Published: 2 hours ago by Sanchez Taylor | Last Updated: 1 hour ago by Sanchez Taylor
Sanchez has over six years of pro-wrestling news writing experience, covering the biggest news stories in WWE, NXT, AEW, TNA Wrestling and more. He has personally interviewed a number of top stars, producing exclusive content with the likes of AEW's Swerve Strickland and WWE's Nick Aldis.
WWE
A WWE on-screen debut has now been confirmed, with a Pro Wrestling NOAH star’s first televised match for the company set to air on an upcoming show.
With Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Ulka Sasaki officially announcing a WWE excursion back in February, the Japanese star has only wrestled in dark matches and at non-televised live events since reporting to the Performance Center.
Sasaki’s first televised match for WWE will air tonight, on the July 8 edition of Evolve.
As confirmed by WWE, Sasaki will face Harley Riggins on Wednesday night’s show.
In addition to Sasaki’s on-screen debut, Evolve Women’s Champion Nikkita Lyons, Sloane Jacobs and the Mog Squad have also been announced for this week’s show.
The confirmed lineup for the July 8 Evolve episode:
– Nikkita Lyons’ Evolve Women’s Championship celebration with Sloane Jacobs
– Harley Riggins vs. Ulka Sasaki
– The Mog Squad to appear
Sasaki’s first bout for WWE saw him face Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo in a dark match ahead of the February 24 NXT episode.
He made his first WWE house show appearance on March 20, battling Niko Vance in singles action.
Ulka Sasaki is a notable talent in Pro Wrestling NOAH, having held the GHC National Championship for 63 days in 2024.
He also has had a reign with the GHC Tag Team Championship, holding the gold alongside Kenoh in 2025.
Away from pro-wrestling, Sasaki has a legitimate professional mixed martial arts record of 24-10. He was victorious in his most recent fight, defeating Boyd Allen via unanimous decision in May 2023.
This excursion was not Sasaki’s first instance of involvement with the ongoing WWE and Pro Wrestling NOAH partnership, with Sasaki facing WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura at NOAH The New Year 2025 that January.
Following previous GHC Heavyweight Champion Yoshiki Inamura having a WWE excursion of his own from November 2024 to August 2025, and the likes of WWE’s Charlie Dempsey and Omos having brief runs in Japan, it seems that this working relationship is beneficial for both companies.
Whether its another Japanese star reporting to the Performance Center or an NXT name gaining more experience in a NOAH ring, these crossover runs help to keep both companies’ rosters fresh, and add a level of unpredictability surrounding returns and debuts.
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