After Bryan Danielson, AEW's Jim Ross comments on the upcoming retirement of another legendary star
Jim Ross recently commented on Bryan Danielson's retirement from the ring in his podcast. In the same episode, he also talked about legendary NJPW star Hiroshi Tanahashi's upcoming retirement.
The American Dragon has officially retired from full-time wrestling after losing the AEW World Championship to Jon Moxley at WrestleDream on October 12. Recently, Tanahashi also revealed that he would hang up his wrestling boots after NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 20, 2026.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross addressed Hiroshi Tanahashi's retirement and congratulated him on having an illustrious wrestling career. He heaped tons of praise on the legendary Japanese wrestler.
"He's the ace. He was the ace there for a long time and he pulled that company. He got hot. He connected with his audience. He got hot and they rode that horse as far as they could go and I've always liked his work. He incorporated a little bit of the American style with his Japanese stuff. He's had a wonderful career so I congratulate him on that."
Ross added:
"I like the way they plan. It's not going to be like they just found out yesterday 'Oh he's not going to be here next week, he's retiring.' They can work around that now. They can do a farewell tour or whatever. He's colorful. He's charismatic and a real decent human being." [From 21:58 to 22:47]
Check out the video below:
Jim Ross wants to see Hiroshi Tanashi in AEW before he retires
During the same podcast, Jim Ross also stated that he would like to see Hiroshi Tanahashi back in AEW before he hangs up his wrestling boots.
"I hope that he passes through AEW again. I have to believe that he will at some point at least that's my hope. Maybe wishful thinking, I don't know but he's a superstar and he made himself a legend in Japan and other parts of the world as well," he stated. [From 22:50 to 23:05]
Because of AEW's working relationship with NJPW, Tanahashi had the chance to fight inside the AEW ring. He fought MJF and Jon Moxley at Forbidden Door in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
While using any quotes from this article, please credit the Grillin' JR podcast and give a H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling.