As the world of professional wrestling continues to evolve, many fans are still reminiscing about the potential dream match that will never come to fruition. A highly anticipated bout between WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura and NJPW’s Hiroshi Tanahashi was reportedly on the cards before the latter’s retirement at Wrestle Kingdom. In a recent interview, Tanahashi opened up about the proposed match and the factors that led to its postponement.
A Dream Match Born of Mutual Respect
The idea of a Tanahashi-Nakamura showdown was always one that captivated fans worldwide. The two wrestling legends have a long history of competing at the highest level, with Tanahashi enjoying a storied career in NJPW and Nakamura making a name for himself in both Japan and the WWE. According to Tanahashi, their proposed match was always a dream scenario, driven by mutual respect and admiration.
“We had been talking about the possibility of facing each other for quite some time,” Tanahashi revealed. “We both had immense respect for each other’s skills and accomplishments, and I think we both felt that a match between us would be a great opportunity to showcase our abilities to a global audience.”
Circumstances That Led to the Postponement
As it turned out, Tanahashi’s retirement at Wrestle Kingdom was a crucial factor in the postponement of the match. With the event marking the end of an era for the legendary wrestler, it was decided that the focus should be on celebrating his remarkable career rather than setting up a new match.
“By the time Wrestle Kingdom rolled around, my own retirement was already a well-known fact,” Tanahashi explained. “I think it was clear to everyone involved that it wouldn’t be the right time to schedule the match with Shinsuke. We both wanted to make it happen, but unfortunately, circumstances didn’t allow it.”
Nakamura’s Reaction to the Postponement
While the dream match never came to fruition, Nakamura has expressed his understanding of the situation. Sources close to the WWE superstar have revealed that he was initially disappointed by the postponement but understood the decision to prioritize Tanahashi’s retirement celebration.
“Shinsuke was a bit disappointed, as you’d expect,” a source close to Nakamura revealed. “However, he’s a professional and respected the decision to focus on Tanahashi’s farewell at Wrestle Kingdom. He’s still hopeful that the match will happen at some point in the future.”
The Possibility of a Future Rematch
Although the Tanahashi-Nakamura match will never take place, there’s still a possibility that the two superstars could face off in the future. Both wrestlers continue to be active in their respective promotions, and a potential rematch could still be on the cards.
“Never say never,” Tanahashi said with a smile. “You never know what the future holds, and I’m sure Shinsuke and I will both continue to compete at the highest level. Who knows? Maybe someday, we’ll get the chance to face each other in the ring after all.”
The Legacy of the Unfulfilled Dream Match
While the Tanahashi-Nakamura match will never come to fruition, its legacy lives on in the hearts of wrestling fans worldwide. The idea of a dream match between two of the world’s greatest superstars continues to captivate audiences, serving as a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that defines the world of professional wrestling.
As one thing is certain – in the world of wrestling, you can never rule out the possibility of a rematch or a new opportunity. The dream match may be postponed, but it will never be forgotten.