As Japanese wrestling icon Hiroshi Tanahashi nears the end of his career, a proposed match against an active WWE star has gained attention. The story centers on a potential Tanahashi WWE RAW match that could happen before his retirement, delivering a dream encounter that blends legends from different wrestling worlds.
Tanahashi, often called the “Ace” of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), has been a pivotal figure in elevating the promotion through his exceptional in-ring performances and charismatic presence. In 2023, he officially announced plans to retire, with his farewell match set for January 4 at the prestigious Wrestle Kingdom event inside the Tokyo Dome, marking the conclusion of a remarkable journey.
Finn Balor Expresses Desire for a Farewell Match with Tanahashi
Adding to the anticipation, Finn Balor, a significant talent on WWE RAW and former rival and student of Tanahashi, vocalized his wish to share the ring with him once more. Balor, who previously thrived in NJPW, told Tokyo Sports,
“I want to fight him one more time before he retires.”
Although eager, Balor tempered expectations by admitting,
“I would love that, but I’m not that lucky.”
Before establishing himself in WWE, Balor was a notable figure in NJPW, where he held the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship three times and founded the influential Bullet Club faction, which played a crucial role in NJPW’s international growth. Throughout his tenure, Balor and Tanahashi faced off in four highly competitive singles bouts, with Tanahashi also acting as a mentor to him during that period. This history makes Balor’s request to meet again especially meaningful and relevant.
Balor Honors Japanese Wrestling and Fans Ahead of WWE SuperShow Japan
In the same interview, Balor shared his thoughts ahead of the upcoming WWE SuperShow Japan scheduled for October 17 and 18. He praised the country’s wrestling culture and its dedicated audience, remarking,
“Performing in Japan is always a joy and an honor. Japanese pro wrestling fans are number one in the world. They are respectful, well-studied, and passionate. And also, you cannot deceive the eyes of Japanese fans. A poor wrestler is found out immediately. Now I feel my age, and my style is different from my New Japan era. But I want to show the high-level skills from those days in Japan. I want to deliver unchanged passion and energy.”
Balor also took a moment to acknowledge Tanahashi’s impact on foreign wrestlers, emphasizing his gratitude toward Tanahashi and others who supported him during his time in Japan:
“But I want to take this opportunity to send words to Tanahashi-san. It was a wonderful career. Thank you for being good to the foreign wrestlers in New Japan. Iizuka-san, Liger-san, Nagata-san, everyone was warm to me. Because comrades like family supported me, I was able to adapt quickly to the harshness of the ring. Living in a far country without knowing the language is frightening. But New Japan welcomed me warmly. I have always been grateful,”
Balor said.
Potential for a Historic Cross-Promotion Encounter
While there is no confirmed plan for the proposed Tanahashi WWE RAW match, recent trends suggest such cross-promotional events are becoming more feasible. WWE has shown openness to allowing its wrestlers to appear in other companies for special matches or one-time appearances, raising hope that Tanahashi and Balor might meet again in the ring before the former’s retirement.
This potential encounter carries significant weight for wrestling fans globally, symbolizing a bridge between two dominant wrestling worlds and recognizing the careers of two influential performers. Should this match materialize, it would not only be a highlight of Tanahashi’s farewell tour but also a celebration of the camaraderie and mutual respect shared by wrestlers across international promotions.
As Tanahashi approaches the final chapter of his storied career and WWE prepares for its Japanese events, fans remain eager to witness whether this dream match will come to pass, marking an unforgettable moment in professional wrestling history.
