Aaron Wolf wasted no time turning promise into history at the Tokyo Dome.
The Olympic judo gold medalist shocked the wrestling world by capturing championship gold in his very first professional match, toppling EVIL to become the new NEVER Openweight Champion at Wrestle Kingdom 20. What was expected to be a chaotic initiation quickly turned into a statement victory as Wolf powered through House of Torture interference and proved he belongs on New Japan’s biggest stage.
Competing under the New Japan banner for the first time, Wolf was immediately thrown into the deep end against EVIL, whose House of Torture stable predictably turned the bout into chaos. Multiple members flooded the ring to tilt the odds, only for YOH, Toru Yano, and Master Wato to rush out and neutralize the numbers game. Wolf added to the spectacle by tossing several attackers aside with crisp judo throws that brought the Tokyo Dome crowd to life.
The challengers resolve was tested when Don Fale put him through a table and EVIL blinded him with powder. Even then, Wolf refused to fold. Drawing on his Olympic pedigree, he dragged the champion back to the mat and locked in a triangle choke. With nowhere to escape, EVIL faded unconscious, handing Wolf a monumental debut victory and a championship reign on night one of his career.
Wolf officially signed with New Japan Pro Wrestling in June, with Wrestle Kingdom earmarked as his launch point. The confrontation was set in motion months later when Wolf saved Boltin Oleg from an attack, leading to a heated press conference where EVIL desecrated the title with spray paint and mocked Wolf by calling it his own gold medal. That symbolism came full circle in the ring, as Wolf left the Dome holding real championship gold.
AARON WOLF TOOK OUT THE ENTIRE HOUSE OF TORTURE WITH HIS JUDO THROWS.
, Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) January 4, 2026
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