New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced that Japanese Judo Olympic gold medalist Aaron Wolf is the newest addition to their roster.
On June 23rd, New Japan Pro-Wrestling held a sudden press conference to share an announcement. NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi and Bushiroad CEO Takaaki Kidani attended the special event. They revealed that Aaron Wolf, a Japanese judoka and Olympic gold medalist, has signed a contract with the promotion as an in-ring competitor.
Wolf previously won a gold medal for the men’s 100kg judo in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. However, he retired from judo earlier this month to transition into a professional wrestling career. At the press conference, Hiroshi Tanahashi revealed that it was Aaron Wolf who expressed interest in competing for NJPW as he approached the company to join. While his athletic background in judo is advantageous, Wolf admitted that there is still much for him to learn in the pro wrestling world. He specifically notes that taking back bumps is a relatively new skill he is yet to master as a rookie.
Aaron Wolf is expected to make his official New Japan Pro-Wrestling debut and in-ring debut at WrestleKingdom 20 on January 4, 2026.
