Summary

Hiroyoshi Tenzan has announced that he will retire from in-ring competition on August 15, with his final match set for the NJPW G1 Climax show at Ryogoku Sumo Hall. NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi said Tenzan will remain involved with the promotion behind the scenes after his wrestling career ends.

The 55-year-old said the decision came after trying to work back from knee and lower back issues. Tanahashi explained that a full return was not realistic, which led to Tenzan deciding to close out his career with one last appearance during the G1 Climax semifinals event.

Tenzan's final match plans

Tenzan said he wants to spend the next three months getting himself into the best condition possible before that final bout. He noted that tag team and six-man formats would be possible, but added that he would prefer to finish on his own terms in a singles match, even if it ends up being a short exhibition.

He also hinted at a specific opponent without naming him directly, saying there is one wrestler fans would immediately connect to his career. The retirement match now becomes one of the major emotional hooks on NJPW's August schedule, especially with the G1 Climax semifinals already drawing attention on the calendar. The company has also been building out its summer slate in recent weeks, including announcing the opening night card for Best of the Super Juniors 33.

Quote from Hiroyoshi Tenzan

"Thank you for coming today. It's been 35 years for me in wrestling, but on August 15, I will officially retire. I don't know whether it's been a long 35 years or if it's gone by in a flash, but I know that I've had so much support from so many people, and I'm so very thankful. I came into this business not knowing right from left, but to come as far as I did, and to have lived as a pro-wrestler is something that I'm truly grateful for. If there's anything that I can do after I retire to help NJPW in any way then I would appreciate the chance."

Tenzan later went on to say:

"I recovered to an extent, but it's still not quite there. I didn't feel able to meet the minimum standard in the ring, and I want to use these last three months to get as close as possible to my best shape. You remember the G1s, the title wins, and most of all the support from the fans. I can still hear and feel those hot crowds, so I wanted my last match to be in Ryogoku. There are all sorts of options. Of course, tagging was a big part of my career, a six man would be fine as well, but I want to go on my own terms in a singles match, even if it's a short exhibition. There is one guy, you can't talk about Tenzan without talking about him. I won't say his name, but I think we can go for it."

What Tenzan's retirement means for NJPW

Tenzan's final match gives NJPW a chance to spotlight one of the defining names of the promotion's 1990s and 2000s history on one of its biggest tournament nights. Tanahashi's comment that Tenzan will stay with the company also means this is being framed as the end of his in-ring run, not a full separation from NJPW.

Sources

As reported by NJPW1972.com