Tributes For Hiroshi Tanahashi Flood Social Media As The NJPW Legend Retires At Wrestle Kingdom 20

By: Lewis Carlan

The storied and legendary career of Hiroshi Tanahashi came to an emotional end at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 on Jan. 4th at a sold out crowd of over 46,000 fans at the Tokyo Dome.

In his final match, Tanahashi took on his greatest rival Kazuchika Okada. The fans were hoping to see a final Tanahashi victory but that would not be the case. Okada hit his Rainmaker finisher and defeated Tanahashi in a little over 33 minutes.

Despite losing, Tanahashi was given a very emotional retirement ceremony that included Kenny Omega, Katsuyori Shibata, Keiji Mutoh, Will Ospreay, Tatsumi Fujinami, Testsuya Naito, Bushi & Jay White.

Tributes for Tanahashi from numerous pro-wrestling stars flooded X following Wrestle Kingdom 20. Here are a few of them:

From Kazuchika Okada:

“Thank you for your hard work, Tanahashi-san. See you again, everyone in Japan.” (Translated Via Google Translate)

From Will Ospreay:

“Tanahashi San, I wish I could put into words how much just being around you as a young man meant to me. You showed so many of us how important it is to be kind & respectful to every person you came into contact with. Getting to travel japan with you was one of the most rewarding things I ever experienced as it showed me exactly who I want to be as a wrestler & human being. You set the bar for all of us. So honoured to get to witness your last ride in a sold out Tokyo dome. Thank you for everything and congratulations on an amazing career.”

From Kenny Omega:

“Tonight I had the incredible honor of participating in Tanahashi’s retirement ceremony. To stand with him in that ring, to see what he saw in those final moments…I felt the reality of it all, the weight of his decision. Once I returned backstage I sat in stand-by lost in thought watching the monitor. Before I knew it, everyone around me had left. Tana, Ibushi, and I made the final walk. I joked that all 3 of us had to take the stairs slowly one by one – something I’m usually self conscious about (it doesn’t look cool), but today was different. We owned it proudly. In the car ride back to the dressing rooms we shared one last conversation. I could easily type what was said, but to explain the real meaning of it was probably different for all 3 of us. Broken down rivals now turned comrades. It’s really a beautiful thing, isn’t it? Thanks to all that tuned in to celebrate the retirement of one of the greatest to ever do it.”

From YOSHI-HASHI:

“The Hiroshi Tanahashi I saw when I was a fan. The Hiroshi Tanahashi I saw when I was a trainee. The Hiroshi Tanahashi I saw after my debut. The Hiroshi Tanahashi I faced for the first time after my debut. All those memories came back to me all at once on this day. It was an unforgettable day filled with Hiroshi Tanahashi. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” (Translated Via Google Translate)

From Shota Umino:

Thank you so much for your hard work, Hiroshi Tanahashi. I’m truly proud of you, Tanahashi. He was a great senior who loved pro wrestling and was loved by everyone. He was incredibly great. I will continue to love pro wrestling even more, even surpassing Tanahashi. Love pro wrestling and enjoy life (pro wrestling) Thank you so much. (Translated Via Google Translate)

From Hirooki Goto:

“As one of the wrestlers entrusted by Tanahashi-san with the future of professional wrestling, I too will strive diligently with pride. Thank you for your 26 years of hard work.” (Translated Via Google Translate)

From Saori Anou:

“Went to the Tokyo Dome with Natsumi. I’m so happy to be in such an amazing space. Tanahashi, I don’t think you’re tired, but Thank you so much for your hard work. I love pro wrestling!” (Translated Via Google Translate)

From Natsupoi:

“Thank you for your hard work, Tanahashi. Thank you for the many dreams and the most amazing views!” (Translated Via Google Translate)

From HYO:

“I think everyone loves President Tanahashi. I’ve always loved him too. Thanks to President Tanahashi kindly reaching out to me, I was able to participate in the prestigious Concours and stand alongside the others. I will continue to learn a great deal from here on out as well.” (Translated Via Google Translate)

From Katsuhiko Nakajima:

“I had the honor of facing Mr. Tanahashi in a singles match just once, back when I was competing in the Young Lion Cup in New Japan, in his hometown of Gifu. As the president of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, please continue to shine brightly from here on out. Pro wrestler Hiroshi Tanahashi Thank you for your hard work.”

From Titan:

“Thank you for all you have dedicated to this wonderful sport of wrestling and wish you many blessings for the future.” (Translated Via Google Translate)

From MIRAI:

“To you who introduced me to pro-wrestling, I’ve kept on admiring that heroic figure of yours. On the day of your retirement, I became a double champion for the first time.  I’m still far from my ideal,  but from here on, I’ll keep aiming to be a hero in my own way. Thank you for letting me encounter pro-wrestling. I’ll keep loving pro-wrestling from now on, too.” (Translated Via Google Translate)

From Kazuki Hirata:

“It was an incredibly great retirement match & ceremony right up to the very end! Great job, Tanahashi-san!” (Translated Via Google Translate)

From Saya Kamitani:

“President Tanahashi, thank you for letting me stand in front of a packed Tokyo Dome ring. I believe this is the final gift that President Tanahashi left for Saya-sama. This view is burned into my memory. Today, a single black flower faded away, but I truly believe that I am the only one who can take Stardom to the Tokyo Dome. I will definitely take you all with me! Servants, don’t take your eyes off Saya-sama until that day comes, okay?” (Translated Via Google Translate)

From Saya Iida:

“I love you! I was once on the receiving end of that love, wholeheartedly. Before I knew it, I wanted to deliver love to others, just like you. I will never forget that moment when I was able to deliver even a little bit of love in the same corner. I, too, want to love many more people. Thank you so much for all your love.” (Translated Via Google Translate)

Photo Credit: NJPW