
NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi made an unexpected appearance at AEW Double or Nothing 2025, coming to the aid of the faction known as Paragon. The intervention occurred following a contentious match and subsequent attack involving The Don Callis Family and their associates.
The match featured Paragon members Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong facing the team of Josh Alexander, Konosuke Takeshita, and Kyle Fletcher. Reports indicate that Alexander, Takeshita, and Fletcher secured the victory.
Their win was reportedly achieved with assistance from Don Callis, Lance Archer, Rocky Romero, and Trent Beretta. Following the conclusion of the match, these individuals, aligned with The Don Callis Family, continued an assault on the members of Paragon.
Related content
As Paragon was being overwhelmed, Brody King and Tomohiro Ishii emerged to offer assistance. They were then joined by NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi, whose arrival marked a significant turn of events.
The combined reinforcements, including Tanahashi, proceeded to the ring to confront the aggressors. During this intervention, Hiroshi Tanahashi delivered a slingblade maneuver to Kyle Fletcher, helping to even the odds against The Don Callis Family affiliates, which also included Lance Archer and RPG Vice (Rocky Romero and Trent Beretta) in the post-match attack.
Brody King and Tomohiro Ishii brought together… HIROSHI TANAHASHI TO CLEAN HOUSE ON THE HEELS.
— Drainmaker (@DrainBamager) May 26, 2025
THE ACE OF THE UNIVERSE IS HERE AT DOUBLE OR NOTHING.
pic.twitter.com/ZYJAKqUi2O
This appearance by Hiroshi Tanahashi signifies his return to an AEW setting, positioning him as a key figure in the ongoing faction-based conflicts, particularly in opposition to The Don Callis Family.
READ MORE: AEW’s Recent Show Format Changes Explained