Overview
- Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match is set for January 4, 2026 at the Tokyo Dome with Kazuchika Okada officially confirmed as his final opponent.
- Okada argued the bout should close Wrestle Kingdom 20, saying it would be unfair for others to wrestle after Tanahashi as the card also features Takeshita vs. Tsuji in a winner‑take‑all title match.
- At the press conference, Okada said he will not be the classic NJPW Rainmaker and hinted at AEW‑style tactics, quipping he might low‑blow Tanahashi and roll him up.
- Asked how the matchup was arranged, Okada told media to ask Gedo; separate reporting said talks ran for weeks and that Shinsuke Nakamura and Tetsuya Naito were among candidates.
- Tetsuya Naito said he would have accepted the role if offered, and Okada enters the match having won the last four singles meetings with Tanahashi.