WWE Signs Former Football Player Hidetora Hanada

The former college athlete and decorated sumo wrestler joins the professional wrestling promotion.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Wrestling

Expressionist sports illustration of an athlete in a wrestling training ring, capturing dynamic power and movement. — Former college football player and Junior World Sumo Champion Hidetora Hanada has officially signed a contract with the WWE. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

WWE officially signed athlete Hidetora Hanada, following his background as a college football player and a two-time Junior World Sumo Champion. Hanada finalized his transition into the organization after graduating from college in December 2025.

Why it matters

The signing highlights the continued recruitment of multi-sport athletes into the professional wrestling ranks. Hanada brings a unique competitive background in sumo and football to the WWE roster.

Hidetora Hanada earned championship titles at the Junior World Sumo Championships in both 2018 and 2019. His transition to professional wrestling follows a collegiate football career that concluded with his graduation in December 2025.

The players

Hidetora Hanada

He is a former Colorado State football player and two-time Junior World Sumo Champion who has signed a contract with the WWE.

WWE

This is a global professional wrestling promotion headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, that produces television and live event content.

The details

Hanada participated in a tryout at the WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, during 2025. Prior to signing his contract, he successfully completed the company's N.I.L. program earlier in 2025.

Hanada secured his first Junior World Sumo Championship in 2018.
He achieved his second Junior World Sumo Championship in 2019.
Hanada visited the WWE headquarters in Stamford for a tryout in 2025.
He joined the WWE N.I.L. program in 2025.
Hanada graduated from college in December 2025.

Season Trajectory

The addition of Hanada underscores the efficacy of the WWE N.I.L. program in pipeline development for new talent. This strategy marks a pivot toward recruiting athletes with established international credentials in combat sports.

Fans should expect to see Hanada integrated into the developmental system to refine his professional wrestling technique. His transition potentially impacts roster depth at the Stamford-based performance center.

The takeaway

Hanada represents the growing trend of athletes using collegiate programs as a bridge to professional wrestling careers. His trajectory emphasizes the importance of diverse physical training in preparing for the demands of the ring.