Kiyoshi Tenzan retires after New Japan Pro-Wrestling match

Professional wrestler Kiyoshi Tenzan officially retired from active competition following a match against Satoshi Kojima at the New Japan Pro-Wrestling G1 Climax 36 event held at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Although the match was initially scheduled for five minutes, Tenzan requested and received approval from President Hiroshi Tanahashi to extend the bout to an unlimited time limit. Tenzan ultimately lost the match after being hit by Kojima’s lariat.

The post-match ceremony featured a large gathering of wrestling legends and peers, including Keiji Mutoh, Riki Choshu, Tatsumi Fujinami, and Masahiro Chono. In a notable moment, Chono delivered a symbolic slap to Tenzan during the ceremony. Tenzan also reconciled with Takashi Iizuka during the event.

In his retirement speech, Tenzan expressed his lifelong passion for professional wrestling and thanked the fans and staff who supported his 35-year career. The event was attended by a capacity crowd of 7,777 spectators.