Finn Balor Expresses Desire For Final Match Against Retiring NJPW Legend Hiroshi Tanahashi

Finn Balor, currently a WWE star and formerly known as Prince Devitt in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), has expressed a strong desire to face NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi in a wrestling match before Tanahashi's retirement at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in January 2026. Balor reminisced about their early days together in NJPW, highlighting Tanahashi's kindness towards foreign wrestlers and the support Balor received from his NJPW teammates during his formative years. Although Balor would love to be Tanahashi's final opponent, he recognizes that the existing business partnerships between NJPW and All Elite Wrestling (AEW), rather than WWE, make this unlikely. Balor also praised Tanahashi's legendary career and his role in welcoming and mentoring foreign wrestlers in the Japanese wrestling scene. Tanahashi, who has been a central figure in NJPW since his debut in 1999 and now serves as company president, will retire from in-ring competition but remain influential behind the scenes. WWE's upcoming return to Japan in October has prompted Balor to reflect on his past in Japan and his admiration for Japanese wrestling fans and culture.