• Shinsuke Nakamura Explains Why He Missed Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Retirement
Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 brought together much of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s modern history, with several former rivals returning to the Tokyo Dome to honor The Ace. One absence, however, stood out.
Current WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura was not part of the in-ring farewell, despite his long rivalry and shared history with Hiroshi Tanahashi. Nakamura has now addressed that absence.
Speaking with Tokyo Sports, Nakamura suggested that circumstances simply pulled him in a different direction. He said he felt he had done everything possible, but believed the timing may not have aligned because of other responsibilities.
Nakamura revealed that he and Tanahashi were in contact once Tanahashi’s retirement plans were set in motion. Even while discussing the possibility of sharing the ring one final time, Nakamura said their connection reached a level it had not before, despite years of rivalry.
Although he could not attend in person, Nakamura made sure to acknowledge the moment by sending flowers. Tanahashi returned the gesture during the match itself, delivering a Kinshasa as a tribute to Nakamura.
Nakamura closed by expressing gratitude and respect for Tanahashi, voicing confidence in his future role as NJPW President and his ability to elevate both the company and Japanese professional wrestling as a whole.
• Update On WWE’s New Records
WWE’s scaled-back live event schedule did not prevent the company from posting notable business wins during its holiday run. While house shows are no longer a major focus for WWE, the holiday tour remains one of the few times each year where the company expands its live event footprint. This year’s tour was unusual, however, as WWE skipped its traditional December 26 stop at Madison Square Garden.
That decision did not hurt overall performance. According to Fightful Select, two holiday tour stops exceeded expectations. WWE’s live events in Baltimore and Worcester both ended up becoming the highest-grossing house shows the company has ever run in those respective cities.
The Baltimore show filled the slot typically held by MSG on December 26, while Worcester hosted WWE on January 3. Despite taking place on different dates and in different markets, both events were built around the same featured rivalry.
Each show was headlined by Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre, with WWE varying the presentation by stipulation. Baltimore’s main event was contested under No Disqualification rules, while the Worcester crowd saw the two compete inside a steel cage.
The American Nightmare defeated The Scottish Psychopath to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship during all of their holiday tour matches.
