Overview
- Okada was unveiled as Tanahashi’s final opponent after a surprise appearance at NJPW’s Road To Anjo on November 8.
- The match is scheduled for January 4, 2026, at the Tokyo Dome as part of Wrestle Kingdom 20.
- Their showdown will be the 18th singles meeting between the rivals and the fourth at Wrestle Kingdom, following 2013, 2015 and 2016.
- Okada’s appearance marked his first NJPW return since signing with AEW in early 2024, entering the ring with Gedo.
- Prior reporting indicated NJPW had narrowed options to three and that a Nakamura bout was unlikely, a stance now reinforced by the official announcement, while the card also includes Takeshita vs. Tsuji with the winner unifying the IWGP World and Global heavyweight titles.