As fans count down John Cena’s final matches and watch AJ Styles approach retirement, another WWE star may be quietly nearing the end.
Following a strong showing against Dragon Lee on last week’s Main Event on Peacock, Akira Tozawa shared a photo from the match and reflected on his future, writing:
“I wonder how many more matches my body can handle.”
Earlier this year, as he celebrated his 20th anniversary as a pro wrestler, Tozawa, 40, posted a similar message in April, saying, “It’s been 20 years since my first match. Maybe I’ve been doing this for too long…”
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However, Tozawa’s physical doubts haven’t shown in his work. He held his own as he helped elevate Lee, matching the Mexican star move for move, punctuated by a dive that looked like Tozawa had been shot out of a cannon.
As Main Event returned from a commercial break, Tozawa shifted the focus to Lee. He took a vicious dropkick in the corner that knocked his headband out of place. Later, he went for a clothesline that Lee reversed into a beautiful sit-out powerbomb for a near-fall. After a late rally, Tozawa did the honors after Lee came off the ropes with a Dragon Driver to score the win.
Tozawa’s efforts did not go unnoticed, gaining recognition from WWE producer and former cruiserweight star Gregory “Hurricane” Helms.
“Maybe the most underrated talent on TV currently. Or at least in the convo,” said Helms in a repost of Tozawa’s recent message.
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If the end is near for the Japanese star, one wouldn’t know it as his timing remains sharp and his movements crisp. He knows when to command the spotlight and how to shine it on others.
A comedic yet sympathetic character, the end of Tozawa’s career could be a storyline that helps launch a new star — a final gesture of giving back to the industry.