John Cena honors Tanahashi after the Japanese star concluded his wrestling career with a memorable farewell at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026, highlighting the respectful bonds in the wrestling world. Cena, a 17-time WWE champion, paid tribute shortly after Tanahashi’s final match, showing the enduring influence and mutual admiration between prominent wrestlers across the globe.
A Celebrated Rivalry Culminates at Wrestle Kingdom
Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement marked the end of a celebrated era in Japanese wrestling, as he faced off against his long-time rival Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Their rivalry traced back to the early 2010s within New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where Okada emerged as one of Tanahashi’s main challengers. Over the years, these two icons clashed in 18 singles matches, each encounter contributing to their storied legacy in the wrestling arena.
Their retirement showdown at Wrestle Kingdom spanned a grueling 33 minutes. Both athletes exchanged near pinfalls, with Okada displaying his trademark confidence before Tanahashi’s resistance pushed him to reach his best. Okada secured victory following his signature Rainmaker move, and in a fitting gesture of respect, he bowed and thanked Tanahashi in front of a crowd packed with fans and wrestling stars like Will Ospreay, Jay White, Kota Ibushi, and Tetsuya Naito.
John Cena’s Ongoing Connection to Pro Wrestling
Despite stepping away from active competition himself, John Cena continues to engage with the wrestling community and keep tabs on major events globally. Cena had his own retirement match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII, facing Gunther, and exited the arena with a visible smile despite widespread criticism of the bout. He later explained his composed demeanor during an appearance on Cody Rhodes’ podcast, showcasing his characteristic sportsmanship as he transitioned out of active wrestling.
To honor Tanahashi’s retirement and career, Cena posted a photo of Hiroshi Tanahashi on his Instagram account—consistent with his tradition of using imagery as a form of tribute without captions. This simple but powerful gesture resonated with fans, underlining the respect between these wrestling legends who have made a global impact in WWE, NJPW, and beyond.
Tanahashi’s International Farewell and Victorious Send-Off
Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement celebration extended across continents, as he capped his time in NJPW with a special match in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) before his final bow. At AEW’s Forbidden Door event in August 2025, Tanahashi teamed with Will Ospreay, Darby Allin, and The Golden Lovers—Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi—forming a powerhouse group. Their opponents, the Death Riders (Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli), Gabe Kidd, and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), provided stiff competition.
The team led by Tanahashi ultimately claimed victory, further highlighting his legacy as a competitor able to command respect and admiration across different wrestling promotions and continents. This win not only symbolized the high regard in which his peers held him, but also underscored the collaborative spirit that defines major wrestling events like Forbidden Door.
Legacy and Impact in the Wrestling World
Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement and the ensuing recognition from figures like John Cena have prompted reflection within the wrestling industry about the significance of storied rivalries, cross-promotional matches, and the bonds formed between athletes over decades of competition. With Okada’s respectful tribute following their final match, and Cena’s public acknowledgement, it is clear that Tanahashi’s influence will continue to be felt among both Japanese and international fans and wrestlers.
Moving forward, the wrestling world looks poised to honor the contributions of retiring superstars while ushering in new rivalries and stars. The acknowledgment by John Cena—himself an icon—of Tanahashi’s achievements offers a reminder of how individual careers and memorable showdowns shape the ongoing narrative of professional wrestling across organizations like WWE, NJPW, and AEW.
