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Monday, June 30, 2025

Why Olympic Gold Medalist Aaron Wolf Chose NJPW

A major topic of conversation among fans and within the wrestling media that follows the international wrestling scene is that Aaron Wolf, who won a gold medal in judo at the 2020 Summer Olympics, has signed with NJPW. Set to make his in-ring debut at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026 – the same date as the legendary Hiroshi Tanahashi's retirement match – Wolf's decision to join NJPW has sparked discussion. With reports indicating options with other major promotions, and that Wolf made this choice after consulting with former NJPW star and current AEW star Kazuchika Okada, many are asking: Why did Aaron Wolf choose NJPW?"



Aaron Wolf's choice speaks volumes about the reputation and unique appeal of NJPW, especially for an athlete seeking to learn the craft from the ground up. According to reports, Kazuchika Okada advised Wolf that "If you want to learn pro wrestling from scratch, New Japan Pro-Wrestling is the place to be." After initially being trained by legend Ultimo Dragon, Okada continued his training in NJPW. A sign of a great place to train is if it has a notable track record of graduates who have had good exposure. While in NJPW, Okada held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship five times (with his fourth reign lasting 720 days, the longest in the company’s history), and later held the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship two times (with Okada's first reign being the fourth-longest in the company's history). In 2024, he signed with AEW, where he captured the AEW Continental Championship. Okada's success in the pro-wrestling industry is a ringing endorsement for the training that NJPW offers.



NJPW's training features the Noge Dojo system, a form of training that focuses on understanding fundamentals, ensuring that students comprehend the nuances of psychology and physical execution that define the biggest wrestling company in Japan. For an Olympic judoka, this environment offers a seamless transition from one demanding combat sport to another, where technique, discipline, and resilience are primary.

Beyond the training philosophy, Aaron Wolf brings cross-cultural appeal to NJPW. As a Japanese-American born in Tokyo to a Japanese mother and American father, he has a heritage that resonates with both the domestic Japanese audience and the international fanbase. Also, Wolf's Olympic gold medal instantly gives him a high level of public recognition and athletic credibility. This combination positions Wolf as a potential Ace - a top-tier cornerstone who NJPW can build around in the coming years. Hiroshi Tanahashi had the responsibility of being NJPW's Ace in the past, and Wolf's background offers a fresh, compelling narrative for a new generation. His debut at Wrestle Kingdom 20, on the same night as Tanahashi's retirement, symbolically marks the passing of a torch and the beginning of a new era for the promotion.



While Aaron Wolf's judo success is notable, the pro-wrestling industry is a completely different world. The road ahead for him will be challenging, as he himself states he is "starting from zero" in pro-wrestling. However, with the backing of NJPW's respected dojo, the guidance of figures like legend Yuji Nagata (who is currently a trainer in NJPW and has been in contact with Wolf), and the value of an Olympic gold medal, his journey is one of much potential. Wolf's decision to immerse himself in the traditional, fundamental approach of NJPW is a good match for his prior athletic experience. As Wolf prepares for his Tokyo Dome debut, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see how he will make an impact in NJPW.

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