New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) has secured a major signing that bridges the worlds of international combat sports and pro wrestling. During a formal press conference held earlier today, NJPW announced that Aaron Wolf, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist in judo (100kg), has officially joined the promotion.
Wolf, who also captured gold at the 2017 World Judo Championships, brings a decorated athletic résumé and legitimate fighting pedigree to the NJPW roster. This marks one of the most high-profile amateur-to-pro transitions in recent company history.
NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi confirmed that Wolf is set to make his professional wrestling debut at the biggest stage possible — Wrestle Kingdom 20, which takes place on January 4, 2026, inside the iconic Tokyo Dome.
At the press event, Wolf announced that he had just wrapped up his judo career and was now ready to embrace a new challenge. He reflected on his university years, sharing that he was an avid fan of NJPW programming and saw professional wrestling as “a new way to express himself.”
While Wolf won’t reside in the NJPW dojo dormitories, Tanahashi stated that he has officially begun training at the dojo this month. Wolf will train alongside the Young Lions and gain hands-on experience by attending live events as he prepares for his in-ring debut.
Bushiroad CEO Takaaki Kidani, representing NJPW’s parent company, expressed his enthusiasm, stating he was “very happy and appreciative” of Wolf’s decision to join the NJPW family.
Wolf’s transition from Olympic-level judoka to pro wrestling prospect positions him as one of the most intriguing debutants in years. Fans can now look ahead to Wrestle Kingdom 20 with heightened anticipation as a legitimate world-class athlete steps onto the grand stage of puroresu.
Aaron Wolf has signed with NJPW!
Get the full report from his official press conference!https://t.co/dnx1qtyPkD#njpw @maronaaron0225 pic.twitter.com/EzExa7H0nL
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) June 23, 2025
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for all the latest updates on Aaron Wolf’s journey in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
