Peatzilla | MP
By: Lewis Carlan
Back on June 23rd 2025, Olympic gold medalist judoka Aaron Wolf officially entered the world of pro-wrestling when he signed a contract to compete for New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
After being highly touted by NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi, Wolf made his debut following six months of pro-wrestling training at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in front of 46,913 fans. In his very first bout, Wolf received a championship opportunity as he challenged EVIL for the NEVER Openweight Title.
Wolf got his pro-wrestling career off to a lightning fast start as he defeated EVIL to win the NEVER Openweight Championship. Becoming a champion in your very first pro-wrestling match is an extremely rare accomplishment but was achieved by the talented Wolf.
The championship win introduced the world to the immense potential of Aaron Wolf as fans will be focused on the progression of the super rookie.
Now in possession of the NEVER Openweight Title, it will be interesting to see how Wolf handles the pressures of being a champion. With a target now on his back, he will face his first challenger in the form of House of Torture’s Ren Narita at NJPW’s THE NEW BEGINNING in OSAKA on Feb. 11th.
With a number of top talent departures recently, NJPW could very well be looking to Wolf to fill one of those voids left.
Despite his pro-wrestling career being in its infancy, Wolf seems destined to thrive in 2026 as he goes full steam ahead in his attempt to become one of the top stars for NJPW.
Aaron Wolf graciously gave some of his time to us here at Monthly Puroresu to discuss a number of topics.
Here is the Monthly Puroresu interview with NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion and super rookie Aaron Wolf:
Monthly Puroresu:
Congratulations on winning the NEVER Openweight Championship in your first match. How does it feel becoming a champion in your debut bout?
Aaron Wolf:
First of all, I’m happy that I was able to establish and show the work that I’d put in building a solid pro-wrestling foundation for the six months I had to prepare. At the same time though, I know watching the match back that there were definitely some clumsy moments in there that I need to work on. What I want to do is keep getting better and have people say that first match was my worst one ability wise.
Monthly Puroresu:
What was going through your mind as you were about to make your entrance for your debut match at the Tokyo Dome in front of over 46,000 fans? How nervous were you if at all?
Aaron Wolf:
I was definitely very nervous before my entrance. But I wanted that, I came into pro-wrestling to get exactly those kinds of nerves. So, I was able to enjoy that nervous energy.
Photo Credit: NJPW
Monthly Puroresu:
What is your opinion of EVIL, was he as tough an opponent as you expected?
Aaron Wolf:
From first contact in that match, I felt a kind of power I’d never experienced before. Between that and how smoothly he was able to work with the H.O.T members, it was really hard to find an opening with him.
Monthly Puroresu:
Did Hiroshi Tanahashi offer you feedback following your debut match?
Aaron Wolf:
I didn’t have the chance to talk much on the day, but we spoke a few days afterward. Even though it was before his own match, he had made time to watch, and he had a lot of nice things to say.
Photo Credit: NJPW
Monthly Puroresu:
What are your visions as the NEVER Openweight Champion?
Aaron Wolf:
I’ve cleared that first goal I’d put in front of myself, so now it’s about taking things day by day and getting stronger all the time.
Monthly Puroresu:
Ren Narita challenged you for the NEVER Openweight Title. Your thoughts on Narita and his challenge.
Aaron Wolf:
He’s a very technical wrestler. In judo we don’t use leg holds, and he’s managed to use that to his advantage. Add in his ability to cheat and bend the rules and he’s a threat, absolutely.
Photo Credit: NJPW
Monthly Puroresu:
How did you find the training in the months leading up to your debut match and do you enjoy being on the road travelling from town to town?
Aaron Wolf:
For six months before I debuted, I was constantly in the Noge Dojo training. Being on the road and making all of these towns it’s really started to feel real that I’m a pro-wrestler now. It’s been a challenge to wrestle every match and prepare for the next at the same time, but it’s a new day to day life for me and it’s a lot of fun.
Monthly Puroresu:
The G1 is the most prestigious tournament in all pro-wrestling. Do you plan to participate in this year’s tournament as well as the New Japan Cup?
Aaron Wolf:
I want to enter everything I can and win every title I can.
Photo Credit: NJPW
Monthly Puroresu:
What are your NJPW goals for 2026?
Aaron Wolf:
I want to make the most of the next year to really develop as a pro-wrestler.
Monthly Puroresu:
What is your message to all the fans that have supported you during your journey to be a pro-wrestler?
Aaron Wolf:
I hope anyone who can come to the matches does and experiences everything about pro-wrestling directly to the fullest.
Monthly Puroresu would like to extend our sincere gratitude to New Japan Pro-Wrestling for facilitating this interview with Aaron Wolf and providing the English text translation.
Date:
February 8, 2026
