Hiroshi Tanahashi Hints That Super Rookie Aaron Wolf Could Win The Tokyo Sports MVP Award In 2026

By: Lewis Carlan

Back on June 23rd, Judo Gold Medalist Aaron Wolf signed a contract to begin competing in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. The signing was heralded as big one for NJPW as Wolf was sought after by numerous promotions due to his star potential.

Wolf is set to make his pro-wrestling debut on Jan. 4th 2026 at Wrestle Kingdom 20 as he challenges EVIL for the NEVER Openweight Title in front of over 50,000 fans at the Tokyo Dome.

On December 17th, Hiroshi Tanahashi, who is wrestling his final match at Wrestle Kingdom 20, and Wolf held a public sparring session in Tokyo.

Photo Credit: NJPW

Following the session, Tanahashi gave an interview and showered Wolf with great praise. He indicated that Wolf is not the average Young Lion and wants him to go beyond the rookie of the year award and aim for the MVP in 2026.

From Hiroshi Tanahashi:

“He’s not your average Young Lion, and he’s 29 years old, isn’t he? He doesn’t need to be conscious of conventional wisdom, so I hope he’ll find his own image of a professional wrestler and rise to the top. It would be interesting if he had a winning streak like (Bill) Goldberg, and I hope he becomes that kind of person. I want him to go beyond the Rookie of the Year award and aim for MVP.”

Wolf appreciated the confidence Tanahashi has in him but clearly indicated he wanted to take it one step at a time.

From Aaron Wolf:

“I appreciate it, but first I think it’s important to keep my feet firmly on the ground and aim for what I should be aiming for. If that ultimately leads to MVP, I’ll be happy, and it’s motivating to hear Tanahashi say that.”

Wolf will hit the ground running if he can defeat EVIL for the NEVER Openweight Title at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Tanahashi, for his part, will face Kazuchika Okada in his final match as he is set to retire after the annual Tokyo Dome event.