Shinsuke Nakamura stirred up nostalgia and speculation in Japan on Friday when he dropped a line that longtime New Japan fans didnt expect to hear and it came straight from the playbook of one of his most legendary rivals.
After teaming with Jey Uso in a tag match against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Nakamura grabbed the mic to speak directly to the live Tokyo crowd. According to Tokyo Sports, the former IWGP Intercontinental Champion delivered a heartfelt message before closing with a very familiar phrase.
He followed up by adding: We love you, Japan!
Then, with the crowd still reacting, Nakamura ended with Hiroshi Tanahashis trademark closer: Yaaao!
That simple catchphrase sent shockwaves across social media and even got a direct reaction from Tanahashi himself. The NJPW legend took to X shortly after the event, writing: Huh? I thought I heard something
Nakamura and Tanahashi were two of the central figures during New Japan Pro Wrestlings rebuild through the 2000s and into its explosive growth in the 2010s. Their last singles encounter came during the 2015 G1 Climax, nearly a decade ago, before Nakamura departed for WWE in early 2016. His final New Japan match was in January of that year, where he teamed with Kazuchika Okada and Tomohiro Ishii against Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, and Katsuyori Shibata.
Now, with Tanahashi confirmed to retire on January 4, 2026, at Wrestle Kingdom 20 inside the Tokyo Dome, speculation is swirling over his final opponent especially since he promised it would be a one-on-one match.
Could Nakamura be teasing a return to face Tanahashi one last time? Or was this just a respectful tribute to an old rival and icon of Japanese wrestling?
Do you want to see Shinsuke Nakamura face Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 20? Would that be the perfect retirement match? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
