ringsidenews
WWE has finalized a contract with Hidetora Hanada, a 24-year-old Japanese prospect, assigning him to the NXT brand. The signing, first reported by PWInsider, marks a significant progression in a relationship that began over a year ago when Hanada first engaged with the company.
Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 280 pounds, Hanada possesses an unconventional athletic resume. Before turning his attention to professional wrestling, he competed in sumo wrestling and American football, giving him a diverse foundation of physical experience.
The move to NXT represents a major leap from his initial connection with WWE. In February 2025, while playing defensive line for Colorado State, Hanada announced he had received an offer through WWE's NIL program. He was also slated to complete an internship with the company as part of his academic curriculum, providing him with an inside look at WWE's operations.
Hanada's introduction to WWE's atmosphere was further solidified when he attended the Royal Rumble in Indianapolis. The event left a lasting impression on him, as he described being overwhelmed by the crowd's deafening reactions to every appearing superstar. He noted that the intensity and excitement were unlike anything he had experienced in either football or sumo wrestling.
Beyond the in-ring spectacle, Hanada was captivated by the production elements, including camera work, sound, stage production, and set design. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness such a high level of entertainment firsthand and voiced his intention to learn from the experience and apply it to future endeavors.
Hanada's combat sports background predates his football career. He competed in sumo internationally, representing Japan in 2018 and Taiwan in 2019, before appearing at the 2022 World Games in Alabama. He then transitioned to American football in 2022, eventually joining Colorado State's team. Hanada also pursued an NFL opportunity but was not selected following the tryout process.
Key Analysis
Hanada's path from sumo to college football to a WWE NXT contract underscores the company's willingness to invest in athletes with nontraditional backgrounds. His progression from an NIL deal to a full developmental contract indicates that WWE officials saw sufficient potential during his internship and initial exposure to the product. While no debut date has been announced, the focus now shifts to how quickly WWE can translate his athleticism and combat sports experience into a viable wrestling skill set.
Originally reported by ringsidenews.