Wrestle Kingdom, the biggest event in Japan’s New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), has become synonymous with legendary matches and unforgettable moments. For Hiroshi Tanahashi, the event marked the culmination of an illustrious career, as he stepped into the ring for the final time against Kaito Nishimura. However, a dream match that was on the cards, featuring Tanahashi and WWE superstar Shinsuke Nakamura, was sadly delayed due to circumstances beyond their control.
In a recent interview, Tanahashi opened up about the would-have-been encounter with Nakamura, one that many fans had been eagerly anticipating for years. According to Tanahashi, he and Nakamura had made plans to face each other in what would have been an unforgettable encounter.
A Match for the Ages
Tanahashi and Nakamura are two of the most accomplished wrestlers of their generation, with a combined wealth of experience and accolades that span multiple continents. A match between the two would have been a clash of styles, with Tanahashi’s high-flying, hard-hitting approach pitted against Nakamura’s intense, hard-hitting style.
“It was something we had discussed for a long time,” Tanahashi said in an interview with this publication. “We were both excited about the prospect of facing each other, and we had agreed that it would be a great way to cap off my career. Unfortunately, circumstances didn’t allow it to happen.”
Behind the Scenes: A Clash of Schedules
According to sources close to Tanahashi, the delay in the match was due to scheduling conflicts. Tanahashi was set to retire after Wrestle Kingdom, while Nakamura’s WWE commitments meant that he was unable to participate in the event.
“Shinsuke’s WWE schedule was a major factor in the delay,” a WWE insider revealed. “He was committed to a series of dates that couldn’t be rescheduled, and unfortunately, that meant that the Tanahashi-Nakamura match was pushed back.”
Looking Back: The What-Ifs
While the delay was undoubtedly disappointing for fans, Tanahashi remains philosophical about the situation. “It’s not meant to be,” he said, shrugging off the disappointment. “I’m proud of the career I’ve had, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to face some of the best wrestlers in the world. If it was meant to be, it would have happened.”
In the end, Tanahashi’s final match against Kaito Nishimura turned out to be a memorable encounter, with Tanahashi emerging victorious. However, the question on everyone’s mind remains: what could have been if Tanahashi and Nakamura had faced each other in what would have been a truly unforgettable encounter?
A Legacy that Continues to Inspire
As Tanahashi looks back on his career, he is filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. From his early days in NJPW to his rise to the top, Tanahashi has been a trailblazer, inspiring a generation of wrestlers with his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to his craft.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this wonderful organization,” he said, reflecting on his time in NJPW. “I’ve had the privilege of facing some of the greatest wrestlers in the world, and I’ve learned so much from them. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I know that my legacy will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers.”
In the world of professional wrestling, the what-ifs are endless, and the dream matches that never quite happen are a reminder of the fragility of the sport. However, for Hiroshi Tanahashi, the legacy he has built will continue to inspire and captivate fans for years to come.