New Japan Pro Wrestling President Hiroshi Tanahashi revealed a drastic change to his signature look on Saturday, posting a photo of a short, darker hairstyle.
The image, shared on his X account with the caption “Hair got shorter,” confirms comments the former wrestler made earlier this month regarding his post-retirement plans.
Speaking after his final match at Wrestle Kingdom 20, Tanahashi stated his intention to “chop off the back completely” to transform into a “cool older guy”.
髪、短くなりました👍 #断髪式 pic.twitter.com/oR86aETT0T
— 棚橋 弘至 (@tanahashi1_100) January 17, 2026
This grooming change marks the end of an era for the “Ace,” whose flowing, bleached locks were a trademark of his presentation during his rise to stardom in the late 2000s.
Tanahashi officially retired from active competition on January 4, 2026, concluding his career with a loss to longtime rival Kazuchika Okada at the Tokyo Dome.
Tanahashi will continue to serve as NJPW President, a role he has held since late 2023. He has previously noted that his focus will now shift entirely to his executive duties and the development of the next generation of talent.
