John Cena paid tribute to New Japan’s “Ace” after he retired from the ring this weekend.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 20 marked the final match of Hiroshi Tanahashi. The Japanese wrestling legend ended his in-ring career with a loss to Kazuchika Okada at Tokyo Dome, but he’s continued to receive plenty of praise for his storied career in the aftermath.
John Cena, who recently retired himself, took time to recognize Tanahashi’s accomplishments with a simple post on Instagram. Cena and Tanahashi never shared the ring with one another, but Cena’s post highlights the amount of respect that Tanahashi has earned in the pro wrestling world.
Cena shared a photo of Tanahashi holding the IWGP Championship, a title he won a record-setting eight times:
Despite his in-ring career wrapping up, Hiroshi Tanahashi will continue to be involved with the pro wrestling world. In addition to competing in the ring, Tanahashi is also New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s President and director.
Shinsuke Nakamura has also reflected on not being part of Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Nakamura, who shares a long history with Tanahashi, was rumored to be a potential opponent in the retirement match. While that match never happened, Nakamura made it clear how he felt about not being at the event.
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