Konosuke Takeshita wants to be Hiroshi Tanahashi’s final opponent on U.S. soil.
Takeshita took to the mic at the San Jose Civic after defeating KUSHIDA during Saturday night’s NJPW Battle in the Valley event in San Jose.
He said:
Listen up. Chicago, April 11th. Hiroshi Tanahashi, your last U.S. match. I challenge you. That day marks the end of The Ace. I will show you who is The Alpha.
Tanahashi has embarked on his retirement year, which will end at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4th 2026. His only U.S. match before then with be at NJPW Windy City Riot on April 11th.
Takeshita announced on January 5th that he was officially affiliated with New Japan. The sought-after talent also has contractual arrangements with AEW and DDT.
