Hiroshi Tanahashi Returns at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door After Shota Umino Retains

At AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, Shota Umino narrowly retained the IWGP Global Championship against PAC in a hard-hitting, back-and-forth singles match that featured over-the-top-rope table spots, high-flying offense and several near-falls. Umino weathered PAC’s brutal strikes, submissions and aerial attacks before scoring the win with a Northern Lights Bomb.

Following the match the Death Riders and Marina Shafir appeared at ringside in support of PAC, and Jon Moxley briefly entered the ring looking to confront Umino. Hiroshi Tanahashi then made a surprise return — without his trademark blonde hair — stopped the situation, placed the IWGP Global title on Umino’s waist and celebrated with the new champion; Tanahashi’s last AEW outing was at the 2025 Forbidden Door PPV in a Lights Out Steel Cage match.

Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/hiroshi-tanahashi-appears-following-iwgp-global-title-match-at-aew-x-njpw-forbidden-door/.