Ryan Sakoda Passes Away Aged 46

Former WWE Superstar Ryan Sakoda has died at the age of 46.

Ryan Sakoda was best known as Kyo Dai, one of Tajiri’s Yakuza-style henchmen during WWE’s ruthless aggression era, and was paired with Jimmy Wang Yang – known as Akio – as one of Tajiri’s Yakuza-style henchmen. While Sakoda was only seen on television infrequently, he shared the ring with John Cena on SmackDown and was immortalised in action figure form before becoming a member of MTV’s Wrestling Society X.

According to PWInsider.com, Sakoda died on September 2nd. At this time, no cause of death has been reported. Paul London, a former WWE Tag Team Champion, paid tribute to the late star on social media:

“Heart is hurting by the sudden passing of Ryan Sakoda. From our time in OVW to Smackdown he was always able to make me laugh like none other. His impressions hysterical & his smile contagious. Met Ryan in 2001 at UPW & he was always a friend. Grateful for the moments. R.I.P”

Heart is hurting by the sudden passing of Ryan Sakoda. From our time in OVW to Smackdown he was always able to make me laugh like none other. His impressions hysterical & his smile contagious. Met Ryan in 2001 at UPW & he was always a friend. Grateful for the moments. R.I.P 💔

— London…Paul London (@LondonFu) September 28, 2021

Sakoda also wrestled for Jimmy Hart’s XWF as Vapor, as well as for NWA Zero-One Wrestling in Japan. Sakoda and Samoa Joe also had once held the NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship together in 2001. According to PWInsider, Sakoda was recently employed by Disney.

Everyone at TJR sends their condolences to the family and friends of Ryan Sakoda.