New Japan Pro-Wrestling has added a decorated Olympic athlete to its roster. During a press conference, the company officially announced the signing of Aaron Wolf, who won the gold medal in the 100 kg judo competition at the 2020 Olympics.
Shortly after the initial announcement, NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi confirmed that Wolf’s professional wrestling debut will take place at the Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2026, as part of Wrestle Kingdom.
Wolf, who also won gold at the 2017 World Judo Championships, explained his decision to transition into the sport. He mentioned that as a college student, he enjoyed watching NJPW’s programming and came to see wrestling as “a new way to express himself.”
According to Wolf, his training for this new career path began this month. Tanahashi elaborated on the plan, stating that while Wolf will not live in the dojo, he will train alongside the Young Lions and attend NJPW events leading up to his first match.
Bushiroad CEO Takaaki Kidani, representing NJPW’s parent company, expressed his endorsement of the move, stating he was “very happy and appreciative” of Wolf’s choice to enter the world of professional wrestling.
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