The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor has been reflecting on his acclaimed run in NJPW, especially in light of the impending retirement of Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Tanahashi, who is also President of NJPW, was a colleague of Balor’s during his eight-year stint at the company from 2006 to 2014. The Irish star’s run at NJPW saw him win nine championships and several tournaments. But his biggest legacy in Japan was his integral role in the formation of the Bullet Club as both a founding member and the stable’s original leader.
But according to Finn Balor, none of that would’ve been possible without the support he received from a number of prominent Japanese stars – Tanahashi included. Speaking to Tokyo Sports, Balor took the opportunity to thank Tanahashi ahead of the conclusion of his glittering career.
“You’ve had an incredible career. Thank you for being so good to the foreign wrestlers in New Japan. Mr. [Takashi] Iizuka, Mr. [Jushin Thunder] Liger, Mr. [Yuji] Nagata, everyone was so warm. Having teammates like family supporting me helped me adapt quickly to the ring’s harshness. Living in a distant country where you don’t speak the language is scary. But New Japan welcomed me with open arms. I’ll always be grateful.”
Finn Balor’s Love of Performing for Japanese Fans
While Balor isn’t expecting to figure in the final matches of Tanahashi’s career, he will have the opportunity to bask in the applause of his Japanese fans next month. WWE’s international tour will see the company stop off at Tokyo’s Sumo Hall next month on October 17th and 18th. Balor recognized that his wrestling style is very different from the one he honed in Japan, but he is nonetheless looking forward to the shows.
“Performing in Japan is always a joy and an honor. Japanese pro wrestling fans are the best in the world. They show respect, are well-studied, and passionate,” Balor revealed. “Plus, you can’t fool Japanese fans. They spot a bad wrestler immediately. I feel my age now, and my style is different from my NJPW days. But I want to show the high level of skill I had during my time in Japan. I want to deliver the same passion and energy.”
Tanahashi’s final match is scheduled for NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4th, 2026, the company’s flagship event. But he will not be stepping away from wrestling altogether. The Japanese icon will continue his role as NJPW President, a position he has held since December 2023.
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