Hiroyoshi Tenzan Announces Retirement, Final Match Slated for August 15 at Sumo Hall

Hiroyoshi Tenzan, a four-time IWGP Champion, announced at a press conference Monday morning that he will retire this summer, with his final match scheduled for August 15 during the G1 Climax semifinals at Ryogoku Sumo Hall. The veteran, who has wrestled only sporadically in recent years, has not competed since April of last year and has often been limited to opening matches alongside longtime partner Satoshi Kojima or fellow Great Bash Heel member Togi Makabe.

A product of the NJPW dojo who debuted in 1991, Tenzan rose to prominence in the mid-1990s and was a founding member of nWo Japan in 1997. He is a prolific tag team champion—winning the IWGP Tag Team titles 12 times with partners such as Masahiro Chono, Satoshi Kojima and Osamu Nishimura—captured his first IWGP Championship in 2003 over Yoshihiro Takayama, later held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, and made history in matches that included Kojima holding both the All Japan Triple Crown and the IWGP title.

Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/hiroyoshi-tenzan-to-retire-from-pro-wrestling-in-august/.