Shinsuke Nakamura’s nonappearance at Wrestle Kingdom 20 has ignited strong reactions from fans, with much of the criticism directed at WWE. The omission took center stage after the retirement match of Hiroshi Tanahashi, sparking heated discussion among wrestling enthusiasts about how wrestling politics influenced the event.
Wrestle Kingdom 20, held in January 2026, marked the farewell appearance of Hiroshi Tanahashi, one of the most celebrated figures in NJPW history. Months before the event, Tanahashi revealed his retirement plans, setting the stage for a highly-anticipated send-off. Reports surfaced in late 2024 suggesting that WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura, known for his storied rivalry with Tanahashi in NJPW, was being considered as Tanahashi’s final opponent. Allegedly, Tony Khan, the president of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), was said to have blocked Nakamura’s participation, but Khan denied these claims.
Celebrated Names Gather for Tanahashi’s Farewell Match
At the event, Hiroshi Tanahashi faced Kazuchika Okada in his last match, ending his career with a defeat. The wrestling ring soon filled with prominent names including Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, Jay White, Kota Ibushi, Tetsuya Naito, and Katsuyori Shibata, all joining Tanahashi for a poignant celebration. However, the absence of “The King of Strong Style”—Nakamura—was keenly felt by fans and observers alike, many of whom believed he deserved a place in the retirement festivities due to his deep history with Tanahashi and NJPW.
As the celebration unfolded, the lack of Nakamura’s involvement quickly became a trending topic. Some fans questioned the reasoning behind the decision and speculated that WWE’s management, including Triple H, played a role in preventing Nakamura from participating.
Online Community Expresses Frustration and Disappointment
Outpourings of anger and disappointment appeared across social media channels, with many fans articulating their frustration over what they saw as unnecessary interference by wrestling promotions in meaningful industry moments. The sentiment was reflected not only in online posts but in direct statements shared during the event. One observer captured the widespread mood:
“I feel deep embarrassment for the industry when petty promotional politics get in the way of moments that are bigger than wrestling itself. It doesn’t hurt anyone’s bottom line for anyone to be present to send their colleagues off. None of that s**t matters in the grand scheme. WWE, namely Triple H, is so stupid because allowing Shinsuke Nakamura to be there at Wrestle Kingdom for Hiroshi Tanahashi would help them more than AEW. Instead it’s just further evidence of how petty and weird they are.”
Frustrated fans repeated the view that companies like WWE and AEW often elevate promotional rivalries above a wrestler’s legacy and the emotional impact of career milestones. Many argued that Nakamura’s appearance for Tanahashi would not hurt WWE’s interests, and instead, could have strengthened industry camaraderie.
What Nakamura’s Absence Means for the Wrestling World
The backlash over the Shinsuke Nakamura Wrestle Kingdom 20 snub underlines the deep connections fans and wrestlers develop over years of storied rivalries and collaborations. Hiroshi Tanahashi’s farewell was marked by the presence of esteemed peers, but Nakamura’s absence ultimately became a symbol of the politics that continue to shape professional wrestling.
This controversy may renew conversations within WWE, AEW, and NJPW about future cross-promotional cooperation, especially as fan dissatisfaction becomes more vocal. Wrestling supporters, wrestlers, and industry figures will be watching closely to see if high-profile events can prioritize legacy and respect over business boundaries in the years ahead.
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