Nakamura stated that there are practical issues that would have to be cleared up.
In January 2026, the current New Japan Pro-Wrestling President Hiroshi Tanahashi will have his final match. The matches he’s having on the lead-up to that are a part of his retirement road. The latest stop was a singles match against Togi Makabe at The New Beginning in Osaka.
Shinsuke Nakamura weighed in on Tanahashi’s pending retirement as he was speaking to Tokyo Sports. He said in today’s landscape, calling it a career at 48 years old is early. He went on to add that what Tanahashi has put his body through cannot be measured in addition to having to tend to his off-screen duties with NJPW.
In today’s world of professional wrestling, it may be a little early to retire at the age of 48, but we cannot measure the damage (Hiroshi) Tanahashi has endured, and I’m sure he has responsibilities for his position as President.
The idea of Nakamura and Tanahashi reuniting before he retires was brought up. Nakamura does not want to promise anything on that front.
I don’t know. I don’t know (if I’ll reunite with Hiroshi Tanahashi before he retires). They say, ‘Never say never.’ I hear people talking about it, but when you think about the reality of the situation… You can say whatever you want about emotions, but you have to clear up practical issues. There are probably some things I shouldn’t say, and I can’t promise anything. I can’t take responsibility for that.
Nakamura and Tanahashi have shared the ring together nearly 300 times throughout their time together in New Japan. The last occasion was in 2016 during the Road to The New Beginning tour.
Nakamura was in Japan in January for Pro Wrestling NOAH and he scored a win over Ulka Sasaki at their NOAH The New Year show.
