Nakamura Sends Regards to Tanahashi During WWE Event
Tokyo,Japan – Shinsuke Nakamura acknowledged Hiroshi Tanahashi during a WWE house show on October 16,2025,shouting a message of appreciation to the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) icon. Following the event, Nakamura’s public expression of respect sparked a response from Tanahashi himself.
The gesture carries weight as Tanahashi prepares for his retirement match at the Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2026, concluding a celebrated career that helped define modern professional wrestling in Japan. Nakamura and Tanahashi rose through the ranks together in NJPW, experiencing both partnership and rivalry as key figures in the promotion’s success before Nakamura transitioned to WWE in 2016.
Tanahashi reacted to Nakamura’s shoutout with a cryptic tweet, writing, “Huh? I thought I heard something…” on October 17, 2025. The exchange has ignited speculation among fans regarding a potential final match between the two stars, though logistical hurdles may prove critically important.
currently serving as president of NJPW, Tanahashi’s retirement opponent remains unconfirmed. While a match against Nakamura would be highly anticipated, NJPW’s current partnerships with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and CMLL, coupled with WWE’s alignment with Pro Wrestling NOAH and Marigold, present challenges to such a collaboration.
