Will Ospreay NJPW Wrestle Kingdom news comes as two prominent AEW talents, Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay, are officially set to appear at New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 20 event on January 4, where they will take part in a special post-match ceremony honoring Hiroshi Tanahashi. The event will serve as Tanahashi’s final wresting match and mark his retirement from competition at the Tokyo Dome.
Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Last Match and Special Ceremony Details
The main contest on the Wrestle Kingdom 20 card features Kazuchika Okada, a long-time rival and ally, squaring off against Hiroshi Tanahashi, recognized as “the Ace.” After the match, Tanahashi will be honored with an official retirement ceremony, which will recognize his significant contributions to NJPW over the years. This tribute will include appearances from some of his most notable opponents—now stars for All Elite Wrestling—including Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay, both of whom have faced Tanahashi in memorable bouts in the past.
Will Ospreay’s Recent Absence and Upcoming Return
Will Ospreay has been absent from the wrestling ring since August, following his participation in AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door. During that event, he faced medical setbacks, including neck and spine issues, which led to his hiatus. His return to the NJPW stage for Tanahashi’s retirement ceremony is anticipated by fans, as his presence alongside Kenny Omega brings additional excitement to the event. Ospreay’s last featured match also included Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kenny Omega as teammates, where they, alongside Kota Ibushi and Darby Allin, claimed victory over Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Gabe Kidd, and the Young Bucks in a notable Lights Out Steel Cage match on August 24.
Key Championship Matches To Watch at Wrestle Kingdom 20
Wrestle Kingdom 20 is not limited to special ceremonies. One of the headline matches will see Konosuke Takeshita, who represents AEW, NJPW, and DDT, defend his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Yota Tsuji, the IWGP Global Champion, in a high-stakes Winner Takes All bout. This contest, along with the retirement of Hiroshi Tanahashi, ensures the event attracts both longstanding NJPW followers and new fans drawn by the cross-promotional appearances of international wrestling stars.
Significance and Anticipated Impact of Will Ospreay’s NJPW Return
Will Ospreay’s scheduled appearance at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 marks his return to the promotion after medical recovery, providing a morale boost for fans eager to see former champions and familiar faces participate in landmark moments. The event also demonstrates NJPW’s ongoing collaboration with AEW, as evidenced by Kenny Omega’s involvement and the high-profile matches set for the night. As Hiroshi Tanahashi retires, his influence on both Japanese and international wrestling is honored, setting a reflective yet optimistic tone for NJPW’s future.
