Tiger Mask IV Reveals He Needs Back Surgery Following July 7 NJPW Retirement Show

Tiger Mask IV is closing out a 30-year in-ring career with more than a farewell on his mind — the veteran has disclosed that he will need back surgery once his wrestling days are behind him.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling is set to host his retirement show on July 7, and the evening will feature two sendoff matches for the iconic masked competitor. One of those bouts will see him step across the ring from Black Tiger, a role being filled by Rocky Romero.

The revelation of a pending surgical procedure adds a layer of gravity to what is already a significant career milestone. Three decades is a long time to absorb the punishment professional wrestling demands, and the back issues Tiger Mask IV is facing are a reminder of the physical cost that comes with longevity in the business. That he has continued competing at all while carrying this kind of injury speaks to his dedication to giving fans a proper send-off.

Tiger Mask IV has been a fixture in NJPW for much of his career, and his retirement marks the end of an era for the promotion’s junior heavyweight division. Having Rocky Romero — himself a long-tenured NJPW presence — step into the Black Tiger role for one of the farewell matches is a fitting piece of booking that connects the show’s history to its present.

With July 7 on the horizon, Tiger Mask IV will look to go out on his own terms before turning his attention to his post-retirement health.