Manuel Ish | MP
By: Lewis Carlan
In April 2016, Yuya Aoki joined the Big Japan Pro-Wrestling dojo after being scouted by Yuji Okabayashi while he was still in high school. After spending a few months training, Aoki made his official BJW debut on Jan. 17 2017 at BJW – BJ Winter Vacation 2017 against the man who scouted him, Okabayashi.
Aoki never looked back following that debut as he became a mainstay within BJW, competing in over 140 matches in his rookie year. It took a little over two years for Aoki to win his first major title, the BJW Junior Heavyweight Championship. He defeated the legendary Tajiri to become the top Jr Heavyweight in BJW in Sept. 2019.
On May 4th 2023, Aoki defeated his mentor Okabayashi to win the BJW World Strong Heavyweight Title in a spectacular match that has received great praise. Aoki held that title for record breaking 529 days while making eleven successful title defenses during his reign.
Aoki has proven himself to be one the greatest competitors to compete in BJW.
Monthly Puroresu was able to catch up with Aoki for an exclusive interview as we discussed a variety of topics.
Here is the Monthly Puroresu interview with BJW superstar Yuya Aoki:
Monthly Puroresu:
How disappointing was it that you were not able to win your block in the Ikki Tousen Strong Climb 2025 tournament and make it to the finals?
Yuya Aoki:
Two years ago, I had to drop out halfway through the Ikki Tousen tournament due to an injury during a match. I was aiming for revenge this time, so I’m very frustrated.
Monthly Puroresu:
As we are halfway through 2025, are you satisfied with your in-ring performance this year or do you hope to have a better 2nd half of 2025?
Yuya Aoki:
Of course I’m not satisfied. I still plan to give my all and keep running toward my goals!
Monthly Puroresu:
The Big Japan Pro-Wrestling Strong Division is one of the toughest divisions in all pro wrestling. Why do you think it is such a tough division?
Yuya Aoki:
I think it’s because everyone is working hard to overcome the thick and towering wall that was built by the veterans like Daisuke Sekimoto, Yuji Okabayashi, and Yoshihito Sasaki.
Monthly Puroresu:
You held the BJW Strong Heavyweight Title longer than any other wrestler. How proud are you of that achievement and what does it mean to you to be the longest reigning BJW Strong Heavyweight Champion?
Yuya Aoki:
Records are just numbers. What matters most is how many memorable matches you’ve had that stuck with the fans. And in that sense, I still have a long way to go.
Monthly Puroresu:
Are you hoping for a BJW Strong Heavyweight Title opportunity against Daichi Hashimoto at some point and what are your thoughts on Hashimoto as a Champion?
Yuya Aoki:
Definitely. Out of the many wrestlers out there, I think Daichi Hashimoto is one of the rare ones who truly has a dangerous aura.
Monthly Puroresu:
You competed recently in Germany, how important is it to go to other countries and represent Big Japan Pro-Wrestling?
Yuya Aoki:
Rather than representing Big Japan Pro Wrestling, I wanted to see how far I could go as I am now and purely because I wanted to learn more about overseas wrestling. It was a really valuable experience in my career.
Monthly Puroresu:
Are there any other countries you would like to visit as a representative of Big Japan Pro-Wrestling? Could we see you in the USA one day?
Yuya Aoki:
I’d love to travel more around Europe.
Monthly Puroresu:
Are the BJW Tag Team Titles something you would like to go after and if so, who would be your ideal partner?
Yuya Aoki:
At the moment, there isn’t any specific wrestler I have in mind. However, I do want to create something meaningful with [Masaki] Morihiro, who is a fellow classmate and works as both a referee and a wrestler.
Monthly Puroresu:
Who has been your toughest opponent in the BJW Strong Division?
Yuya Aoki:
Yuji Okabayashi.
Monthly Puroresu:
There have been many inter-promotional matches over the past number of years. Is there a competitor from another promotion you would like to come to BJW and step into the ring with you?
Yuya Aoki:
There are too many wrestlers from other promotions to name, but if I had to pick one, 1 Called Manders.
Monthly Puroresu:
Do you believe you are the face of BJW?
Yuya Aoki:
Still a long way to go.
Monthly Puroresu:
What is your main goal for the rest of 2025 and what would you like to accomplish over the next five years?
Yuya Aoki:
My goal for 2025 is to go overseas one more time. And over the next five years, I want to have matches that stay in people’s memories.
All Big Japan Pro-Wrestling matches can be seen on BJW Core subscription streaming service.
Date:
June 23, 2025
