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Okada Calls Tanahashi Farewell a ‘Normal Match,’ Pushes for Wrestle Kingdom 20 Main Event

Talks between AEW and NJPW arranged the Tokyo Dome farewell, with Okada entering as AEW’s unified champion.

Overview

  • Kazuchika Okada is officially set as Hiroshi Tanahashi’s final opponent at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026 at the Tokyo Dome.
  • Okada says he will treat the bout like a normal match and describes taking the role as a form of repayment for Tanahashi’s role in shaping the Rainmaker.
  • He argues the retirement match should close the show, a position that would supersede the announced title unification of Konosuke Takeshita vs. Yota Tsuji.
  • Okada revealed he coordinated his surprise November 8 return in Anjo with Gedo after learning of Tanahashi’s retirement plans.
  • He reflects on his move to the United States with AEW, noting English-language challenges that he says have been heartbreaking at times.