Hirsohi Tanahashi paid tribute to WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura during his final match against Kazuchika Okada today at the Tokyo Dome.
After leveling Okada with a Bomaye, a move regularly performed by Nakamura, Tanahashi started doing Nakamura’s hand motion and the crowed popped big. He then went to the corner, held on to the top rope and did Nakamura’s signature drop with the fans chanting along. Tanahashi then hit Okada with the Kinshasa.
Nakamura, who at one point was considered for the coveted spot to face Tanahashi in the Wrestle Kingdom 20 main event, was not present at the show, but was watching the event live, and posted “I’m watching you” during the match.
NJPW’s close relationship with AEW complicated matters to have Nakamura wrestle Tanahashi, or even appear at the show.
Several former NJPW stars who are now part of the AEW roster, like Kenny Omega, Katsuyori Shibata, Will Ospreay, and Jay White, were part of the retirement ceremony following the match.
[WRESTLE KINGDOM 20 SPOILERS] Hiroshi Tanahashi with a tribute to Katsuyori Shibata and Shinsuke Nakamura
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