He recalled failing the NJPW entrance test twice before finally earning his spot and living out a dream he never thought he’d have to let go of.
“I feel like if I don’t say this today, I’ll never get the chance again, so here goes: Man, I’m exhausted like never before in my life (laughs). Even though I had the resolve to become a pro wrestler, I never really had the resolve to quit being one.”
Tanahashi admitted that he once feared what life would look like beyond the ring and questioned if wrestlers ever truly picture their own retirement. But now, he says, he’s made peace with it—and even found meaning in the uncertainty. Reflecting on New Japan’s journey through the highs and lows of business, Tanahashi said the desire to entertain never faded.
“Fighting for the present moment, that fleeting instant, without worrying about the consequences before or after… I think it was that image of wrestlers that drew me in back when I was in high school.”
“Attendance numbers fluctuated, but the desire to ‘make sure everyone who came had a good time’ never wavered. That’s because I experienced firsthand in high school how wrestling made my life a hundred times more enjoyable.”
He thanked fans for believing in him, even during the rough patches. And in a moment of pure emotion, Tanahashi said if he could speak to his younger self, he’d reassure him that the dream came true.
“For 26 years, I received tremendous support and about 5 years of boos (laughter). Thank you all so much. I’d tell my high school self, ‘You became a proper wrestler and saw it through to the end.’”
The letter also addressed his new role as NJPW’s president and CEO, a title he’s embracing with the same heart he brought to the ring.
“From now on, I’ll work to create a future where every wrestler in New Japan Pro-Wrestling can give their absolute all and finish strong.”
But his new chapter isn’t all business. Tanahashi admitted that family time will be a priority now—something he missed while constantly on the road. One memory stood out, a simple plea from his wife that hits harder now in hindsight.
“My kids were still young, and I put a lot of burden on my wife… I wish we’d taken more photos. One day before a match, my wife told me, ‘Just don’t get hurt.’ At the time, I half-heartedly replied… But now, I feel the love in those words.”
In closing, Tanahashi reminded fans—and himself—that wrestling shaped him, but it won’t define him forever. And in classic Tanahashi fashion, he ended with a smile and one final flourish.
“There was a time I feared becoming someone other than a pro wrestler, but I’ve overcome that… New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s evolution never stops!! Oh, and I’ll try not to bite my tongue when commenting (laughs). Finally! To all Tokyo Sports readers, I love you all!!”
Tanahashi didn’t just leave the ring. He left behind a legacy—one that spans generations, inspires newcomers, and proves that wrestling’s heart beats strongest when it’s real.
What part of Tanahashi’s letter hit you the hardest? And what do you think his future as NJPW’s president will look like? Share your thoughts and thank-yous in the comments.
January 4, 2026 6:00 pm
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