Colorado State Rams Player Hidetora Hanada Signs WWE NIL Deal

WWE has introduced several programs over the years, including its Next in Line initiative. However, they are not the only organization leveraging the NIL program, as various sports have adopted it for optimal benefits. In fact, Colorado State Rams player Hidetora Hanada has officially signed a WWE NIL deal as well.

Hidetora Hanada, who is a defensive lineman for Colorado State Rams, took to his Instagram and announced that he has received an NIL offer from WWE, the world’s largest professional wrestling organization. As part of his school curriculum this term, he will be participating in an internship with WWE.

Hanada also attended WWE’s annual Royal Rumble Premium Live Event in Indianapolis after receiving an invitation. He noted that atmosphere inside the arena was electric, with the crowd erupting in massive cheers every time a star wrestler appeared.

The experience provided a completely different level of intensity and excitement compared to football or sumo wrestling for him. He added that WWE stands out not only for its matches but also for its in-house management of production elements, including camera work, video crews, sound, stage props, and set design, creating a fully immersive entertainment spectacle.

Hanada expressed excitement about being involved with WWE and experiencing an entirely new world of entertainment. He looks forward to learning from this opportunity and applying the experience to his future endeavors.

“I have received an NIL offer from WWE, the world’s largest professional wrestling organization, and I will be participating in an internship as part of my school curriculum this term.

Additionally, I was invited to WWE’s largest annual event, the Royal Rumble, and had the opportunity to watch it live in Indianapolis! The crowd erupted with deafening cheers every time a star wrestler appeared. The sheer intensity and excitement of WWE were unlike anything I had ever experienced, completely different from football or sumo wrestling.

I also learned that WWE manages everything in-house—not just the matches, but also the camera and video crews, sound production, stage props, and set design—creating an all-encompassing entertainment spectacle.

Moreover, rather than simply providing programs to television networks, WWE produces its own content and sells it to broadcasters and streaming platforms. This makes WWE a major player at the center of the entertainment business, which truly amazed me.

Experiencing this entirely new world firsthand, I am incredibly grateful to be involved with WWE, one of the highest levels of entertainment. I hope to learn a lot from this invaluable experience and apply it to my future endeavors!

Hanada’s NIL deal with WWE shows the company’s effort to find talent from different sports. With more college athletes considering pro wrestling, it will be interesting to see how this crossover impacts WWE’s future stars and whether Hanada will become a proper WWE Superstar in the future.

What are your thoughts on WWE’s NIL program? Do you think more college athletes should pursue opportunities in pro wrestling? Share your opinions in the comments below!