The New Hiroshi Tanahashi Figure Is The Perfect Goodbye To The Ace
Let’s be honest for a second: we aren’t ready for January 4th. Hiroshi Tanahashi is hanging up his boots after Wrestle Kingdom 20, the wrestling world is collectively preparing to cry its eyes out. The Ace of the Universe, the man who saved New Japan Pro-Wrestling from the dark ages, is done. It’s the end of an era, folks.
But, because retail therapy is the only coping mechanism we know, AEW and Jazwares have decided to hit us right in the wallet while we’re emotionally vulnerable. Just announced by Ringside Collectibles, a brand new “Forever Ace” action figure is up for pre-order, and it might just be the best way to cope with the fact that we won’t see that air guitar forever.
A Forbidden Door Tribute To Tanahashi
Here is why this tribute to Tanahashi is looking like a must-buy. The figure is based on his appearance at Forbidden Door 2023. You remember the match—it was when the Ace stepped through the curtain to challenge MJF for the AEW World Championship. The attire detailing looks sharp in the renders, capturing the flash and flair that defines the Ace.
What Comes In The Box?
For the price point—which we will get to in a minute—you’d expect more than just the figure, and thankfully, you get it. This release is getting the “Supreme” treatment, even if it’s not explicitly labeled as part of the main Supreme line.
The standout accessory here is the entrance jacket. If you collect wrestling figures, you know the pain of plastic, molded jackets that limit articulation and look like garbage. This figure comes with a soft goods jacket. On top of that, you get three sets of alternate hands and alternate head sculpts of Tanahashi. This is crucial because capturing Tanahashi’s hair is an art form in itself.
The Price of Fandom
The figure of Hiroshi Tanahashi listed as a Ringside Collectibles exclusive, and it carries a price tag of $34.99. Is that cheap? Absolutely not. For thirty-five bucks, you could buy a decent indie game or lunch for two (if you go to a cheap place).
However, in the current landscape of collecting, this is becoming the standard for high-end exclusives. You are paying the “fan tax” for the imported license and the exclusive packaging. Is it annoying? Yes. Is it going to stop us from buying it? Probably not, as let’s be real, it’s Tanahashi, this will be a collectible.
The Long Wait for September
Here is the kicker that might actually sting more than the price. If you throw your money at the screen today, you aren’t seeing this figure until late September.
That is a massive wait time. By the time this figure actually arrives on your doorstep, Tanahashi will have been retired for months. The Wrestle Kingdom 20 match against Kazuchika Okada will be a distant memory, and we will have fully processed our grief.
In a way, though, maybe that’s a good thing. Just when you think you’ve moved on from the Ace’s retirement, a package will show up in the mail in the fall to remind you of the glory days. It’s like a time capsule you bought for yourself.
Why This Figure Matters Right Now
There are plenty of wrestling figures out there. You can buy a thousand different versions of Cody Rhodes or Roman Reigns. But this release feels different because of the timing.
With the retirement match looming, every piece of merchandise attached to the NJPW President feels heavier. This isn’t just a toy; it’s a commemorative piece. It celebrates one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all time.
