Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Filthy Tom Lawlor is back with tons to talk about including the death of Tadao Yadusa, the history of MMA dating back to the Greek Olympic Games, Lesnar’s return and what might happen at WrestleMania, the NXT TV report, New Japan big show recap from last night, comings and goings, and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Tag: tadao yasuda
WOL: Bron Breakker, Yasuda, RAW report, AJ vs. Becky
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Lance Storm is back with tons to talk about including the death of Tadao Yasuda, RAW last night, Bron Breakker update, the AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch segment, WrestleMania news and notes, line-ups for the next several shows, and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Shinsuke Nakamura, NJPW share tributes to Tadao Yasuda
On social media this morning, WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura took a moment to remember Tadao Yasuda and reflect on the impact Yasuda had on his life.
News broke overnight that Yasuda, a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, has passed away at 62 years old. Yasuda played an important role in Nakamura’s development by serving as his first-ever opponent when Nakamura debuted for NJPW back in 2002. In a tweet today, Nakamura thanked Yasuda for how he looked out for him when he was starting out in wrestling.
安田忠夫さんが亡くなりました。
— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) February 10, 2026
デビュー戦の相手で、総合格闘技とプロレスの両立を経験した方だからこそ、
それに挑んでいた当時若手の自分に何度も気をかけてくださったことを忘れません。
ご冥福をお祈りします。安らかに pic.twitter.com/LwqoLxX4qX
“Tadao Yasuda has passed away,” Nakamura wrote. “He was my opponent in my debut match, and because he had experience juggling mixed martial arts and professional wrestling, I will never forget how he repeatedly showed concern for me as a young wrestler when I was taking on both challenges. I pray for his soul to rest in peace.”
NJPW has also issued a statement expressing sadness at Yasuda’s death:
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Tadao Yasuda. He was 62.
- Born October 9, 1963 in Tokyo, Yasuda went into sumo wrestling from junior high school, where he competed at a high level through a 13 year career, retiring in May of 1992. From there, Yasuda would join New Japan Pro-Wrestling and debuted on February 24 1994 against Hiroshi Hase.
- 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.
Tokyo Sports reports that Yasuda was found dead at his home in Tokyo on February 10. A cause of death has not been announced. He had been working at a security company until shortly before his passing.
Former IWGP Champion Tadao Yasuda passes away
Former IWGP World Champion Tadao Yasuda has passed away.
Tokyo Sports reported on Tuesday that Yasuda was found dead at his home in Tokyo at the age of 62. Prior to his death, he had reportedly worked for a security company.
Starting out as a sumo wrestler, Yasuda joined New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1993 and made his in-ring debut the following year. He spent most of the 90s as an undercard wrestler, usually wrestling in the opening match. However, that all changed in 2000 when he and Kazuyuki Fujita were sent by Antonio Inoki to the United States to learn mixed martial arts. Yasuda won his debut fight in Pride which saw him get a renewed push in NJPW, reaching the semifinals of the 2001 G1 Climax tournament.
In December of that year, Yasuda earned the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career by defeating Jerome Le Banner. Soon after he won the IWGP World Championship by defeating Yuji Nagata in the finals of a tournament for the vacant title, holding it for 48 days. He had his final MMA match in 2003 holding a 2-4 record and retired from pro wrestling in 2011.
In 2007, Yasuda reportedly attempted to commit suicide via carbon monoxide poisoning. He later denied that claim, saying that the situation was an accident.