Latest news with #NJPW
Japan Forward
a day ago
- Sport
- Japan Forward
Former Judoka Aaron Wolf to Pursue a Career in Pro Wrestling
Reporting on Aaron Wolf becoming a pro wrestler, MLB pitcher Shota Imanaga's return following an injury, the Urawa Reds' exit from the Club World Cup and more. Aaron Wolf attends a news conference on June 23, 2025, in Tokyo. (©SANKEI) Retired judoka Aaron Wolf is launching a new career as a professional wrestler. The 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist in the men's 100-kg division has joined New Japan Pro-Wrestling. At a news conference in Tokyo on Monday, June 23, NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi spoke about Wolf's commitment to becoming a wrestler. "Wolf has shown his dedication and passion for pro wrestling," Tanahashi told reporters. The NJPW executive added that "should he make his debut, he will be the first Japanese gold medalist to come into professional wrestling. I have high expectations, and I would like to see him debut [at Wrestle Kingdom 20] on January 4, 2026, in Tokyo Dome." NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi (left) and Aaron Wolf pose for photos at a news conference on June 23. (©SANKEI) Wolf, who finished seventh in the same weight class at the 2024 Paris Olympics, retired from judo on June 8. He'll now begin the journey in his new sport, which he says he's a big fan of, as someone eager to learn. "I won't waste a second of this time to prepare," Wolf, 29, told the news conference. ["But] I fully understand that I will be starting from zero." While looking ahead to this new challenge, Wolf also spoke about his judo career and the fact that he felt the timing was right to retire. "I had wanted to go into pro wrestling once I thought I could walk away from judo with no regrets," the 2017 world champion said, according to Kyodo News. He then said, "I am excited to challenge myself on a new stage." A passion for wrestling fueled his decision. "I will be moving on to pro wrestling, which has always been my dream," Wolf was quoted as saying by The Sankei Shimbun . "If you ask me why pro wrestling, it's because I like it." Aaron Wolf defeats South Korea's Gu Ham Cho in the men's 100-kg final at the Tokyo Olympics on July 29, 2021, at Nippon Budokan. (Annegret Hilse/REUTERS) A son of a Japanese mother and an American father, the Tokyo native doesn't intend to fully abandon his judo roots when he steps into the wrestling ring. "I really believe that you can't build a house without a strong foundation," he said on Monday. "My first love is judo though, and I won't throw that away. I would like to bring some aspects of that with me [in pro wrestling]." He'll join other prominent judoka who've moved on to other sports. Naoya Ogawa won the 95-kg division silver medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before becoming a pro wrestler and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. Satoshi Ishii, the 2008 Beijing Games heavyweight champion, and Hidehiko Yoshida, the 78-kg gold medalist in Barcelona, also launched post-judo careers in MMA. In 1972, future politician Antonio Inoki established New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He passed away in October 2022. JUDO | Aaron Wolf, Shori Hamada Add to Japan's Impressive Gold-Medal Haul Chicago Cubs starter Shota Imanaga pitches against the St Louis Cardinals in the first inning on June 26 at Busch Stadium. (Jeff Curry/IMAGN IMAGES/via REUTERS) Chicago Cubs starter Shota Imanaga, who had been sidelined since May 4 with a left hamstring strain, returned to the starting rotation on Thursday, June 26. In the series finale against the St Louis Cardinals, Imanaga held the hosts to one hit in five scoreless innings. The Cubs won 3-0 at Busch Stadium. The only hit Imanaga (4-2) allowed was a first-inning single to Masyn Winn. Imanaga walked one and struck out three in his 77-pitch outing. After his first game in many weeks, Imanaga admitted he was eager to pitch again. "I realized that leaving a hole in the rotation would jeopardize my position as well as the team's, and I wanted to be as prepared as I could be when the game came around," he said, according to NHK. Imanaga added, "I need to spend each day without regrets so that when the game comes, I will have prepared to the utmost of my ability." A day before his first start since coming off the injured list, Imanaga spoke to reporters about his physical condition. "I'm 100% back and I'm prepared to throw," he said in St Louis. "Thankfully, it wasn't an injury with the shoulder or the elbow, so I was able to throw throughout the whole [recovery] process, and I feel like that good feeling that I had before the injury, that's still there and I was able to maintain that." ODDS and EVENS | Viewpoints on Sports News from Recent Days Urawa Reds' Yusuke Matsuo (right) competes against Monterrey's Stefan Medina in a 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Group E match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on June 25. (Kirby Lee/IMAGN IMAGES/via REUTERS) After a 3-1 defeat to Argentina's River Plate in their opening match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, things didn't improve for the Urawa Reds in their final two matches in Group E play. The Reds lost 2-1 to Italy's Inter Milan on Saturday, June 21 in Seattle. Urawa grabbed the lead in the 11th minute on a Ryoma Watanabe goal, and Inter stormed back with two late goals to beat the club. On Wednesday, June 25, Mexico's Monterrey topped Urawa 4-0 in Los Angeles. SPORTS SHORTS | Urawa Reds Drop FIFA Club World Cup Opener Naomi Osaka in a May 2025 file photo. (Aleksandra Szmigiel/REUTERS) In a tuneup tournament for Wimbledon, Naomi Osaka was eliminated in straight sets in the second round on Tuesday, June 24. American No 5 seed Emma Navarro defeated the four-time Grand Slam singles champion 6-4, 6-4 at the Bad Homburg Open in Homburg, Germany. Patrick Mouratoglou, Osaka's coach, said she is taking steps to become a better player after returning to competition in 2024 following maternity leave. "I know what it's going to take for her to go to the next level, and I drive her to the next destination," Mouratoglou said in a short video posted on his Instagram page. He then said, "I know we're not that far." The French coach added, "I know the results are not great, as good as we expect them to be. But I see the progress." Osaka triumphed 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-4) in a first-round match against Serbia's Olga Danilovic on Monday. The University of Oxford ekiden squad was disqualified for a rule violation in the second annual UK Ekiden after it finished the 114-km race ahead of Ritsumeikan University by 4 minutes, 28 seconds on June 20. As a result, the Kyoto school ascended into first place. What led to the University of Oxford's disqualification? "Organizers stepped in after they passed their relay sash outside of the designated area," BBC reported. Thirty-one teams, including 16 university squads, participated in the race that started in Windsor and moved along the Thames Path en route to King's Meadow in Reading and back. Racing the UK Ekiden Through 160 Years of Ties Author: Ed Odeven Find Ed on JAPAN Forward' s dedicated website, SportsLook . Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven .
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Bryan Danielson Stuns AEW Fans With Unique In-Ring Return
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Bryan Danielson made a surprise in-ring return during an AEW taping on June 25. He won the match in a reported eight seconds. This was Danielson's first match since losing the AEW World Championship to Jon Moxley at WrestleDream in October 2024. He has since maintained a backstage role with the company. Bryan Danielson's Quick Return To Action During the taping, Max Caster issued an open challenge, which Danielson answered. Before the match began, Adam Cole superkicked Caster. Once the bell rang, Danielson immediately applied the LeBell Lock. Caster tapped out, giving Danielson the victory in just eight seconds. This was Danielson's first official match since retiring as a full-time wrestler. He has made several non-televised appearances recently, including saving Blue Panther at Grand Slam Mexico. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Danielson Discusses His In-Ring Future Despite the return, Danielson remains uncertain about his future as a wrestler. He has stated that his health is his top priority. March 3, 2024 – AEW Continental Champion / NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion / ROH World Champion Eddie Kingston takes a kick from Bryan Danielson during AEW Revolution. March 3, 2024 – AEW Continental Champion / NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion / ROH World Champion Eddie Kingston takes a kick from Bryan Danielson during AEW Revolution. Jeff Jones/AEW In a recent interview with Fightful, he discussed his desire to avoid another neck surgery. He placed the odds of him ever wrestling again at 50/50. "My priority is my health," Danielson stated. "I think the odds of me wrestling again, ever, are probably 50/50 at this point." He explained that if avoiding surgery meant he could not wrestle again, he would accept that outcome. "If I could live comfortably without neck surgery, but it means that I wouldn't get to wrestle again, I think I'd be okay with that trade-off," he said. Danielson first made a name for himself in Ring of Honor, where he was a "founding father" and held the ROH World Championship for a legendary 462 days. His success skyrocketed in WWE, where he became a five-time world champion and a Grand Slam Champion, holding every major men's title. His most iconic moment was the culmination of the "Yes! Movement," where he won two matches at WrestleMania 30 to become the undisputed champion in one of the most celebrated main events in history. Since joining AEW in 2021, Danielson has continued his main event legacy, capturing the AEW World Championship and winning the prestigious Owen Hart Cup tournament, cementing his status as a top star in every promotion he has competed in. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
NHK
5 days ago
- Sport
- NHK
Retired Olympic gold medal judoka Wolf Aaron to become pro wrestler
Tokyo Olympic judo gold medalist Wolf Aaron, who retired from the sport earlier this month, is embarking on a new career in professional wrestling. The 29-year-old was born to an American father and a Japanese mother. A judoka with a remarkable combination of power and stamina, Wolf represented Japan in two Summer Games, in Tokyo and Paris. His greatest achievement was winning gold in the 100-kilogram division at the 2020 Games in Tokyo. He retired from judo following his last match on June 8. Wolf on Monday announced that he will take up professional wrestling and has signed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, or NJPW. Wolf told reporters that he had recorded and watched pro wrestling matches since his days at university, and dreamed of taking up the sport after accomplishing all he could in judo. He said he was able to achieve his ultimate goal of winning gold at the Tokyo Games, and took part in the 2024 Paris Games thinking it would be his last Olympics. He added there is nothing left for him to do in judo, and he will make the switch to the world of professional wrestling, which he adores. He also said he has to swallow his pride as an Olympic gold medalist in judo. He said he will be starting from scratch in pro wrestling, and he will do his utmost without wasting a single second. Wolf will make his debut as a professional wrestler next January.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
WWE prepares to introduce a new bloodline faction member on SmackDown
(Image via WWE) As WWE is back with another version of SmackDown on June 20, 2025, the Stamford-based promotion is reportedly preparing to introduce a new bloodline faction member on this week's Blue brand promotion. The company is on the verge of welcoming a new member of The Bloodline to TV in this upcoming edition on Friday night at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Earlier in Money in the Bank, Solo Sikoa's grip on The Bloodline has started to slip. After being betrayed by Jacob Fatu during the match, Sikoa found himself defeated and exposed, leaving the faction with just its core members, Sikoa and JC Mateo. Owing to this situation, WWE is preparing to introduce a new bloodline faction member. Let's look into the possibility of who is going to be introduced as a new bloodline faction member on SmackDown— WWE prepares to introduce a new bloodline faction member on SmackDown WWE is on the verge of introducing a new member of The Bloodline to TV in the upcoming edition of SmackDown after the much-talked-about Money in the Bank feud. Despite the shocking turn of events, Solo Sikoa is intent on giving Fatu another chance, saying that he needs to hear him say 'I love you, Solo' one more time, and all will be forgiven. But the chances of that happening appear to be very slim. However, Sikoa might have a plan in place to deal with Fatu anyway. With long-time members Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa side-lined by injuries, reports suggest that WWE creative is looking for a powerful replacement for Fatu, and it seems they may have found one. "I HATE YOU!" | Jacob Fatu takes out Solo Sikoa: Money in the Bank 2025 highlights According to PW Insider, Hikuleo, a towering 6′8″ former NJPW standout and son of Haku, is rumored to be on the verge of debuting on SmackDown this week. Even while speaking on WrestleBinge, WrestleVotes claimed that Hikuleo could be making his on-screen debut on the next edition of SmackDown. They stated, 'It's very possible Hikuleo makes his debut this week on SmackDown.' Despite signing with WWE in July 2024, former NJPW star Hikuleo has yet to be seen on television for his new company. He happened to be a former Bullet Club member only. Hikuleo had his first match in WWE on June 13th, 2025, when he defeated Kit Wilson in a dark match. Also Read : Is veteran WWE mogul Vince McMahon planning to buy a combat sports promotion? However, there has been no explanation as to why he's taken eleven months to get in the ring for WWE, but now his ascent to the company's main roster looks to be imminent. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
COLD WAR Is Coming: South Auckland Hosts NJPW TAMASHII's Inaugural Tag Team Championship Tournament
On Friday 4 July, the spotlight lands on Māngere as global wrestling powerhouse New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) presents COLD WAR, a one-night tournament under the NJPW TAMASHII banner to crown the first-ever NJPW TAMASHII Tag Team Champions. Locally driven by the NJPW New Zealand Dojo (NZ Dojo) in Ōtāhuhu, Auckland, COLD WAR brings together elite talent from Japan, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, Tonga, and throughout the local scene. Alongside the tournament, the card features strong style singles and six-man tag matches, all in front of a homegrown crowd at the Māngere Arts Centre. This event continues a proud legacy: New Zealand has produced some of the industry's most respected names, Steve Rickard, Peter Maivia, and The Bushwhackers, all of whom helped shape NZ's place on the global wrestling map. Now, with COLD WAR, a new era begins: one that blends tradition with the future and brings that moment home to South Auckland. Event Details: Event: NJPW TAMASHII: COLD WAR Venue: Māngere Arts Centre, Auckland Date: Friday 4 July 2025 Time: 6:30 PM Tickets: About the NZ Dojo and NJPW TAMASHII The NJPW New Zealand Dojo (NZ Dojo), based in South Auckland, is the official training ground for New Japan Pro-Wrestling in the Southern Hemisphere. Founded by NJPW star Toks Fale, the Dojo trains wrestlers through a foundation of Japanese strong style, South Pacific identity, and discipline. It also runs LION'S DEN, a weekly live event that showcases emerging talent. NJPW TAMASHII is the official Oceania brand of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, connecting athletes across New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific with one of the world's most respected wrestling platforms.
