Shinsuke Nakamura has reflected on missing Wrestle Kingdom 20 and not being part of Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match.
Tanahashi officially ended his in-ring career at Wrestle Kingdom 20, where he faced his longtime rival Kazuchika Okada in the Tokyo Dome. Okada picked up the win in Tanahashi’s final match, closing the chapter of his professional wrestling career.
A few months ago, reports surfaced that WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura who shares a long history with Tanahashi could face him one last time. While that match never happened, Nakamura made it clear that he hoped to be there.
Speaking with Tokyo Sports, Nakamura addressed his absence from Wrestle Kingdom 20 and explained how he has come to terms with it. He said, “I believe I did everything I could… but that it didn’t happen, well, maybe it was because I had other missions to fulfill. That’s the only way to see it. In its own way, it’s dramatic, I suppose.”
He also shared heartfelt thoughts on Tanahashi’s retirement and what it meant to him personally. Nakamura revealed that discussions about a possible retirement match helped deepen their bond.
“When Mr. Tanahashi’s retirement was decided, while exploring the possibility of facing him in his retirement match, although we have known each other for many years, I felt a connection we hadn’t had before. I truly thank him from the bottom of my heart. I hope that going forward, as president, he will continue to energize not just New Japan Pro-Wrestling, but the entire Japanese pro-wrestling scene.”
While Shinsuke Nakamura was not part of his retirement match, Hiroshi Tanahashi made sure to include him by paying homage with a Kinshasa.
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