Ares Makes Historic NJPW Debut at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo
Vietnam Pro Wrestling’s “The Unstoppable Force” Ares stepped onto one of professional wrestling’s most iconic stages, competing alongside and against three of Japan’s leading stars as Vietnamese flags flew inside Korakuen Hall.
Vietnam Pro Wrestling star “The Unstoppable Force” Ares made his New Japan Pro-Wrestling debut on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Tokyo’s legendary Korakuen Hall, marking a major milestone for a wrestler trained and developed in Vietnam.
Ares teamed with his mentor Yota Tsuji against Ryohei Oiwa, winner of the 2026 G1 CLIMAX, and former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr..
In a matter of weeks, Ares went from training in Ho Chi Minh City to sharing the ring with three of the biggest names in Japanese professional wrestling.
A Vietnamese Wrestler Among Global Stars
Among the fans inside Korakuen Hall were supporters proudly waving Vietnam’s red flag with its yellow star as Ares entered the ring.
The match lasted 11 minutes and 30 seconds, with Sabre Jr. ultimately forcing Ares to submit. Despite the result, Ares delivered an energetic performance built around the strength and athleticism that have defined his rise through VPW.
From Vietnam to the Noge Dojo
Ares made his professional wrestling debut in October 2022 and went on to become a three-time VPW Openweight Champion.
His path to Japan accelerated after Yota Tsuji travelled to Vietnam and encountered Ares through Vietnam Pro Wrestling. Tsuji recognized his potential and invited him to train at NJPW’s renowned Noge Dojo.
Ares arrived in Japan on September 1, 2026, beginning an intensive period of training that culminated in his October 7 debut.
A Milestone for Vietnam Pro Wrestling
Founded from grassroots beginnings in 2015, Vietnam Pro Wrestling has grown into Vietnam’s leading professional wrestling organization.
The promotion’s journey was chronicled in VIETSLAM – Squashing the Cultural Gap, produced by Chris Jericho and released worldwide in July 2026.
The Journey Continues
Following his Japanese debut, Ares is scheduled to return to Vietnam, where he is set to face Zack Sabre Jr. at VPW’s Brawl Hallows’ Eve on October 24, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City.
For Ares and Vietnam Pro Wrestling, October 7 was not the conclusion of the journey.
It was one step closer.
Watch Ares’ NJPW Debut
“The Unstoppable Force” Ares
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) October 7, 2026
Streaming now on #njpwworld
#njkopw @VietnamProWres https://t.co/vOHRi8aVUU
💥Road to KING OF PRO-WRESTLING 2026⚡️後楽園大会‼️
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) October 7, 2026
辻が直々にベトナム🇻🇳からスカウトしてきたレスラー、"アレス"の新日本デビュー戦‼️
🆚 @njpw_yotatsuji & Ares × @njpw_ryoheioiwa & @zacksabrejr
視聴＆登録⏩「NJPW WORLD」で検索
#njpwworld #njkopw @VietnamProWres https://t.co/Z1uAqo8uq1
.#Ares #VPW and @njpw_yotatsuji #UnboundCo
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) October 8, 2026
Road to KING OF PRO-WRESTLING 2026 (Oct. 7th, 2026) Backstage comments!
Watch FREE｜無料公開中
⇒ From the profile URL｜「NJPW WORLD」で検索
10/7(水) #njkopw のBSコメントを #NJPWWORLD で無料公開中! https://t.co/XgZnrNczPA