Christa Deguchi, who captured the women’s 57-kilogram judo gold medal representing Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics, rejected a playful recruitment pitch to switch to professional wrestling from Aaron Wolf.
Guest Appearance at the Aaron Wolf Cup in Katsushika
Deguchi appeared as a special guest at the Aaron Wolf Cup, a municipal autumn judo tournament held on Oct. 25 in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo. Wolf, who won the 100-kilogram gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and now competes as a professional wrestler for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, hosted the tournament to encourage youth participation in the sport.
As part of the event’s special programming, Wolf organized an exhibition billed as an “retirement match” featuring Deguchi in a series of straight matches against local children. Deguchi swept all eight bouts, finishing with an 8-0 record.
“I was told there was only going to be one match, but somehow it turned into eight,” Deguchi told reporters after stepping off the mat. “I couldn’t forgive that, and I hadn’t prepared for it, but it was fun.”
Deguchi Launches Youth Judo Tournament in Nagano
Both athletes share a commitment to expanding judo’s grassroots footprint. Deguchi launched her own youth competition, “The First Step,” in Nagano in 2025.
Running the tournament has presented logistical hurdles, including securing financial backing. Deguchi noted that she frequently visits corporate offices in person to pitch her vision directly to potential sponsors.
“I learned firsthand just how difficult it is to run a tournament,” Deguchi said. “I’m not doing this for personal profit; I want to nurture the next generation and keep working hard.”
Looking toward future events, she issued a lighthearted challenge to Wolf. “It’s probably difficult for Aaron to make it this year, but he needs to show up wearing a judogi next year.”
Rejecting the Professional Wrestling Ring
During a talk show event earlier in the day, Wolf encouraged Deguchi to transition from judo to professional wrestling.
Deguchi immediately dismissed the idea, citing the physical demands of the squared circle. “I know professional wrestling isn’t a gentle world, so I can’t say lightly that I want to do it, and I definitely can’t say I’m interested,” she said with a laugh. “Don’t say it so easily. It’s a bit too tough, and I don’t have that kind of mental preparation.”
Despite declining to step into the ring as a competitor, Deguchi confirmed she remains focused on judo while keeping an eye on the wrestling world from a spectator’s perspective.
“I haven’t been able to go watch a match yet, so since it’s come to this, I want to go see a really special event,” she said, asking Wolf to arrange tickets.
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