Manuel Ish | MP
Back on Nov. 19th 2016, a young 19 year old rookie named Yuya Aoki made his in-ring debut for Big Japan Pro-Wrestling as he lost an exhibition match to his mentor Yuji Okabayashi. Aoki’s official debut for BJW came on Jan. 17th 2017 as he lost once again to Okabayashi.
Since his debut, Aoki has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success within BJW as he held numerous titles including the BJW Jr Heavyweight & BJW World Strong Heavyweight Titles. Aoki holds the record for the longest reigning BJW World Strong Heavyweight Champion at 529 days. He has been one of the top stars and most recognizable faces for the promotion for numerous years.
On Jan. 8th, it was announced that Aoki had decided to depart BJW after 10 years to begin competing as a freelancer.
His time with BJW officially came to end on Feb. 28th and Aoki has announced that he will be competing for various promotions in March 2026.
Aoki is two days into his career as a freelancer with the prospect of an exciting future ahead for the talented pro-wrestler. He recently won the UWA Tag Team Titles with Masaki Morihiro and will no doubt be looking to add more gold around his waist from various organizations.
Monthly Puroresu was able to catch up with Aoki for an interview as we discussed his time with BJW, his future as a freelancer and much more!
Here is the Monthly Puroresu interview with freelancer star Yuya Aoki:
(Please note, this interview took place prior to Feb. 28th)
Monthly Puroresu:
Congratulations on winning the UWA Tag Team Championship with Masaki Morihiro. What does this huge victory mean to you?
Yuya Aoki:
The goal and the beginning of one story for Masaki Morihiro.
Photo Credit: BJW
Monthly Puroresu:
What are your thoughts on your tag team partner Masaki Morihiro?
Yuya Aoki:
He is a man who gets back up time and time again.
Monthly Puroresu:
You have decided to depart BJW after being with the organization for 10 years. What are the reasons you have decided to leave BJW?
Yuya Aoki:
Because I wanted to wrestle and compete with various organizations and various wrestlers.
Monthly Puroresu:
Are you leaving BJW on good terms? Would there be an opportunity to compete in BJW again in the future as a freelancer?
Yuya Aoki:
Yes.
Photo Credit: BJW
Monthly Puroresu:
How would to describe your time with BJW over the past 10 years?
Yuya Aoki:
It brought me a lot of experiences as a person and as a wrestler, and I was able to grow.
Monthly Puroresu;
What do you believe is your greatest accomplishment while in BJW?
Yuya Aoki:
Making my debut as a professional wrestler.
Photo Credit: BJW
Monthly Puroresu;
How do you feel about the future state of BJW?
Yuya Aoki:
I think the generation of Kazumasa Yoshida, Ryuma Sekimo and Koshiro Asakura will take center stage.
Monthly Puroresu;
With your final match as a member of BJW is fast approaching, how will your emotions be? Will you feel any sadness?
Yuya Aoki;
While there’s excitement about going freelance, I also will feel a bit sad and lonely.
Photo Credit: BJW
Monthly Puroresu:
As you are now set to become a freelancer at the end of February, what are your plans?
Yuya Aoki:
I’ll give my all as Yuya Aoki in pro wrestling to every promotion that calls me and every opponent I face.
Monthly Puroresu:
Are there any promotions you would like to compete in? Or any opponent you’d like to face.
Yuya Aoki:
From Japan to the world, I’ll take on anyone!
Photo Credit: BJW
Monthly Puroresu:
I always thought you vs. Kento Miyahara would be an interesting match-up. Your thoughts on Miyahara as a potential opponent?
Yuya Aoki:
I think he’s an amazing wrestler with incredible stamina, speed, and presence.
Monthly Puroresu:
What do you hope to accomplish in the next ten years of your career?
Yuya Aoki:
I want to find many rivals.
Monthly Puroresu:
What message will you like to say to your fans as you are now going to be a freelancer?
Yuya Aoki:
If you’re reading this interview, you’re either seriously eccentric or a die-hard pro wrestling fan! But pro wrestling is something that gets everyone fired up, whether you’re eccentric or a wrestling fan! Please continue to support pro wrestling like this!
(English translations via Deepl.com)
Monthly Puroresu would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Yuya Aoki for granting us this interview.
Date:
March 3, 2026
