AEW President Tony Khan has indicated that a joint show between AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, similar to the 2025 “Wrestle Dynasty” event, is not likely to happen around the upcoming Wrestle Kingdom 20. Last year, the two companies partnered for a major event the night after Wrestle Kingdom 19, but Khan believes the focus for the 2026 show should remain squarely on New Japan Pro-Wrestling and the historic retirement of its president and legend, Hiroshi Tanahashi. Khan’s comments suggest that out of respect for NJPW and the significance of the moment, AEW will not be co-promoting a separate event during that time.
During the AEW WrestleDream post-show press conference, Khan was asked by Phil Lindsey of Bleacher Report about the possibility of another “Wrestle Dynasty” show in January 2026.
“As it stands right now, because I think Wrestle Kingdom this year will be more focused on one event and there is such a huge thing happening there with President Tanahashi’s retirement, that I think people are all focused on the night of Wrestle Kingdom and the success they are happening, which I’m really happy to see and I’m excited about it. I think there is a lot of great momentum.”
Hiroshi Tanahashi is scheduled to have his final, historic retirement match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 at the Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2026. NJPW has also announced that its “New Year Dash” event will take place the following night, on January 5, further solidifying the schedule for their biggest week of the year and leaving little room for a co-promoted supercard.
H/T to Fightful for the transcription. Thanks for checking out this article. Make sure to follow Jeff Jarrett and all things GFE on Facebook.
