NJPW has made the announcement that Olympic gold medalist Aaron Wolf has signed with the promotion.
An emergency press conference was held on June 23 to let the fans know that Wolf, 29, is now a member of the New Japan roster. Wolf was joined at the press conference by Bushiroad CEO Takaaki Kidani and NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Wolf is the son of a Japanese mother and an American father. He won a gold medal in judo at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, representing Japan. Wolf defeated Korean athlete Cho Gu-ham to win the medal. Wolf was also a household name as a television personality up until his retirement from the sport in June. While former Olympians have previously made the transition to professional wrestling, most notably Kurt Angle in WWE following his victory at the 1996 Olympic Games, Wolf is the first Japanese gold medalist to make the switch.
Speaking with the media following the signing, Wolf expressed his excitement at being on a new stage and also expressed his fandom for New Japan. The former Olympian also spoke highly on ‘how cool the wrestlers were in and out of the ring,’ as well as ‘a whole different appeal to judo’. Wolf also added that he wanted to get into wrestling once he had nothing left to prove in the sport of judo.
Wolf also touched on his training, acknowledging that he is a total beginner when it comes to professional wrestling:
‘I won’t waste a second of this time to prepare,’ Wolf stated, continuing that ‘I fully understand that I will be starting from zero.’
NJPW Announces Tentative Debut Date For Former Olympic Wrestler Aaron Wolf
As part of the announcement, officials stated that he hoped to see Wolf make his in-ring debut on Janaury 4, 2026 as part of Wrestle Kingdom 20, New Japan’s biggest show of the year.
NJPW President Tanahashi said the following about the debut during the press conference:
‘Wolf has shown his dedication and passion for pro-wrestling,’ Tanahashi explained, adding that ‘should he make his debut he will be the first Japanese gold medalist to come into professional wrestling. I have high expectations, and I would like to see him debut on January 4 2026 in the Tokyo Dome’.
The show will also see Tanahashi compete for the final time.
Featured image: NJPW.
