New Japan Pro-Wrestling held a press conference on April 11 in Tokyo to announce the retirement of Hiroyoshi Tenzan (55), a veteran known for his time in Tencozy, nWo, and G・B・H.
Tenzan appeared alongside NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi. “Tenzan has been sidelined due to back and knee injuries, but he has undergone rehabilitation aiming for a return. However, he informed the company that continuing as an active wrestler would be difficult, and we have accepted his retirement. His final match will take place at the Ryogoku Kokugikan on August 15. After retirement, he plans to remain with NJPW and engage in entertainment activities,” Tanahashi explained.
Tenzan then spoke: “This year marks 35 years of my pro wrestling career. I’ve decided to retire on August 15, 2026. It’s been a long 35 years—whether long or short, I’ve made the decision to step away. I’ve been supported by so many people, and without them, I wouldn’t be here. From being a green rookie to where I am now, it’s almost a miracle. I think these 35 years were a miracle. I’m glad I became a pro wrestler. Even after retirement, I want to continue contributing to NJPW in any way I can,” he said with a smile alongside Tanahashi.
Despite aiming for a comeback, Tenzan admitted the decision was tough. “There were internal conflicts within my contract. As a pro wrestler, I felt I had to deliver a certain level of performance in the ring—something that justifies the high prices fans pay. I lost confidence, struggled with doubts, and knew I had to make things clear. I’ve been thinking about this for months. I want to finish with a proper match.”
Regarding his final match, Tenzan hinted, “It could be an exhibition, even just five or ten minutes. I’ve been thinking about opponents. Then I recalled that President Tanahashi retired, and during his retirement road, I was also on break. I felt the urge to have a match.” He then asked Tanahashi, “President, are you not going to wrestle again?” Tanahashi laughed, recalling, “I remember in the 2003 G1 Climax final, Tenzan really got me.” Tenzan nodded, “Even now I think back, that match was over 20 years ago.” Tanahashi added with a wry smile, “Shinjiro Otani, Shinsuke Nakamura, and I—the three musketeers—all took losses. He was strong.” Tenzan vowed, “When the President last came out, I felt like I had been defeated. I haven’t wrestled since then. But I want to prepare my body properly for the final match.”
Although his last G1 match was at Ryogoku, Tenzan said, “Ryogoku Kokugikan holds both good and bad memories for me. I want to put on a fiery battle during the G1.”
When asked about his best memories, Tenzan reflected, “There are so many. I entered the dojo in March 1990, ran away on the second day, and came back on May 11. That date is special to me. My re-entrance was May 11, and now it’s been 35 years. My rookie days were full of hardships. There were tough guys like Shinya Hashimoto, Jushin Liger, and Riki Choshu. I went on overseas training, changed my name, and have countless memories. The best were winning championships and the G1—those were the happiest moments. Ryogoku is a place where I feel comfortable with the crowd’s support. I want to finish there.”
Regarding regrets, Tenzan said, “I think I did everything I could. There’s nothing more. I’ve given it my all.”
Tanahashi expressed hopes for Tenzan’s future: “Tenzan has charisma. I want him to teach young wrestlers about mindset and share advice from his matches.” When asked about his mentor Masahiro Chono, Tenzan laughed, “I haven’t contacted him yet, but I plan to. He’s like a teacher to me. I’d like to have him as a guest. I’d also like to team up for a Choten Tag.” On his family’s reaction, he said, “They’ve supported me through big fights and everything. I wrestled not just for myself but for my family. Without them, I wouldn’t have made it this far. I’m grateful.”
Tenzan’s current injury status: “About a year ago in mid-May, accumulated damage caused numbness in my legs. I had surgery, and it’s been unsteady, but it’s improving a lot. In the next three months, I’ll see how far I can recover. I want to get my body to the point where I can perform in the ring.”
Despite many wrestlers moving to other promotions, Tenzan has remained loyal to NJPW. “I ran away once at the start, so joining NJPW was a dream. I never considered going to other companies. When I debuted, I was taught by Kotetsu Yamamoto, and I felt I couldn’t turn my back on them. NJPW is the best. I’ve never thought about going elsewhere. I’m happy and grateful,” he said, looking at the lion mark.
For his final match, Tenzan expressed his preference for a singles match. “There are various possibilities. I’d prefer a singles match over a tag team. There’s Tencozy, but I want to pit my strength alone. A singles match would be ideal.” When asked about his opponent, he hinted, “I’d like to say the President, but maybe it’s that guy? I think I’ll go with it,” indicating his intention to name Satoshi Kojima.
Tenzan also plans to visit local fans and give commentary before the final match. When asked about his weight loss, he said with a mixed expression, “It really pisses me off, but maybe it’s okay.” Tanahashi joked, “I’m actually pissed that I gained weight. I piled on 13 kilos in a short time.” Tenzan concluded, “I’m training to be able to move in the ring, so I’ll build my body properly,” aiming to return to form for his retirement match despite injuries.
Hiroyoshi Tenzan (born March 23, 1971, in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture) is 55 years old. His real name is Hiroyoshi Yamamoto. After attending Kyoto Prefectural Yamashiro High School and the NJPW Dojo, he debuted on January 11, 1991, under his real name against Osamu Matsuda (later El Samurai). He returned from overseas training on January 4, 1995, and changed his name to Hiroyoshi Tenzan. He was active in heel stables like nWo. Later, he formed the tag team Tencozy with fellow rookie Satoshi Kojima, winning the IWGP Tag Team Championship. He also captured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Injuries to his neck and back hampered his later career. His signature moves include the Mongolian Chop, Anaconda Vice, and Moonsault Press.