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Tadao Yasuda (born 9 October 1963) is a retired sumo and professional wrestler from Ōta, Tokyo, Japan. He competed in sumo from 1979 to 1992, under the shikona of Takanofuji, achieving the rank of komusubi, and afterwards turned to professional wrestling, in which he competed from 1994 to 2011.

Professional Wrestling Carrer[]

Reverting to his real name, he joined the New Japan Pro Wrestling promotion, making his debut in February 1994. He also gained some fame in the mixed martial arts world. After defeating Masaaki Satake in a PRIDE event in March 2001, he choked out K-1 kickboxer Jerome Le Banner at an Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye event in December 2001, which was the biggest win of his MMA career. In August 2002 he and Kantaro Hoshino formed a breakaway faction from New Japan called the Makai Club. In late 2004 he started working with the ZERO-ONE and Hustle promotions.

Yasuda has earned the nickname of "Borrowing Money King" due to claims that he borrows money from various sources (including the yakuza) to try to pay off his gambling debts.

In October 2007 he reportedly attempted to commit suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. A friend however, interrupted the alleged attempt. He was hospitalized, with fears of possible brain damage. This proved not to be the case and he has made a return to wrestling. On January 11, 2011, Yasuda announced his retirement from professional wrestling. He wrestled his final match on February 4, 2011, in which he was defeated by Genichiro Tenryu.

In wrestling[]

  • Finishing moves
    • Rear naked choke
    • Tiger Driver (Sitout double underhook powerbomb)
  • Signature moves
    • Argentine backbreaker rack
    • Canadian backbreaker rack
    • Double underhook suplex

Championships and accomplishments[]

  • Hustle
  • Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI ranked him #150 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 2002
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