Kenny Omega has released his views on Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, marking an emotional milestone at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday. The event, held at the iconic Tokyo Dome, saw Omega and other famed rivals and colleagues honoring Tanahashi after the main event, a testament to the immense legacy Tanahashi leaves behind in the wrestling world.
Emotional Ceremony and Farewell Moments
Following the show, Omega took to social media to express the profound impact of the evening and his respect for Tanahashi’s storied career. Omega’s words offered an intimate look into the atmosphere backstage and his reflections as the ceremony unfolded.
“Tonight I had the incredible honor of participating in Tanahashi’s retirement ceremony. To stand with him in that ring, to see what he saw in those final moments…I felt the reality of it all, the weight of his decision. Once I returned backstage I sat in stand-by lost in thought watching the monitor. Before I knew it, everyone around me had left. Tana, Ibushi, and I made the final walk. I joked that all 3 of us had to take the stairs slowly one by one – something I’m usually self conscious about (it doesn’t look cool), but today was different. We owned it proudly. In the car ride back to the dressing rooms we shared one last conversation. I could easily type what was said, but to explain the real meaning of it was probably different for all 3 of us. Broken down rivals now turned comrades. It’s really a beautiful thing, isn’t it?Thanks to all that tuned in to celebrate the retirement of one of the greatest to ever do it.”
— Kenny Omega, Professional Wrestler
Historic Rivalry and Shared Respect
Kenny Omega and Hiroshi Tanahashi share a compelling competitive history. In 2019, the two headlined Wrestle Kingdom 13 at the Tokyo Dome, where Tanahashi triumphed in a match for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. That main event bout lasted nearly 40 minutes, receiving high praise and an impressive rating from wrestling analyst Dave Meltzer.
Their rivalry dates back further, with their only other singles match taking place at the New Beginning event in Niigata in February 2016. In that encounter, Omega emerged victorious over Tanahashi to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, with their contest earning another high star rating from Meltzer. The competitive dynamic between Omega and Tanahashi has been marked by mutual respect, elevated by their shared experiences in some of professional wrestling’s most significant moments.
Legacy and Impact on Wrestling
Tanahashi’s career has shaped modern wrestling, influencing generations of athletes including Omega, Kota Ibushi, and many who honored him during his retirement. The ceremony at Wrestle Kingdom 20 brought together some of the sport’s most renowned talent, reinforcing the sense of camaraderie and legacy that Tanahashi embodies.
The closing images of Omega, Tanahashi, and Ibushi sharing a moment away from the crowd signified the transformation of fierce rivals into close allies. Omega encapsulated this sentiment in his statement, highlighting how years of competition ultimately turned into lasting respect and friendship.
Looking to the Future After Tanahashi’s Retirement
As the wrestling world celebrates Tanahashi’s storied journey, tributes from figures like Kenny Omega underscore how his influence will persist. The ceremony at the Tokyo Dome not only marked the end of an era but also inspired those in attendance and fans worldwide to reflect on the bonds and history forged through wrestling. Omega’s heartfelt statement gives fans insight into the evening’s significance, ensuring Tanahashi’s farewell will be remembered as a landmark event for years to come.
Tonight I had the incredible honor of participating in Tanahashi’s retirement ceremony. To stand with him in that ring, to see what he saw in those final moments…I felt the reality of it all, the weight of his decision.
Once I returned backstage I sat in stand-by lost in…
— Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) January 4, 2026
