Gedo Teases Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Wrestle Kingdom 20 Opponent
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is fueling speculation about who will face Hiroshi Tanahashi in his retirement match at Wrestle Kingdom 20.
- After NJPW's Final Homecoming event in Gifu, a backstage interaction between Hiroshi Tanahashi and Gedo was captured on camera.
- NJPW released a translated excerpt of their conversation, revealing the following exchange:
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Gedo hints at Role in Selecting Hiroshi Tanahashi‘s Final Opponent
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New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is fueling speculation about who will face Hiroshi Tanahashi in his retirement match at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Longtime booker Gedo has offered to “make it happen,” suggesting he may be instrumental in choosing Tanahashi’s final opponent.
What Happened?
After NJPW’s Final Homecoming event in Gifu, a backstage interaction between Hiroshi Tanahashi and Gedo was captured on camera. Gedo inquired about Tanahashi’s decision regarding his Wrestle Kingdom 20 retirement match opponent. Tanahashi confirmed he hadn’t yet selected anyone, leading Gedo to offer his assistance in securing a suitable adversary.
NJPW released a translated excerpt of their conversation, revealing the following exchange:
NJPW Translation
Gedo: ‘Tanahashi-san, have you decided on your opponent for your retirement match yet?’
Tanahashi: ‘I haven’t decided on my opponent for my retirement match yet.’
Gedo: ‘It hasn’t been decided yet… If that’s the case, I can make it happen.’
Why This Matters: The Meaning of Gedo’s Involvement
Gedo’s offer is notably noteworthy given his long history with NJPW and his influential role as a booker. He has been instrumental in shaping storylines and match cards for years, and his involvement suggests NJPW is taking the selection of Tanahashi’s final opponent very seriously. This isn’t simply about picking a name; it’s about crafting a fitting end to a legendary career.
Potential Opponents and Fan Speculation
Speculation is already rampant among fans regarding who Tanahashi’s final opponent might be. Several names have been floated,including:
- Kazuchika Okada: A long-time rival and frequent opponent of tanahashi,a match with Okada would be a fitting culmination of their storied history.
- Tetsuya Naito: Another prominent figure in NJPW, Naito has a complex history with Tanahashi, marked by both rivalry and respect.
- Kenny Omega: Omega’s return to NJPW has sparked interest in a potential showdown with tanahashi, representing a clash of generations.
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