Hiroyoshi Tenzan retires after 35-year professional wrestling career

Hiroyoshi Tenzan has retired from professional wrestling after a 35-year career. In his final match during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) G1 Climax tournament, the 55-year-old faced longtime ally and rival Satoshi Kojima at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.

Tenzan requested the removal of the originally scheduled five-minute time limit to ensure a definitive conclusion. After a competitive bout featuring signature moves like the Mongolian Chop and Anaconda Vice, Kojima secured the victory with a lariat. Following the match, Tenzan was honored by a large gathering of wrestling peers and former adversaries.

Throughout his career, Tenzan achieved significant milestones, including being a four-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and a record 12-time IWGP Tag Team Champion. He was also a three-time G1 Climax winner.