Tokyo Dome witnesses the final match of NJPW’s Ace
Summary
– Kazuchika Okada defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi in Tanahashi’s retirement match
– The bout headlined Wrestle Kingdom 20 inside the Tokyo Dome
– Tanahashi officially closed his in-ring career following the loss
Kazuchika Okada defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi in an emotional main event at Wrestle Kingdom 20, bringing Tanahashi’s legendary in-ring career to an official close.
From the opening bell, the Tokyo Dome crowd rallied behind Tanahashi, fully aware they were witnessing the final match of one of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s most important figures. The early stages focused on technical exchanges, with both men trading holds, counters, and submission attempts.
Okada quickly shifted the tone by targeting Tanahashi’s back, sending him to the floor with a dropkick and repeatedly driving him into the guardrails. A DDT on the outside and sustained pressure in the ring allowed Okada to control large portions of the match.
Tanahashi mounted several signature comebacks, landing Dragon Screws, a top-rope senton, and a High Fly Flow to the floor that reignited the crowd. Each rally was met by Okada shutting him down with power offense and precise timing.
The match escalated dramatically with Okada delivering a Tombstone Piledriver on the entrance ramp, only for Tanahashi to barely beat the count. Inside the ring, Tanahashi countered a Rainmaker attempt and briefly turned the tide with Sling Blades, a PK, and consecutive High Fly Flows, though Okada survived.
As exhaustion set in, both men exchanged strikes in a final test of will. Okada blended tributes to NJPW history into his offense before ultimately regaining control.
After positioning Tanahashi with a scoop slam and elbow drop, Okada delivered one final Rainmaker to secure the victory. With that moment, Hiroshi Tanahashi’s storied in-ring career came to an end inside the Tokyo Dome.
.@rainmakerXokada "Rainmaker"
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CcdQ1X9P52#NJPW #njpwworld #njwk20 #棚橋引退 pic.twitter.com/T6UE4S1HKD
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2026
Hiroshi Tanahashi retires on a lost against Kazuchika Okada, thank you Ace for so many years #NJPW #NJWK20 pic.twitter.com/Puvr28NN4j
— Kal🎍 (@HijoDeWrestling) January 4, 2026
