Subhojeet Mukherjee on December 30, 2025
Tony Khan is setting the record straight about Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement plans—and according to him, the rumors about Shinsuke Nakamura being involved are nothing but fiction.
Speaking on Q101, the AEW President was asked if there was any truth to the circulating story that Tanahashi requested Nakamura as his final opponent, but that Khan was unhappy with the idea. Khan didn’t just dismiss the report—he questioned how it was even written in the first place.
“That is actually something I read about, and I was surprised to read that. I’m not sure where all of that came from. I don’t really understand some of that story.”
Khan criticized the story for assuming too much and presenting speculation as fact, adding that whoever wrote that story thought they could read minds.
“It was a very detailed story with a lot of—if I may—what’s the word I’m looking for? It seemed like they thought they could read minds when they wrote that story, because it wasn’t just ‘this happened’ or ‘that happened,’ but also ‘he felt this way’ and ‘he felt that way,’ and then ‘he was thinking this.’ And it’s like—are you telepathic?”
Khan made it clear that much of what was reported “never happened,” and that people seemed to be making assumptions without actual insight into the discussions.
“A lot of that never happened, and a lot of it was like, how would you know what that guy was thinking, or what that guy was thinking? So I thought that was an interesting story. I’ll put it that way.”
As for what actually happened, Khan confirmed he worked closely with Tanahashi to shape the legendary wrestler’s farewell—and confirmed that Kazuchika Okada was always the clear choice for Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026.
“I’ve talked to him extensively about his retirement and worked with him on the idea of having Kazuchika Okada as his final opponent. It’s such an iconic thing, and their rivalry is so important to New Japan Pro Wrestling, to both men’s careers, and to what has gone on to be a very successful promotion with AEW.”
Khan ended his answer with excitement about the upcoming match, making it clear it’s something everyone will love.
“I think it’s perfect, and I’m very happy for Okada to be involved at Wrestle Kingdom as the final opponent of Tanahashi for what will be Tanahashi’s retirement match. It’s something we’re so excited about.”
Previous reports noted that NJPW had casually discussed Nakamura as a dream opponent for Tanahashi’s final match—but those talks never progressed beyond fantasy booking. With Nakamura still signed to WWE, the logistical hurdles were always high, and the company ultimately chose to close the chapter with a legendary Okada vs. Tanahashi bout instead.
What do you think—was Kazuchika Okada the right pick for Hiroshi Tanahashi’s final match? Or would a Nakamura return have been the bigger moment? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
December 30, 2025 12:38 pm
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