Hidetora Hanada Signs WWE NIL Deal as Internship Awaits

Hidetora Hanada, a former sumo wrestling champion and current Colorado State defensive lineman, has announced that he received a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer from WWE. In a statement on Instagram, he expressed excitement about his internship with WWE as part of his school program, following his attendance at the Royal Rumble 2025 in Indianapolis. Hanada described the electrifying atmosphere of the event, highlighting the intense fan reactions and the unique experience compared to his previous sports. He praised WWE's comprehensive in-house management of production and its innovative business model that allows it to sell content directly to broadcasters. Hanada looks forward to learning from this opportunity and applying his experiences to his future career. This transition showcases Hanada's exploration of a new path after his success in sumo wrestling.