Ex-NJPW and WCW star discovered useless at dwelling as tributes paid to ‘formidable force’
Japanese wrestling star Tadao Yasuda, who transitioned into MMA later in his professional career, has passed away after he was found dead in his home in Tokyo last night
Tadao Yasuda has sadly passed away(Image: New Japan Pro-Wrestling)
A Japanese wrestler who became an MMA star has tragically been found dead at this home in Tokyo yesterday (February 10).
Tadao Yasuda, a former New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) world heavyweight champion, died at the age of 62.
He was reportedly working for a security company before his passing but managed to carve a successful career in sumo, professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.
His sumo wrestling career ended in May 1992 to join the world of professional wrestling with his NJPW debut in 1994.
In 2001, he was sent to the US to train MMA, resulting in upsetting Jerome Le Banner with a submission win.
His early success early in his MMA helped him secure a main event push in NJP that saw him capture the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. He would also compete on WCW during its partnership with NJPW, which saw him take on the likes of The Giant (The Big Show in WWE). Yasuda was also used to work with WCW wrestlers when they would appear in Japan.
In a statement on its website, NJPW said: “In the early 2000s, Yasuda would head to the original Inoki LA Dojo where he trained in MMA in addition to continuing in pro-wrestling.
“His efforts paid off with strong performances in 2001, and the biggest win of his fighting career on New Year’s Eve over Jerome Le Banner. The next April, Yasuda would win the vacant IWGP heavyweight Championship by defeating Yuji Nagata in a tournament final.
“Heading up the fearsome Makai Club stable, Yasuda continued to be a formidable force in NJPW until his departure in 2005. Yasuda eventually retired from professional wrestling in February 2011.
“The thoughts and deepest sympathies of all at New Japan Pro-Wrestling go to Yasuda’s family, friends and fans.”
WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura said Yasuda was his debut and shared an image that promoted their match years ago.
He wrote on X: “Tadao Yasuda has passed away. He was my opponent in my debut match, and precisely because he was someone who had experienced both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts at the same time,
“I will never forget how he repeatedly looked out for me—a young rookie at the time—who was taking on that very challenge. May he rest in peace.”
Former UFC star and NJPW wrestler Tom Lawlor also paid tribute to Yasuda.
Writing on X, he said: “I am truly saddened by this news. R.I.P to “The Debt King” Tadao Yasuda, who came back from a crippling gambling addiction to win MMA fights and become IWGP champion against all odds
“I’m proud to say I had the chance to meet this legend at the Inoki Bom Ba Ye 2022 show in Tokyo at Sumo Hall.”
There has been no further information released about his death.
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