NJPW exploring new roles for retiring legends
NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi is hoping to find ways some of the promotion’s retiring legends can contribute to the company even after stepping away from the ring.
Tanahashi, who became president of NJPW before his own in-ring career ended, is now fully immersed in that role after having competed in his final match in January 2026. The promotion will see Tiger Mask IV and Hiroyoshi Tenzan retire this summer — and Tanahashi told Planeta Wrestling that NJPW is exploring ways to keep figures like this around.
“From Wrestle Kingdom in January to Dominion in June, I think there’s been a fantastic atmosphere and vibe surrounding NJPW. Going into the second half of the year, the immediate goal in the ring will be the success of the G1,” Tanahashi said. “Outside of it, one aspect I’d like to explore is how other retired wrestlers from this generation, like Tiger Mask and Hiroyoshi Tenzan, can best contribute to NJPW in the future.”
Tiger Mask and Hiroyoshi Tenzan’s retirement matches —
In less than a week, Tiger Mask IV will have his retirement show at Korakuen Hall. He’ll be competing in two bouts on July 7 with each having a five-minute time limit. Black Tiger (Rocky Romero returning to the character for one night only) and “Dynamite Kid” Tommy Billington are his opponents.
NJPW has not announced who Tenzan’s final opponent will be, but his retirement match will go down at Sumo Hall on August 15 during the undercard for the semifinals of this year’s G1.
When Tenzan announced his retirement, Tanahashi said it would be “invaluable” to have the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion stick around and give advice to younger talent.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.