Genki Hanawa set to make professional wrestling debut on New Year's Eve

Genki Hanawa, the 25-year-old son of comedian Hanawa and nephew of Knights' Noriyuki Hanawa, is scheduled to make his professional wrestling debut on December 31 at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium Second Gymnasium. The All Japan Pro Wrestling trainee will face Hideki Suzuki in his first match.

Hanawa, a former high-level judoka who attended Kokushikan University, joined All Japan Pro Wrestling in April. He has spent his training period performing various duties and practicing at a dojo in Kanagawa Prefecture. During a press conference, Hanawa expressed his excitement and desire for his father to attend the event.

His uncle, comedian Noriyuki Hanawa, spoke about the upcoming debut on TBS Radio, noting the intense training Genki has undergone to prepare for the professional wrestling industry.