New Japan Pro-Wrestling to air in prime time for the first time in 24 years

On November 4th, TV Asahi announced that it will broadcast a special program for "WRESTLE KINGDOM 20," which New Japan Pro-Wrestling will hold at Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo) on January 4th, 2026, from 10:15pm to 11:55pm. This will be the first time that a match by the organization will be broadcast in prime time in approximately 24 years, since May 2nd, 2002.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling has been holding its Tokyo Dome event every year on January 4th since 1992. It has become one of the largest pro-wrestling events in the world, known not only in Japan but also among pro-wrestling fans around the world.

The biggest attraction at this tournament is the retirement match of Hiroshi Tanahashi, a "once-in-a-century talent." Tanahashi, who became president of New Japan Pro-Wrestling in December 2023, will end his 26-year career as a professional wrestler at this tournament. Another hot topic is that Wolf Aaron, a gold medalist in the men's 100kg judo category at the Tokyo Olympics, will be making his professional wrestling debut at this tournament.