NJPW Tiger Mask Retirement Match Tokyo Korakuen Hall 7/7/2026 – Full Event Results and Highlights
The NJPW Tiger Mask Retirement Match took place on July 7, 2026, at the legendary Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The sold-out crowd of 1,490 fans gathered to celebrate the incredible career of Tiger Mask IV, one of the most respected junior heavyweights in New Japan Pro-Wrestling history. After more than three decades in professional wrestling, Tiger Mask competed in his final matches before receiving an emotional farewell from fellow wrestlers, legends, and fans.
Event Details
- Event: NJPW Tiger Mask Retirement Match
- Date: July 7, 2026
- Venue: Korakuen Hall
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Attendance: 1,490 (Sold Out)
- Promotion: New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
Opening Six-Man Tag Team Match
Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata & Shota Umino
def.
Taisei Nakahara, Toru Yano & Togi Makabe
The evening began with a fun yet competitive six-man tag match featuring several NJPW veterans alongside rising star Shota Umino. Kojima and Nagata controlled much of the action with their veteran experience, while Umino added speed and energy.
The finish came when the babyface team secured the victory with a submission, giving the crowd an exciting start to the historic event.
T.M.D.K. Earns an Impressive Victory
T.M.D.K.
(Kosei Fujita, Hartley Jackson, Ryohei Oiwa & Zack Sabre Jr.)
def.
Unbound Company
(Daiki Nagai, Taiji Ishimori, Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji)
The second match showcased several of NJPW’s top stars and future main-event talents. Zack Sabre Jr. displayed his technical brilliance, while Oiwa and Fujita continued proving why T.M.D.K. remains one of the strongest factions in the company.
The fast-paced encounter featured excellent teamwork before T.M.D.K. picked up the win in convincing fashion.
Tiger Mask IV vs. “Dynamite Kid” Tommy Billington
The first of Tiger Mask’s retirement singles matches saw him face Tommy Billington, carrying on the famous Dynamite Kid legacy.
Both wrestlers exchanged quick counters, technical wrestling, and fast-paced junior heavyweight offense throughout the five-minute contest. Neither competitor could gain a decisive advantage before the time limit expired.
Result: Five-minute time-limit draw.
Tiger Mask IV vs. Black Tiger IV (Rocky Romero)
One of the most symbolic matches of the evening reunited the classic Tiger Mask vs. Black Tiger rivalry.
Rocky Romero brought back the Black Tiger IV persona specifically for the retirement event, giving fans a nostalgic battle between two iconic characters.
The rivals traded quick submissions, strikes, and near falls before the clock again expired.
Result: Five-minute time-limit draw.
Final Match – Tiger Mask IV vs. Black Tiger IV
After the draw, the two agreed to continue with one final short contest.
Tiger Mask wasted no time and surprised Black Tiger with a lightning-fast attack, scoring the pinfall in only 18 seconds.
The victory marked the final win of Tiger Mask IV’s legendary career and brought an emotional conclusion to his in-ring journey.
Emotional Retirement Ceremony
Following the final bell, the entire NJPW roster entered the ring to honor Tiger Mask IV.
The celebration included flower presentations, speeches, photographs, and heartfelt applause from everyone in attendance.
Several legendary figures also appeared, including:
- Jushin Thunder Liger
- Original Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama)
- Tatsumi Fujinami
- Great Sasuke
- Jinsei Shinzaki
One of the night’s most unforgettable moments came when the Original Tiger Mask stepped into the ring and shared a brief exchange with Tiger Mask IV, delighting the Korakuen Hall audience with a symbolic meeting between generations.
Complete Match Results
- Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata & Shota Umino defeated Taisei Nakahara, Toru Yano & Togi Makabe
- T.M.D.K. defeated Unbound Company
- Tiger Mask IV vs. Tommy Billington — Time-Limit Draw
- Tiger Mask IV vs. Black Tiger IV (Rocky Romero) — Time-Limit Draw
- Tiger Mask IV defeated Black Tiger IV (18 seconds)
Final Thoughts
The NJPW Tiger Mask Retirement Match was more than just another wrestling event—it was a celebration of one of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s most respected performers. Tiger Mask IV ended his remarkable career with memorable matches against Tommy Billington and Rocky Romero, while receiving a heartfelt farewell surrounded by wrestling legends, friends, and fans.
Although the event featured exciting wrestling throughout the night, its lasting memory will be the emotional tribute to a performer who proudly carried the legendary Tiger Mask legacy for over 30 years.
