Tony Khan, president of AEW, has directly addressed speculation about his involvement in Shinsuke Nakamura’s absence from Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match scheduled for Wrestle Kingdom 20 this weekend at Tokyo Dome. As discussions heated up regarding the rumors that Khan blocked the anticipated bout, he provided his perspective and set the record straight, placing a spotlight on the “Tony Khan blocks Nakamura match” narrative that has circulated in recent weeks.
Hiroshi Tanahashi, renowned as the Ace of NJPW, is preparing for his final contest in professional wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Many fans had wished for Shinsuke Nakamura, his famed rival, to be his opponent for this significant event. However, it was announced that Kazuchika Okada, another major figure in the NJPW landscape, would instead be Tanahashi’s last match rival, fueling rumors that decisions behind the scenes, possibly from AEW leadership, led to this outcome.
Khan Dismisses Reports of Meddling in Match Arrangements
On a recent appearance on Q101, Tony Khan was asked about rumors indicating he blocked a match between Nakamura and Tanahashi, orchestrating Okada’s placement in the main event role. Khan called the story “entertaining” and said he found it to be surprisingly detailed. He, however, firmly shut down the claims, explaining that the narrative was unfounded and did not reflect actual events.
“That is actually something I read about and I was surprised to read that,”
Khan said.
“I’m not sure where that all came from, I don’t really understand some of that story. It was a very detailed story with a lot of, if I may, it seemed like they thought they could read minds when they wrote that story. Not only did they say this happened and this happened, but he felt his way about it and he felt this way about it and then he was thinking. It’s like, well, are you telepathic? A lot of that never happened and a lot of it was like, how would you know what that guy was thinking or that guy? I thought that was an interesting story, I’ll put it that way.”
– Tony Khan, AEW President
This direct response from Khan aimed to dispel any misconceptions about his actions regarding the match lineup at NJPW’s marquee event. Khan’s comments direct attention toward the tendency of rumors in wrestling circles to snowball quickly, especially when top names and popular rivalries—like that of Nakamura and Tanahashi—are involved.
Behind the Scenes of Tanahashi’s Retirement Match
Khan also reflected on his talks with Hiroshi Tanahashi about the historic retirement match, sharing insight into the process of selecting Okada as Tanahashi’s final opponent. He spoke about the significance of their long-running rivalry and how having Okada in this moment would resonate with fans worldwide, connecting the legacy of NJPW to the ongoing collaboration between AEW and the Japanese promotion.
“I’ve talked to him extensively about his retirement, worked with him and the idea of having Kazuchika Okada as his final opponent, it’s such an iconic thing. Their rivalry is so important to New Japan Pro Wrestling and to both men’s careers an to what has gone on to be a very successful promotion with AEW. I think it’s perfect and I’m very happy involved for Okada to be involved at Wrestle Kingdom as the final opponent of Tanahashi for his retirement match.”
[H/T WrestlingNews.Co] – Tony Khan, AEW President
This behind-the-scenes revelation demonstrates the thoughtful approach taken by both AEW and NJPW in crafting a memorable farewell for Tanahashi as well as highlighting Okada’s significance to the Japanese wrestling scene.
Nakamura’s Recent Connections with AEW Talent
Although Shinsuke Nakamura won’t be present at Wrestle Kingdom 20 due to his current ties with WWE, his popularity and influence in the wrestling world remain substantial. Recently, Nakamura was seen in the company of Konosuke Takeshita, a current AEW star who himself is set for an important appearance at the Tokyo Dome event.
Konosuke Takeshita is preparing to face Yota Tsuji in a highly anticipated title vs. title match, where both the IWGP World Heavyweight and Global Heavyweight Championships will be contested. In the days leading up to this bout, Takeshita posted photos from Savannah, Georgia, showing the two wrestlers together along with Nakamura’s dog, hinting at the camaraderie that exists between wrestling stars across promotional boundaries.
This interaction underscores the broad appeal and network of relationships that extend across both AEW and NJPW, showing the continued mutual respect among talent regardless of organizational ties.
What to Expect from Wrestle Kingdom 20 and Its Impact
Wrestle Kingdom 20 stands out on the wrestling calendar not only for Tanahashi’s celebrated farewell and Okada’s involvement, but also for its packed lineup of must-watch matches that will grab the attention of wrestling fans both in Japan and globally. With stars like Takeshita vying for titles and Okada participating in a milestone contest, the event serves as a centerpiece for current storylines and cross-promotional partnerships.
As the event unfolds, the handling of Nakamura’s absence and Okada’s selection as Tanahashi’s final opponent will likely be discussed among fans. However, Tony Khan’s comments clarify that speculation about behind-the-scenes blockades is unfounded and that the decisions made reflect both historic rivalries and meaningful moments for the NJPW and AEW communities. This moment marks a new chapter in the rich tapestry of professional wrestling, celebrating legacy while opening doors to future collaborations and memorable encounters.
