Tanahashi’s final match.
The 25th anniversary since Hiroshi Tanahashi’s in-ring debut was celebrated at NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling. He competed in a six-man tag and teamed with Shota Umino and El Phantasmo. They took on House of Torture’s EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi and Yoshinobu Kanemaru.
The trio of Tanahashi, Umino and Phantasmo sported gladiator-themed gear. King of Pro-Wrestling was sponsored by the Gladiator II movie starring Denzel Washington.
Tanahashi scored the win for his team. Post-match, he grabbed a microphone and said he wants to continue fighting forever but the finish line is in sight. He stated that he’ll give everything he has for one more year but January 4th, 2026 will be final match.
He was then ambushed by Dick Togo and EVIL. Phantasmo attempted to make the save, but was taken out by the newly crowned World Television Champion Ren Narita. EVIL stated that Tanahashi does not get to decide when he’s done because that decision is in his hands.
