Kenny Omega is officially attending the Kenny Omega Wrestle Kingdom 20 event at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan, scheduled for January 4, 2026, where AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s collaboration will mark a major moment in professional wrestling. This highly anticipated show is set to feature Hiroshi Tanahashi’s emotional retirement match, drawing global attention for what promises to be a historic night.
Wrestle Kingdom 20 Builds Hype with Tanahashi’s Retirement
Wrestle Kingdom 20 is generating excitement with its stellar lineup of eight announced matches, but the spotlight remains firmly on Hiroshi Tanahashi’s last in-ring battle and post-match ceremony. The legendary wrestler, often referred to as “The Ace,” will face Kazuchika Okada, a revered figure in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. With thousands of fans anticipated to tune in, the emotional significance of Tanahashi’s final bout is resonating throughout the wrestling world.
This special occasion will also see AEW stars Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay present at the ceremony, as announced by New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Their participation adds further prestige, given their storied history within the company and continued high regard among Japanese wrestling fans.
AEW Stars Omega and Ospreay’s Legacy in NJPW
Kenny Omega’s reputation in New Japan Pro-Wrestling is substantial, marked by his achievements as a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, two-time IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion, two-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion, and two-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. His counterpart, Will Ospreay, commands similar respect as an IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and a two-time IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion, as well as having held the AEW International Title.
Both Omega and Ospreay have a rich competitive history with Hiroshi Tanahashi, having faced off against him in numerous memorable matches throughout their careers. Their presence at Tanahashi’s farewell event is a testament to the deep bonds and mutual admiration shared among these top-tier talents.
Omega Reflects on His Bond with Tanahashi
The long-standing rivalry and respect between Kenny Omega and Hiroshi Tanahashi is well known to wrestling fans. They have clashed several times in NJPW, each time raising the stakes and showcasing their elite abilities. Reflecting on this relationship during a 2024 interview with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Omega expressed the profound connection he feels with Tanahashi, hinting at the personal nature behind their competitive spirits.
“I feel like there’s some sort of unspoken kinship there, a little bit. Here we are, two guys that were just trying to do the best that we could, and at first, I’m sure the reasons were very selfish. For me, I just wanted to be the best I could be, I wanted to be the best in the world,”
said Omega. — Omega, The Cleaner
As Tanahashi prepares for his final bow, the absence he will leave is already being felt by fans and fellow wrestlers alike, solidifying his position as one of the all-time greats in professional wrestling.
A Night to Remember for Wrestling Fans Worldwide
With Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, and other legendary names converging at the Tokyo Dome for Wrestle Kingdom 20, the event stands as a tribute to Hiroshi Tanahashi’s remarkable career and to the enduring partnerships across wrestling promotions like AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. As the sport gears up for this headline-making farewell, the impact of Tanahashi’s retirement and the gathering of such celebrated talent ensures that Kenny Omega Wrestle Kingdom 20 will be etched in the history of professional wrestling for years to come.
Breaking!
Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay will be among the guests for Hiroshi Tanahashi's retirement ceremony January 4!https://t.co/OxNAxi7hWi#njpw #njwk20 pic.twitter.com/NtSUsL0cs8
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) December 31, 2025
