Hiroshi Tanahashi saves his professional wrestling career with a win over former IWGP Heavyweight Champion

Hiroshi Tanahashi has saved his professional wrestling career with a win over former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, EVIL, at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19. Tanahashi and EVIL crossed paths in a Lumberjack match at the PPV on January 4.

In October 2024, The Ace of The Universe announced he would retire from in-ring duties in January 2026. However, a victory for the House of Torture member at Wrestle Kingdom 19 would've seen the 48-year-old forced into immediate retirement.

EVIL had his House of Torture stablemates, Dick Togo, Yujiro Takahashi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, and SHO, in his corner. Meanwhile, Tanahashi had Oleg Boltin, Tiger Mask, Master Wato, and Toru Yano alongside him.

The match's closing moments saw EVIL hit his opponent with the Everything is EVIL. However, a quick roll-up pinfall saw Tanahashi emerge victorious. Post-match, the House of Torture jumped the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion. The returning Katsuyori Shibata saved Tanahashi before challenging the latter to a match at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5. The challenge was immediately accepted by Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Hiroshi Tanahashi debuted in 1999. Over the years, the Japanese star established himself as one of the biggest names in all of professional wrestling. He is an eight-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, a two-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion, a three-time IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion, a one-time NJPW World Television Champion, and a one-time NEVER Openweight Championship.

The 48-year-old has also competed in Pro Wrestling NOAH, AEW, and CMLL, among other major promotions.