Will Ospreay pays tribute to Hiroshi Tanahashi ahead of last match
Japanese wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi is now all set to close his career’s last chapter on January 4th, 2026. Tanahashi will take on AEW’s Kazuchika Okada in his retirement match at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Previously announced to attend his retirement ceremony, AEW star Will Ospreay has now penned down an emotional note for the NJPW veteran.
Writing an emotional note on social media, Ospreay expressed his heartfelt feelings for the legend and his gratitude.
“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.”
Reflecting on his career’s growth with Tanahashi, Ospreay continued,
“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.”
Tanahashi and Ospreay share a vivid history, with the two last colliding against each other in singles action back at the NJPW STRONG Resurgence 2023.
Shounak Chakrabarti is an experienced sports journalist with a lifelong passion for athletics and storytelling. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Journalism from the University of Leeds and joined F4WOnline in 2025.
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