Hiroshi Tanahashi is making one last stop in the United Kingdomand hes saving it for the biggest possible stage.
NJPW has officially announced that The Ace will compete at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door on August 24 at the O2 Arena in London. The bout will mark Tanahashis final match in the UK before his upcoming retirement at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026.
Tanahashis return was first teased at AEW Double or Nothing on May 25, when he made a surprise appearance following a six-man tag match involving Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, and Kyle OReilly against the Don Callis Family. After the match, the Callis Family launched a post-match beatdownbut Tanahashi stormed in to even the odds.
AEWs Double or Nothing Pay Per View event on May 25 saw the sudden appearance of Hiroshi Tanahashi! NJPW confirmed in their statement. Brody King and Tomohiro Ishii would even the odds somewhat though, and then Hiroshi Tanahashi would tip things over the edge, delivering a Slingblade to Kyle Fletcher.
Tanahashi later spoke on AEW Collision, explaining why he got involved and whats ahead. In his own words, Forbidden Door will host his final match on British soil.
Forbidden Door on August 24 in Londons O2 Arena will see his final match in the UK, NJPW noted. Who will he face on this momentous occasion?
That opponent hasnt been announced yet, but fans are already speculating who will get the honor of facing Tanahashi in such a meaningful sendoff. With Tanahashis retirement set in stone, every match between now and January will carry added significanceand this UK farewell is no exception.
Who do you think should face Hiroshi Tanahashi in his final UK match? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
