Wolf Along Defends 10 Million Yen Prize, Dominating Six Challengers in ABEMA Special

In a high-stakes display of athletic dominance, Wolf Along successfully defended a 10 million yen prize on April 11, 2026, by defeating six consecutive challengers during a special event hosted by the internet television platform ABEMA. The challenge, titled “Get 3 Counts from Wolf Along and Win 10 Million Yen,” served as a centerpiece for ABEMA’s “30-Hour Limit Break Fest,” celebrating the network’s 10th anniversary.

Wolf Along, the 30-year-old Tokyo Olympics gold medalist in the men’s 100kg judo category and current star of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, proved insurmountable for a diverse lineup of opponents. Across six bouts, the gold medalist utilized a blend of elite judo and professional wrestling strength to ensure the prize money remained untouched.

The Gauntlet: Rules and Format

The competition was structured as a series of four-minute matches. To claim victory and the 10 million yen reward, a challenger had to either secure a three-count by pinning Wolf Along’s back to the mat or achieve an ippon (a full point) via a throwing technique.

The event was divided into two segments. In the first part, Wolf Along quickly dispatched three opponents: Kakaroni Kuritani, Ryuki Fujimoto, and Nokkon Terada. As the competition moved into the second part, the rules were expanded to allow joint locks, specifically targeting the arm, starting with the match against Yusuke Yaji.

Overcoming the Heavy Hitters

The second half of the challenge presented a significant escalation in opposition, featuring a RIZIN fighter and a former sumo giant. Wolf Along first faced Yusuke Yaji, who attempted to secure a submission from the bottom. Wolf Along neutralized the threat, pinning Yaji to the mat to secure a three-count victory.

The physical contrast reached its peak in the fifth match, where Wolf Along faced former Sumo Ozeki Baruto. Despite Baruto’s massive 200kg frame, Wolf Along executed a precise ouchi-gari (inner trip), throwing the former sumo wrestler for a decisive victory.

A Clash of Gold Medalists

The finale featured a highly anticipated showdown between two Olympic champions. Wolf Along faced Naohisa Takato, the Tokyo Olympics gold medalist in the men’s 60kg judo category, who had announced his retirement in March 2026.

The bout was a technical battle between two masters of the sport. While Takato utilized his agility to attempt to seize Wolf Along’s legs, the larger man responded with a swift and powerful osoto-gari (outer reap). The move sent Takato to the mat, resulting in a clean ippon victory for Wolf Along and sealing his “six-man sweep” of the challengers.

Reflections on the “Judo Brain”

Following the event, Wolf Along reflected on the physical and mental demands of the challenge. He noted the difficulty of adjusting to the extreme weight differences between consecutive opponents, admitting that the rapid shifts in body types almost took a toll on his physical condition.

Regarding the final match with Takato, Wolf Along stated, “My judo brain was activated for the first time in a while. I want to apply this to pro wrestling,” signaling his intent to integrate these refined techniques into his career with New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Event Context: ABEMA 10th Anniversary

The “30-Hour Limit Break Fest” was a massive undertaking by ABEMA to mark a decade of broadcasting. The festival operated across three simultaneous channels, allowing viewers to navigate between various challenging projects and special editions of popular original programs.

With the 10 million yen prize successfully defended, Wolf Along returns his focus to the professional wrestling ring, carrying the momentum of a flawless victory over some of the most formidable athletes in combat sports.

For more updates on Wolf Along’s upcoming matches in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, stay tuned to our combat sports vertical.