Who is Hidetora Hanada, WWE's latest signee from Japan?
Hidetora Hanada is WWE NXT’s latest signee.
The Stamford-based promotion has been known to attract some of the most talented and hard-working individuals from different countries and backgrounds. The same can be said for their newest recruit to their developmental territory. His name is Hidetora Hanada.
According to a new update by PWInsider, Hanada has signed a contract with WWE NXT. With the 24-year-old sumo and football athlete bringing his experience to the table, let’s take an in-depth look at NXT’s latest recruit.
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Who is Hidetora Hanada?
Hanada was born on October 30, 2001, in Wakayama, Japan. He was influenced by his father, who participated in amateur sumo tournaments, and his mother, who was a judo instructor.
He decided to pursue sumo wrestling and won the local wanpaku sumo when Hanada was in the second grade in elementary school. This marked the start of his journey in the sport.
Athletic background
The powerful wrestler was considered a dominant force in sumo wrestling in Japan. During his freshman year in college, the newest NXT star won multiple accolades, including medals at the Junior World Sumo Championships in 2018 and 2019 and at the 2020 All Japan Sumo Championship, earning the prestigious title of Amateur Yokozuna.
Despite the success, Hanada chose to pursue gridiron football over going professional in sumo wrestling. The 24-year-old star moved to the USA after briefly playing semi-pro football for IBM Big Blue and then as a defensive tackle for Colorado State University. He graduated from college in December 2025.
Furthermore, Hanada aspired to play in the NFL and tried his luck in the NFL International Player Pathway (IPP) program. However, he went undrafted.
Professional Wrestling
While finishing his degree, the Japanese star signed a WWE NIL deal in February 2025. He impressed scouts in training sessions and finished his studies, which ultimately led to his NXT contract, signaling a proper start with the global juggernaut on a full-time basis.
Where does Hidetora Hanada come from?
Hanada is from Wakayama, Japan, and is considered a dominant force in sumo wrestling in the country.
How many titles did Hidetora Hanada win before joining WWE NXT?
The wrestler won the Junior World Sumo Championships, the All-Japan Sumo Championship (as a freshman), and achieved the rank of Amateur Yokozuna in Japan before transitioning to American football and signing with WWE NXT.
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