NXT is once again broadening its international horizons as Hank Walker and Tank Ledger, former NXT Tag Team Champions, prepare to compete in Japan for the first time outside WWE. This exciting development marks another step in WWE’s growing collaboration with Japanese promotions, with Walker and Ledger set to appear at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Sunny Voyage event on October 26, 2025.
Former NXT Tag Team Champions Heading to Pro Wrestling NOAH
WWE’s rising tag team staple, Hank Walker and Tank Ledger, recently received the official announcement confirming their participation in Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Sunny Voyage event in Kasukabe, Saitama Prefecture. Scheduled for October 26, the duo will face off against notable NOAH stars Dragon Bane and Alpha Wolf in high-stakes tag team action. This marks a significant opportunity for Walker and Ledger to showcase their talents to the passionate Japanese wrestling audience outside WWE’s usual sphere[1][3].
WWE and NOAH: A Flourishing Partnership
WWE’s relationship with Pro Wrestling NOAH has strengthened notably over the past year, with several NXT talents like Tavion Heights, Charlie Dempsey, and Josh Briggs appearing in NOAH events. Conversely, NOAH’s Yoshiki Inamura has been competing in NXT throughout 2025, reflecting a mutually beneficial exchange of talent and international brand exposure. WWE sees these collaborations as vital in expanding the reach of its developmental brand and building global connections that benefit the wrestlers’ careers and wrestling fans worldwide[1][3].
According to a WWE insider familiar with backstage discussions:
“The decision to send Hank and Tank to NOAH was strategic, designed to expose them to Japanese audiences while allowing them to gain invaluable international ring experience. Both are seen as key figures in NXT’s future, and this is a great way to enhance their profile globally.”
Hank and Tank’s Journey to Stardom
Hank Walker and Tank Ledger burst onto the WWE scene as a dynamic, athletic duo, combining their collegiate football backgrounds with high-impact wrestling styles. Since debuting as a tag team in NXT in 2023, they rapidly gained popularity for their chemistry, resilience, and ability to engage fans with both their in-ring prowess and charisma.
Their reign as NXT Tag Team Champions solidified their status as one of the top teams in WWE’s developmental territory. The upcoming match in Japan not only serves as a platform to test their skills against international competitors but also positions them as ambassadors for NXT abroad, showcasing WWE’s ability to cultivate talent that resonates on a global scale.
Wrestling Fans Anticipate a Clash of Styles
The scheduled matchup against Dragon Bane and Alpha Wolf brings an intriguing contrast of styles and storylines. Dragon Bane and Alpha Wolf are well-established figures in NOAH, representing the promotion’s fiercely competitive roster. The encounter promises fast-paced action blending NXT’s athleticism with NOAH’s traditional strong style a formula beloved by Japanese audiences.
Fans familiar with both promotions expect that Walker and Ledger will adapt quickly to the Japanese wrestling environment, which emphasizes stamina, technical skill, and storytelling inside the ring. This crossover clash is expected to elevate both teams’ profiles introducing WWE stars to NOAH fans and vice versa[1][3].
Impact on NXT’s Global Footprint
The WWE’s strategy to extend NXT’s influence internationally through targeted talent exchanges reflects broader efforts to compete on a worldwide stage where wrestling fans demand fresh and diverse content. Walker and Ledger’s participation is part of this vision, helping WWE nurture a brand identity at home while gaining prestige overseas.
Industry observers note that trips like these often help wrestlers develop different facets of their wrestling personas and techniques. Exposure to Japanese audiences, known for their respect and high expectations, often instills a stronger in-ring discipline and adaptability in wrestlers a potential benefit for Walker and Ledger’s future runs in WWE.
Looking Ahead: A Boost for Both Promotions
This event is not just a milestone for Hank and Tank but enhances the collaboration between WWE and Pro Wrestling NOAH. Shared talent appearances promote new matchups, cultural exchanges, and broaden wrestling’s global appeal. With Walker and Ledger in the mix, NOAH gains access to recognized WWE stars, increasing international interest. For WWE, it validates NXT as a global wrestling brand capable of competing on diverse world stages.
As one NOAH official noted backstage:
“Welcoming WWE’s Hank and Tank is a testament to our growing relationship and the quality of talent in both promotions. We are excited for fans to witness this fusion of wrestling traditions and styles live in Kasukabe.”
Final Thoughts
Hank Walker and Tank Ledger’s upcoming appearance at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Sunny Voyage event represents a significant moment for WWE’s NXT brand and the wrestlers themselves. As two former NXT Tag Team Champions venture into the Japanese wrestling scene, they will not only gain invaluable experience but also help bridge wrestling communities across continents.
Fans eagerly await their performance on October 26, where promises of high-octane tag team wrestling and cultural exchange will highlight this increasingly synergistic relationship between WWE and Japan’s Pro Wrestling NOAH.