Introduction
Ryan Sakoda (born December 31, 1974) is a Japanese American professional wrestler. He is best known for his appearances in World Wrestling Entertainment and current work for Ultimate Pro Wrestling as a part-time trainer for the wrestlers, as well as working in the independents as Ryan Sakoda.
Professional wrestling career
Before coming to WWE, Sakoda had a successful stint in the NWA Zero-One promotion in Japan, stemming from his appearances for Ultimate Pro Wrestling. During this time Sakoda often filled in as an instructor at UPW's Ultimate University, while wrestling as part of the faction Team Emblem with Japanese superstars Masato Tanaka and Shinjiro Otani.
In September 2003, Sakoda was signed to a developmental contract, it wouldn't be long before Sakoda was brought up to SmackDown!'s main roster. He along with Akio made their WWE debuts on October 19, 2003 at No Mercy. Sakoda aligned himself with Akio, forming the heel tag team Kyo Dai, the Yakuza-style henchmen of Tajiri.
In August 2004, Sakoda was released from his WWE contract. Sakoda returned to UPW in March 2005 as a part-time trainer and part-time auto sales executive at Worthington Ford. He made his return to full-time in-ring competition in 2007 with MTV's Wrestling Society X. He is currently wrestling as an independent in the local mall circuit.
Sakoda filed a class action lawsuit against WWE, alleging that wrestlers suffered traumatic brain injuries while wrestling for them and that the company tried to conceal that information. The suit was litigated by attorney Konstantine Kyros, who has been involved in a number of other lawsuits against WWE. In March 2016, the suit was dismissed by Judge Vanessa Lynne Bryant.
In wrestling
- Finishing moves
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- Double powerbomb followed by a Death Valley driver
- Roaring Elbow (Discus elbow smash)
- Signature moves
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- Diamond Dust
- Running powerslam
- Nicknames
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- "The Japanese Assassin"
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Championships and accomplishments
- Empire Wrestling Federation
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- EWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- Pro Wrestling Zero-One
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- NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship (1 time)1 - with Samoa Joe
1After the title was vacated, Samoa Joe and partner Keiji Sakoda's reign was stricken from the promotion's records.