AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita has issued a challenge for NJPW Windy City Riot, as he wants to face Hiroshi Tanahashi in the legend’s last match on U.S. soil.
Tanahashi previously announced that he would retire at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 in January 2026. His last match in the United States is set for NJPW Windy City Riot on April 11th.
At NJPW Battle in the Valley, Konosuke Takeshita defeated KUSHIDA to retain the NEVER Openweight Championship. After the match, he called out Tanahashi and challenged him to a match at NJPW Windy City Riot.
Takeshita is the reigning AEW International Champion. He beat Shingo Takagi to win the NEVER Openweight Championship at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19. Takeshita then announced that he was affiliated with NJPW, in addition to his work with AEW and DDT.
Another match is seemingly set for NJPW Windy City Riot, as NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion Gabe Kidd challenged Tomohiro Ishii to a 30-minute Iron Man Match after they fought to a time-limit draw at NJPW Battle in the Valley.
