Aaron Henare - the first Māori to bring mataora to the wrestling world in Japan

In professional wrestling, characters and gimmicks (in-ring personas) make the sport more entertaining. But for Māori pro-wrestler Aaron Henare, reconnecting with his whakapapa and culture by receiving his mataora - and being the first to bring mataora to the pro wrestling scene - is no gimmick.
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[@Masheens]

This is amazing; very excited to see his G1 run this year 💪

[@Elijah1916_myhighway]

Love that Henare has such a good support system at home. I've been rooting for him for years. I hope that he has a good run in the G1 this year.

[@kaerajpetera]

Unapologetically 🥹✨ #Mana ❤

[@barsbay7598]

My respect for Henare has increased tenfold

[@jaypunga8233]

Beautiful brother 🌿💯

[@BadGuySwerve117]

So this is why he wasn't at forbidden with the rest of the boys damn.....

[@cool-lemon]

Had the pleasure of meeting Henare when I was in Tokyo a few years ago. Really, really nice guy and very approachable. So glad to see him embrace his culture.

[@zemox2534]

Respect for Henare.

[@collider21]

This is awesome.

[@Tunda2]

Respect but never heard of the dude. Can he work?

[@Jonathan-om1wq]

He's awesome. Excellent brawler like Tomohiro Ishii.

[@Tunda2]

@@Jonathan-om1wq not my flavor but good shit pal

[@wanderlustwarrior]

It took me a moment to get used to it (I'm American and haven't seen it even when I was in Auckland and Rotorua for a wekend), but I'm glad for him that he is wearing it!
I miss his 2020 theme music.

[@RationalGaze.BingChillin]

Is he alright? He got dropped on his head badly in that first g1 match.

[@superrobot5384]

He did his 2nd match today. Had trainer's tape on the back of his neck, but did just fine.

[@RationalGaze.BingChillin]

@@superrobot5384 I saw it. Good match.

[@jamietagataese]

🔥🔥🔥

[@iatethebenjamin]

He’s red pilled af

[@gamespy1965]

This guy had a badass gimmick, and was talented as hell. But he lost his damn mind when he got this tattoo.

[@matthewl3002]

It’s a cultural thing. He’s a Māori and this is what the Māori do.

[@KamenRider808]

How? This is cultural! This is his ancestry!

[@izukiz]

Best decision he made