Ryan Sakoda
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| Ryan Sakoda | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Ring name(s) | Keiji Sakoda, Sakoda |
| Billed height | 183 cm (6 ft 0 in) |
| Billed weight | 109 kg (240 lb) |
| Born | December 31, 1974 Tokyo |
| Trained by | Jesse Hernadez |
| Debut | 1998 |
Ryan Sakoda (born December 31, 1974) is a Japanese American professional wrestler best known for his appearances in World Wrestling Entertainment and currently working for UPW as a full-time trainer for the UPW wrestlers.
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 professional wrestling stable Team Emblem with Japanese superstars Masato Tanaka and Shinjiro Otani.
In September 2003, Ryan "Keiji" Sakoda was signed to a development 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 WWE 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 full-time trainer and made his return to full time in-ring competition in 2007 with MTV's Wrestling Society X.
[edit] Finishing and signature moves
- Roaring Elbow (Discus elbow smash)
- Sakoda Slice (Diving forward somersault stunner/cutter)
[edit] Championships and accomplishments
-
- EWF Heavyweight Championship
- Won from Frankie Kazarian on March 24, 2000 in San Bernadino, California, USA
- Title vacated on May 14, 2000 in Corona, California when Sakoda jumped to the International Wrestling Cartel
