The Sky Is The Limit: Yuya Aoki Takes His Career To New Heights As A Freelancer

By: Lewis Carlan

Yuya Aoki’s pro-wrestling career began with Big Japan Pro-Wrestling on Nov. 19th 2016 when Aoki, then only 19, stepped into the ring for an exhibition bout with the individual who had recruited him and served as his mentor, Yuji Okabayashi. While Aoki lost to Okabayashi, he immediately became the promotion’s most promising young star.

Photo Credit: BJW

Aoki lived up to all the expectations that were set upon him within BJW as he went on to win the BJW Junior Heavyweight and the BJW World Strong Heavyweight Titles. He holds the record for the longest reign as the BJW World Strong Heavyweight Champion at 529 days. Aoki had been one of the top stars and most recognizable faces for the promotion for numerous years.

When 2026 rolled around, things within BJW seemingly had gotten stale for him. After nearly 10 years with BJW, there wasn’t anything left for Aoki to accomplish with the promotion. His career seemed to somewhat stall and facing the same opponents was not allowing him to improve or further his talented abilities.

Photo Credit: 2AW

Aoki decided the best thing to do for his career was to depart BJW. On Jan. 8th, it was announced that Aoki would be leaving BJW to begin competing as a freelancer. Aoki was asked by Monthly Puroresu what led to his decision to leave BJW and become a freelancer, he responded by saying, “I wanted to explore my own style of pro wrestling in different places and against different opponents.”

Aoki indicated that he vows to give it his all in pro wrestling to every promotion that calls him and against every opponent he faces.

After becoming a freelance competitor, a re-charged Aoki became a sought after commodity as he brought his talents to numerous promotions including All Japan Pro-Wrestling, GLEAT, DDT Pro-Wrestling and Active Advance Pro Wrestling a.k.a. 2AW.

Photo Credit: All Japan Pro-Wrestling

On June 8th, Aoki made his Pro Wrestling NOAH debut on Monday Magic. Aoki teamed with Fuminori Abe as they faced Kaito Kiyomiya & Titus Alexander in the main event of the Monday Magic episode. The match was well-received by the fans in attendance and watching at home on Wrestle Universe. Kiyomiya offered praise by calling Aoki as well Abe amazing following the action-packed bout.

Aoki was asked how becoming a freelancer has help him improve as a pro-wrestler and he told Monthly Puroresu, “The wealth of experience I gain from competing against a variety of opponents.” Aoki has definitely stepped up his game as a pro-wrestler since leaving BJW and is expected to continue to thrive as he gains more experience against an assortment of opponents.

Despite officially leaving BJW, Aoki remained on good terms and has continued to compete for the promotion as a freelancer. In talking to Monthly Puroresu, the question was posed to Aoki if he has any regrets leaving BJW to which he responded, “Even though I feel a little lonely, I have no regrets.”

Since leaving BJW, Aoki has won championship gold as he holds the UWA World Tag Team Championship with Masaki Morihiro and the 2AW Tag Team Titles with his THE RED LINE faction teammate Tatsuya Hanami. He was asked if there were any other specific championships he was looking to pursue and Aoki answered, “Titles are one thing, but right now, my priority is finding a worthy rival.”

Photo Credit: Active Advance Pro Wrestling

As to what he enjoys most as a freelancer, Aoki stated, “The chance to compete at venues where I’ve never been before, against opponents I’ve never faced, and in front of fans who don’t know me.” As for the biggest challenge, Aoki admitted it’s the risk of serious injury. This is most likely due to the different opponents with different styles in different promotions he now faces on a weekly basis.

Aoki appears to be impressing the powers that be at AJPW as he has made a number of appearances for the promotion since becoming a freelancer. Aoki has really been enjoying his time with AJPW, you can feel his excitement whenever he sets foots inside an AJPW ring.

In addition, he has become a regular for GLEAT, 2AW & 666 as he has appeared on events for each promotion since March.

Photo Credit: GLEAT

When asked if he would be open to joining another promotion as a full time member of its roster, Aoki indicated he would, in fact, be open to it.

The AJPW Jr Heavyweight Division could use a boost and Aoki joining that division would give it another viable competitor which would result in fresh, exciting matches. Imagine Atsuki Aoyagi vs. Yuya Aoki or Rising HAYATO vs. Aoki or even the AJPW Jr. Heavyweight Champion Dan Tamura defending against Aoki?

As for GLEAT, Yuya Aoki challenging El Lindaman for the G-Rex Championship would have the potential to be a great one as both competitors match up well.

Photo Credit: UWA

Aoki is a perfect example of a talented pro-wrestler who just needed leave a situation, his case BJW, so he could showcase his abilities against a variety of different opponents in front of new crowds. Yuya Aoki has proven in his short time as a freelancer that he has the potential to become a genuine superstar for any promotion as he gives it 110% each and every time.

Quite frankly, Aoki made the best choice for his career when he decided to depart BJW and compete as a freelancer back in Feb. 2026. Pro-wrestling fans need to be take notice and keep their eyes on Yuya Aoki as the best is yet to come from this very talented competitor. For Aoki, the sky is truly the limit.

(All English quote translations via Deepl.com)