Tanahashi Retirement Dream Match with Nakamura Unlikely Due to WWE Red Tape

Talk of a dream retirement match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi is heating up behind the scenes—but the odds of it happening still seem slim.

According to a report from Fightful Select, New Japan Pro Wrestling officials internally discussed Nakamura as a potential opponent for Tanahashi’s final match, likely set for the 2026 Tokyo Dome event. However, that discussion was described as more of a longshot than a real plan, and several complications may prevent it from happening at all.

One of the biggest issues is Nakamura’s contract status. While there has been speculation throughout the year that Nakamura’s WWE deal could expire in 2025, officials within NJPW are reportedly under the impression that he re-signed with WWE in 2024. That lack of clarity makes any long-term planning difficult—especially with WWE not known for sharing talent outside its walls.

Even if Nakamura were available, NJPW’s close relationships with AEW and CMLL further complicate the situation. Bringing in a WWE-contracted star—even one with deep NJPW history like Nakamura—would raise immediate red flags. AEW is WWE’s top competitor in the U.S., and CMLL is fiercely loyal to its side of the Mexican wrestling war, making any alignment with WWE or its partners a potential deal-breaker.

This update follows growing fan speculation after Nakamura teased Tanahashi’s trademark mannerisms during WWE’s recent tour of Japan. That moment led many to believe something was being quietly set up. Dave Meltzer addressed the buzz on Wrestling Observer Radio, confirming that discussions have taken place—but made it clear that nothing is currently agreed upon.

He explained that the idea is being floated, but the situation is far from settled due to the politics between WWE, NJPW, AEW, and other international partners. Meltzer noted that WWE has rarely worked with New Japan in the modern era, aside from the complicated exception of Karl Anderson’s brief NJPW run while under WWE contract.

Despite the hurdles, there’s still a sense that this could be one of the rare dream matches that pushes through. Nakamura and Tanahashi have long shared a deep mutual respect, and if Tanahashi personally pushes for Nakamura to be his final opponent, there’s a possibility the match could happen—with or without corporate alignment.

Until contracts and politics are sorted out, the match remains an open-ended “what if.”