Posted on 1/04/126 by Colin Vassallo
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.