Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match isn’t the only major draw for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 is the debut of former judo star Aaron Wolf, who will become the first-ever Japanese Olympic gold medalist to become a professional wrestler after winning gold in the 2021 games in Tokyo. 

Meltzer wrote that there are a lot of people curious to see how Wolf gets on as he is a legitimate household name in Japan, meaning that Wrestle Kingdom 20 will have the most mainstream eyes on it in Japan. Wolf is a genuine celebrity in Japan, has regularly appeared on TV over the past few years, and is such a big name that he is the main reason why TV Asahi are televising NJPW’s annual January 4 event from the Tokyo Dome for the first time in over 20 years. Meltzer stated that Wolf’s large social media presence, his charismatic personality, and his sense of humor have been major reasons why he has had national endorsement campaigns with brands like Kirin beer and Fujifilm, and if Wrestle Kingdom 20 is a huge success, Wolf will be seen as one of the main reasons.

The man himself opened up at the Wrestle Kingdom 20 public talk session about how he has adapted to pro wrestling training and how he is feeling the strain. Wolf stated that his calves are sore from training so hard, and despite the major difference in stamina he needs to perform in wrestling over judo, he is excited to make his debut, and even has a special entrance planned for the show that will remain a secret.