Olympic Judo Champion Aaron Wolf Training at New Japan Dojo Under Yuji Nagata

By: Thom Fain

ANN News footage emerges of Tokyo 2021 gold medalist learning professional wrestling fundamentals from legendary trainer

New footage has surfaced showing Tokyo Olympic judo gold medalist Aaron Wolf actively training at the New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo, working directly with legendary wrestler and trainer Yuji Nagata as he prepares for his January Tokyo Dome debut.

The 29-year-old Wolf, who announced his transition to professional wrestling on Monday after retiring from judo earlier this month, appears to be making rapid progress in fundamental wrestling techniques, with video showing him running the ropes under Nagata’s expert guidance.

Legendary Mentorship Accelerates Training

Yuji Nagata, widely regarded as one of Japan’s greatest professional wrestlers and a master trainer, represents an ideal mentor for Wolf’s transition. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion brings decades of experience in both legitimate martial arts and sports entertainment, having successfully bridged the gap between athletic competition and professional wrestling throughout his career.

The footage of Wolf working with Nagata suggests New Japan Pro Wrestling is taking a serious approach to developing the Olympic champion’s wrestling skills rather than simply capitalizing on his celebrity status. Nagata’s involvement indicates the promotion views Wolf as a long-term investment rather than a novelty act.

Olympic Pedigree Meets Puroresu

Wolf captured men’s 100-kilogram judo gold at his home Olympics in Tokyo 2021, establishing himself as one of Japan’s premier combat sports athletes. His seventh-place finish at the Paris Games in 2024 marked the end of a distinguished judo career that began in childhood.

The Tokyo native, born to a Japanese mother and American father, already commands significant media attention as a regular television personality, bringing built-in promotional value to his wrestling career. His bicultural background and Olympic credentials position him as a potentially significant draw for New Japan’s domestic and international audiences.

Wolf’s career transition follows a well-established pattern among Japanese Olympic judoka. Most notably, Naoya Ogawa won heavyweight judo silver at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before becoming a successful professional wrestler. The precedent suggests Wolf’s athletic background provides a solid foundation for wrestling success.

Other Olympic judo champions from Japan have found success in combat sports after retirement, including Hidehiko Yoshida (78-kg gold medalist in Barcelona) and Satoshi Ishii (2008 Beijing Games heavyweight champion), both of whom transitioned to mixed martial arts rather than professional wrestling.

Lucky Stroke for New Japan

Wolf’s scheduled January debut at Tokyo Dome represents New Japan’s confidence in his drawing power and readiness. The Tokyo Dome, arguably puroresu’s most prestigious venue, typically hosts only the promotion’s biggest stars and most significant matches. Takaaki Kidani, the CEO and President of Bushiroad, previously expressed disappointment in the decline of Tokyo Dome attendance figures. Many fans online have decried the loss of top stars to WWE or AEW, while the company hasn’t produced new stars as fast as their track record might suggest.

The timing allows Wolf several months of intensive training under Nagata’s supervision, potentially ensuring he can deliver credible performances when facing the pressure of wrestling’s biggest stage in his home country.

Wolf’s transition from Olympic judo to professional wrestling represents more than a career change – it’s a cultural bridge between Japan’s rich traditions in both legitimate martial arts and sports entertainment, a path forged by New Japan godfather Antonio Inoki. Wolf’s training under Nagata suggests this transition is being approached with the seriousness and respect both disciplines deserve.

For NJPW Wolf’s recruitment represents a significant coup, bringing Olympic credibility and mainstream media attention to their roster while potentially creating a new star capable of appealing to both traditional wrestling fans and broader Japanese audiences.