Hidetora Hanada Signs WWE NXT Developmental Deal
WWE has signed Japanese athlete Hidetora Hanada to an NXT contract. The 24-year-old sumo and football competitor visited WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, during 2025 and took part in a tryout for the promotion. Hanada stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 280 pounds.
He played football as a defensive lineman for Colorado State University, becoming the only Japanese player on the Rams roster. His sumo background traces back to his high school years in Japan. Hanada had previously tried out for the NFL without being selected and tried his hand at various sports in Japan before transferring from NSSU to Colorado State.
He joined WWE’s NIL program in February 2025 after expressing interest in professional wrestling last year. Hanada graduated from Colorado State in December 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary liberal arts.
Story timeline · 5 reports
- WWE Signs Japanese Athlete Hidetora Hanada To NXTPer PWInsider, WWE has signed 24-year-old Japanese athlete Hidetora Hanada to an NXT contract.
- WWE Signs Athlete With Sumo and Football BackgroundPer PWInsider, WWE has signed Hidetora Hanada following his participation in the company's NIL program.
- WWE Signs Sumo and Football Star Hidetora HanadaPer PWInsider, WWE has signed multi-sport athlete Hidetora Hanada.
- Contract News: WWE Signs Former Sumo Wrestler and College Football Player to NXT ContractPer PWInsider , WWE has inked a deal Hanada to an NXT contract.
Sources: Wrestling Inc · Wrestling Observer · Wrestlezone · Fightful · Ringside News
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