Hiroyoshi Tenzan Retires at 55 After Final Match Against Satoshi Kojima

Hiroyoshi Tenzan has officially brought an end to his legendary professional wrestling career at the age of 55. The Japanese wrestling icon competed in his final match at New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s G1 Climax 36, closing the chapter on a career that spanned more than three decades.

Tenzan began his professional wrestling journey with NJPW in 1991 and went on to establish himself as one of the most decorated stars in Japanese wrestling. After announcing his retirement in May, the veteran finally stepped into the ring for the last time against a familiar opponent.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan loses final match to Satoshi Kojima

Tenzan’s final opponent was Satoshi Kojima, a wrestler with whom he shared a long and successful history. The two former tag team partners previously won the IWGP Tag Team Championship together on six occasions, making Kojima a fitting opponent for Tenzan’s farewell bout.

The match initially featured a five-minute time limit, but Tenzan demanded that the restriction be removed. The decision was met with a positive reaction from the live audience as the veteran received the opportunity to compete without the usual time constraint.

Despite putting up a fight in his final appearance, Tenzan ultimately suffered defeat at the hands of his longtime friend and former tag team partner. Following the match, members of the NJPW locker room came out to give the retiring star a warm farewell.

Takahashi Iizuka makes emotional appearance at Tenzan’s retirement

The retirement segment also featured another important figure from Tenzan’s career. Former tag team partner Takashi Iizuka, who retired from professional wrestling in 2019, appeared after the match.

Iizuka initially attacked Tenzan, prompting Kojima to intervene. However, Tenzan eventually stopped Kojima from continuing the confrontation and encouraged his former friend to move past the situation.

The emotional moment ended with Iizuka breaking character and embracing Tenzan, providing a memorable conclusion to the veteran’s farewell.

Tenzan leaves behind a remarkable NJPW legacy

Over a career lasting approximately 35 years, Tenzan competed in more than 3,000 matches and collected numerous championships. He became a four-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and also won the IWGP Tag Team Championship 12 times, a record that highlights his consistency and longevity.

His accomplishments, longevity and association with some of NJPW’s biggest stars have cemented Tenzan’s place among Japanese professional wrestling’s most respected veterans.

Former WWE Champion Layla also confirms she will not wrestle again

Tenzan’s retirement came alongside another update involving a former WWE women’s wrestling star. Former WWE Women’s Champion Layla recently confirmed that she has no plans to return to in-ring competition.

The 49-year-old former WWE star explained that she deliberately chose a private life after retiring from wrestling. Although she has recently returned to the spotlight through outside-the-ring projects, Layla made it clear that wrestling is not part of her plans.

“To be clear, not to wrestle. That itch, I do not have,” Layla said during an interview with TMZ Sports.

While wrestling retirements can sometimes lead to surprise comebacks, both Tenzan and Layla have currently made their positions clear about returning to active competition.

What comes next for Hiroyoshi Tenzan?

With his final match now complete, Tenzan’s competitive wrestling career has officially reached its conclusion. His farewell at G1 Climax 36 provided an emotional ending that brought together several important figures from his long NJPW journey.

For fans, Tenzan’s retirement marks the end of an era for one of the most experienced performers of his generation. His championship achievements and decades of contribution to NJPW will remain an important part of his legacy.