Tiger Mask IV, whose real name is Yoshihiro Yamazaki, will end his 31-year in-ring career at a New Japan Pro-Wrestling retirement show on July 7.
The six-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion is set to wrestle twice on the card. He faces AEW/ROH talent ‘Dynamite Kid’ Tommy Billington in one bout and Black Tiger, portrayed by Rocky Romero, in the other.
Yamazaki took on the Tiger Mask role in 1995 as the fourth wrestler to do so, following Satoru Sayama, Mitsuharu Misawa and Koji Kanemoto. He has held the character longer than any predecessor.
In an interview with NJPW1972.com, he thanked fans for their support over the years. “It’s thanks to every one of you that I’ve been able to wrestle for so long,” he said, adding that he will continue working and watching NJPW after retirement.
Regarding the future of the Tiger Mask character, he stated he has no strong opinion but believes any successor would need specific qualities to maintain its legacy.
