Overview
- Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement bout with AEW Unified Champion and five-time IWGP champion Kazuchika Okada is confirmed for January 4, 2026 at the Tokyo Dome.
- In a new NJPW interview, Okada said he will approach the match as a normal contest rather than a ceremony, stressing that each bout stands on its own.
- Okada argued the retirement match should headline over the double title clash between IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Konosuke Takeshita and IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji.
- AEW President Tony Khan said discussions to secure Okada as Tanahashi’s final opponent began in May 2025.
- Okada reflected on working in America, saying the need to speak English has been difficult at times but has driven personal growth.