Shinsuke Nakamura Uncertain About Reuniting with Hiroshi Tanahashi Before Retirement

2025 will mark the final year of Hiroshi Tanahashi’s legendary career, with The Ace planning to wrestle his last match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in January 2026. That being said, Shinsuke Nakamura is unsure about reuniting with Tanahashi before he retires.

Fans are eagerly anticipating Tanahashi’s final run, with many expecting him to either face or team up with longtime rivals such as Kazuchika Okada, Kenny Omega, Tetsuya Naito, and Katsuyori Shibata.

In an interview with Tokyo Sports, Shinsuke Nakamura commented on Tanahashi’s decision to retire at 48, acknowledging that while it may seem early by modern wrestling standards, the toll on his body and his responsibilities as NJPW president likely influenced his decision.

“In today’s world of professional wrestling, retiring at 48 years old may be a little early, but we cannot measure the damage Tanahashi has endured, and he must also have responsibilities as president.”

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When asked about possibly returning to NJPW to team with or face Tanahashi, Nakamura was non-committal, saying that while people often say never say never, there are real-world challenges that might prevent it from happening.

“I don’t know, I don’t know. They say ‘never say never’. I hear people saying that, but when you think about the reality of it… You can say whatever you want about emotions, but you have to clear the reality. There are probably some things I shouldn’t say, and I can’t promise anything. I can’t take responsibility for that.”

Tanahashi will have his last match in the United States at NJPW Windy City Riot in April, making it one of the key stops in his farewell tour before his retirement at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Therefore, we’ll have to see if Nakamura will reunite with Tanahashi one last time.

With Tanahashi’s career winding down, do you think Shinsuke Nakamura should return to NJPW for one last match with The Ace? Share your thoughts in the comments below!