Summary

All Japan Pro Wrestling announced that judo athlete Genki Hanawa has signed a trainee contract with the company.

The signing was revealed at a March 10 press conference attended by AJPW President Takeshi Fukuda and Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion and AJPW Athletes Association President Kento Miyahara.

The source text states Hanawa has 15 years of judo experience and lists achievements including a Saga Prefecture High School Championships super heavyweight title, a top-16 finish at the National High School Championships, multiple runner-up finishes in Kyushu tournaments, and a top-8 finish at the 33rd National Athletic Student Weight Class Judo Championships.

Genki Hanawa signing gives AJPW a long-term crossover athlete development project

Genki Hanawa entering AJPW through a trainee deal signals a long-range athlete conversion move, and that consequence gives the promotion a chance to build a new heavyweight prospect from an established combat-sports base.

With Kento Miyahara and Takeshi Fukuda present at the announcement, the signing was positioned as an organizational priority rather than a quiet developmental addition.

Sources

As reported by Fightful.