NJPW are keen to ensure that Hiroshi Tanahashi’s swansong is given the time and attention it deserves.
With New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 20 just over two weeks away, a seven match card appears to have been finalised, leading many to question why the company has opted for a shorter line-up than in previous editions of the event.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the decision to run a shorter card was driven by the show airing on network television in Japan, as well as a desire to ensure Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match is given the time it deserves.
“We were told the reason the show is only seven matches is because of time constraints on the show because it’s going on network television and wanting to make sure the Okada-Tanahashi presentation isn’t rushed. The belief is they will be doing a long match and a long retirement ceremony to end the show.”
-Dave Meltzer
Wrestle Kingdom 20 is scheduled for January 4, 2026, at the Tokyo Dome and will mark the first edition of the event to air on TV Asahi in Japan since 2004. The show will be headlined by NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi’s final match, as he faces AEW’s Kazuchika Okada.
Elsewhere on the show, former Olympic gold medallist judoka Aaron Wolf will make his professional wrestling debut when he challenges EVIL for the NEVER Openweight Championship, while IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Konosuke Takeshita will face IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on Wrestle Kingdom 20 as soon as we hear more.
