Update on 48-year-old legend's opponent for AEW X NJPW: Forbidden Door

Forbidden Door, AEW and NJPW's annual crossover event, is set to host a bout involving a 48-year-old wrestling legend. A new update has shed light on the veteran's potential opponent for the event.

The event, set to take place at the O2 Arena in London in August, will mark wrestling veteran Hiroshi Tanahashi’s final match in the United Kingdom. The match is set to be part of The Ace's 'Final Road' retirement tour.

While an official opponent for Hiroshi is yet to be named, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Konosuke Takeshita is being discussed as the likely candidate. The NEVER Openweight Champion is rumored to be lined up for this bout, following recent events involving Tanahashi and The Don Callis Family.

Tanahashi made a surprise appearance at AEW Double or Nothing, teaming with Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, and Kyle O’Reilly in a post-match segment targeting Takeshita’s group, the Don Callis Family members.

Incidentally, Takeshita was Tanahashi’s opponent in his final match in the United States at Windy City Riot earlier this year. Tanahashi's 'Final Road' will conclude on January 4, 2026, putting an end to The Ace's illustrious 26-year career.

AEW's Konosuke Takeshita pays emotional tribute to Hiroshi Tanahashi

AEW star Konosuke Takeshita recently fought Japanese legend Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW's Windy City Riot 2025 event. This was Tanahashi's last match in the US as part of his retirement tour. The match was intense, and in the end, The Alpha beat the veteran.

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After the match, the NEVER Openweight Champion gave a heartfelt speech about Tanahashi.

“Tanahashi, today is the first time I've truly come to respect you from the bottom of my heart. There's just one thing left to do... I forgot to extinguish that tiniest bit of light in you. So please continue to shine until the very end of your retirement. That is my final wish,” said Takeshita.

Tanahashi is scheduled to retire at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026, closing out a storied 26-year career.

About the author

Karan Raj is a senior writer in Sportskeeda's AEW division. He holds an engineering degree from Manipal University, but his passion for sports motivated him to pursue an MSc in Sports Business from the University of Liverpool. Karan has been in the sports marketing industry for the past seven years.

As a lifelong WWE fan and enthusiast of wrestling entertainment, he has always been drawn to the industry's unique blend of sports and storytelling. Karan was introduced to the business by his elder sister when he was 10 years old.

Before assuming his current role at Sportskeeda, Karan worked for several reputable organizations, such as Ting Works LLP and Sportz Interactive, wearing different hats. He also wrote the anthem of UP Rudras, a hockey team that played in the Hockey India League. Karan conducts thorough research while writing articles and only relies on credible sources for information.

Karan's favorite pro wrestler is Seth Rollins. He admires The Visionary's versatility as a performer and his ability to play both heel and babyface characters to perfection. Besides Rollins, Karan looks up to Roman Reigns for his storytelling skills and ability to captivate audiences.

In AEW, he enjoys watching Will Ospreay compete inside the ring. Karan loves The Aerial Assassin's technical in-ring ability and athleticism. If Karan could go back to the Attitude Era, he would combine forces with Jericho and promise to elevate his career to the same level as The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin.When not writing about pro wrestling, Karan loves to play and watch football. It is a huge part of his life.

He is also a massive fan of tennis and is learning to play the sport. Apart from sports, he also knows how to play the ukulele.

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Edited by Arsh Das

Update on 48-year-old legend's opponent for AEW X NJPW: Forbidden Door - Reports

AEW's Konosuke Takeshita pays emotional tribute to Hiroshi Tanahashi