Tokyo Sports is reporting that Former IWGP World Champion Tadao Yasuda has passed away at the age of 62.
The report notes Yasuda was found dead in his home.
Yasuda signed with New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1993 and made his in-ring debut in 1994. He spent most of the 1990s as an undercard wrestler. In 2000, Yasuda’s status changed when he and Kazuyuki Fujita were sent by Antonio Inoki to the United States to learn mixed martial arts. After winning his debut fight in Pride, he was given a new push in NJPW, making it to the semifinals of the 2001 G1 Climax tournament.
In December of 2001, Yasuda earned the biggest win of his mixed martial arts career when he defeated Jerome Le Banner. Soon after Yasuda defeated Yuji Nagata in the finals of a tournament for the vacant IWGP World Championship, which he held for 48 days.
He reportedly attempted to commit suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning in 2007. However, he later denied that claim, saying it was all an accident. He retired from pro wrestling in 2011.
Prior to his death, it was said that Yasuda worked for a security company.
Source: F4WOnline
Wrestleview sends its condolences to the family, friends and fans of Tadao Yasuda.