Hiroshi Tanahashi Vs. Kazuchika Okada Set For NJPW New Beginning In Osaka

With the news that Kazuchika Okada is set to depart New Japan Pro-Wrestling, plans have changed for ‘The Rainmaker’s final NJPW appearances, with one last singles clash against Hiroshi Tanahashi set for The New Beginning in Osaka.

Okada is set to leave NJPW after fulfilling his obligations, and whilst the February 11 show in Osaka was set to see Okada, Tanahashi, and Shingo Takagi defend their NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Titles against T.M.D.K.’s Kosei Fujita, Mikey Nicholls, and Shane Haste, this will now take place on January 24 in Karakuen Hall, with Tanahashi vs. Okada instead having a singles match in Osaka.

The two NJPW legends have faced off in singles competition 16 times over the last 14 years, with Okada leading their series with eight wins to Tanahashi’s five, with the two also having wrestled three time-limit draws. Okada memorably defeated Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at The New Beginning in Osaka in 2012.

Whilst Okada’s future outside of NJPW has yet to be confirmed, Tanahashi remains committed to NJPW, with the ‘Ace’ having recently taken over as NJPW President from Takami Ohbari.