Internal conversations have reportedly taken place at NJPW discussing a dream match for Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement at Wrestle Kingdom 2026. The name under consideration is none other than WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura.
Nakamura made his name in NJPW, winning a host of major titles, including the brand’s heavyweight and intercontinental championships, as well as the 2011 edition of the G1 Climax. Nakamura also won the brand’s tag team titles with Tanahashi in 2004.
Since then, Nakamura has widened his international appeal in WWE. His 2018 Royal Rumble win, the subsequent WrestleMania 34 world title match, and three United States Championship reigns rank among his finest achievements with the company.
Nakamura hasn’t wrestled in NJPW since 2016, and his current WWE status remains the biggest hurdle to the dream encounter. A few sources suggest that Nakamura extended his current deal sometime during 2024, which implies that he’s more than happy with his current situation at WWE.
Nakamura’s appearances have been sporadic in recent years, leading to rumors that he could be leaving the company. However, his United States title triumph late last year and a recent return to in-ring action suggest otherwise.
Current WWE/AEW Politics Complicates Nakamura’s NJPW Return
Beyond Nakamura’s WWE deal, the politics of inter-promotion relationships have also complicated any potential negotiations for the dream match. NJPW is closely partnered with AEW, WWE’s main rival. AEW is also partnered with CMLL, which is the direct competition to WWE’s latest acquisition, AAA. While Nakamura vs Tanahashi remains a dream choice for wrestling fans the world over, the political waves that could create may have bigger consequences than that match is worth.
The man himself has been not shy regarding his feelings about a potential NJPW return in some way shape or form. During WWE’s recent tour of Japan, Nakamura mimicked Tanahashi’s poses during his matches, leading to fan speculation online. For now, the match seems like a very distant dream. But as we all know, much stranger things have happened in the world of professional wrestling.
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