Toru Yano

Yano in August 2021

###

Arakawa, Tokyo, Japan

**Toru Yano** (矢野 通 Yano Tōru, born May 18, 1978), is a Japanese professional wrestler, trained by and currently signed to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). He is the 2020 and 2021 KOPW Champion, and also a four-time provisional holder, while also being a former four-times NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion, a former three-time IWGP Tag Team Champion, and a two-time GHC Tag Team Champion.

He is mainly known as a comic relief wrestler, often cheating in an attempt to secure quick wins in his matches. Though often positioned below NJPW's top wrestlers, Yano has gained a reputation as a spoiler, occasionally scoring upset wins over bigger names.

## Professional wrestling career

### Young Lion (2001–2005)

Toru Yano was a decorated Greco-Roman wrestler, while studying in Nihon University, winning several amateur titles. In April 2001 Yano entered New Japan Pro Wrestling's amateur wrestling section, the Toukon Club, in order to become a professional wrestler. He formally joined New Japan in January 2002 and began training full-time for his debut. He would make his debut on May 18, 2002, coincidentally on his 24th birthday, in a match, where he was defeated by his classmate Blue Wolf. On August 31, 2003, Yano ventured into the world of mixed martial arts, when he competed in a match for Pancrase. Yano lost his to date only MMA fight to Osami Shibuya via submission to an armbar in the second round.

After steadily climbing the ranks in New Japan for nearly two years, Yano turned heel in early 2004 and changed his look by dying his hair blonde. From April to July 2004, Yano went on a long streak of losing matches via disqualification. After a learning excursion to the United States in early 2005, Yano joined Masahiro Chono's Black New Japan stable and formed a tag team with Tomohiro Ishii. In June Yano made it to the finals of a tournament for the vacant IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship, but was defeated by Hiroshi Tanahashi. After a disappointing performance in the 2005 G1 Climax, Yano traveled to Germany in October 2005 to compete for European Wrestling Promotion, where he would win his first professional wrestling championship, the EWP Tag Team Championship, teaming with Kendo Kashin. When Yano returned to Japan the following month, he was a changed man, becoming a more serious competitor no longer seeking to break rules. However, when this change failed to bring him any success, Yano reverted to his cheating ways in early 2005 and, together with Ishii, Togi Makabe, Shiro Koshinaka and Tomoaki Honma joined Hiroyoshi Tenzan to form the Great Bash Heel (GBH) stable in December.

### GBH (2005-2009)

In the summer of 2006 Yano took part in New Japan's invasion of Apache Pro-Wrestling Army and on July 29, he defeated Kintaro Kanemura to win the promotion's main title, the WEW Heavyweight Championship, his first title in Japan. The following month Yano took part in the 2007 G1 Climax, this time picking up victories over Manabu Nakanishi and Shiro Koshinaka, but missed the finals of the tournament by a single point after drawing with Hiroshi Tanahashi. After the tournament Yano lost the WEW Heavyweight Championship to Mammoth Sasaki on September 23, 2007. In October Yano entered the 2007 G1 Tag League, teaming with Togi Makabe, who had overthrown Tenzan as the leader of GBH, instead of regular tag team partner Ishii. The two of them would go on to win four out of their seven matches in the round-robin stage of the tournament and thus made it to the semifinals, where they would be defeated by the eventual winners of the entire tournament, Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko. After the tournament Yano and Makabe remained together as a tag team, naming their team The Most Violent Players.

On January 4, 2008, at Wrestle Kingdom II in Tokyo Dome, Yano and Makabe were defeated by Team 3D (Brother Devon and Brother Ray), representing American promotion Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). However, Yano and Makabe bounced back quickly and on February 17 they defeated Giant Bernard and Travis Tomko to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship for the first time. They would successfully defend the titles against the teams of Giant Bernard and Shinsuke Nakamura, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Takashi Iizuka, Giant Bernard and Rick Fuller, Shinsuke Nakamura and Hirooki Goto and Manabu Nakanishi and Yutaka Yoshie, before entering the 2008 G1 Tag League in October. After four victories out of five in the round-robin stage, Yano and Makabe advanced to the semifinals, where they defeated the team of Shinsuke Nakamura and Hirooki Goto. However, on November 5, Yano and Makabe were defeated in the final match by Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan. Yano and Makabe's IWGP title reign of 322 days came to an end on January 4, 2009, when they were defeated by Team 3D for the second year in a row at Wrestle Kingdom III in Tokyo Dome.

### CHAOS Formation (2009-2016)

In April 2009 Yano turned on Makabe and together with the rest of GBH, excluding Tomoaki Honma, left the stable to join Shinsuke Nakamura and form the new heel stable Chaos, with Nakamura as the leader. When Makabe returned from his injury, suffered at the hands of Yano, he was looking for revenge on his former tag team partner. After several tag team matches, Yano and Makabe were finally booked in a singles match on June 20, where Yano would come out victorious. In the 2010 G1 Tag League Yano teamed up with Shinsuke Nakamura and together the two of them would make it to the semifinals before suffering an upset loss against the Junior Heavyweight tag team Apollo 55 (Prince Devitt and Ryusuke Taguchi). In early 2010 Yano began feuding with Hiroshi Tanahashi, starting on January 30, when he pinned Tanahashi in tag team match. Tanahashi would avenge his loss in a singles match on February 14, but was after the match jumped by Yano and Masato Tanaka, who then proceeded to cut off some of his hair. On May 3 Yano took arguably the biggest victory of his career by defeating the former four-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Tanahashi in a singles match, after which the two of them were booked in a final Hair vs. Hair match for June 19. On June 19 at Dominion 6.19, Tanahashi defeated Yano, but despite his loss, Yano and his Chaos ally Takashi Iizuka attacked Tanahashi after the match and went to cut his hair, before being stopped by Tajiri, who took care of Iizuka and helped Tanahashi shave Yano's hair to end their feud. Yano then moved on to feuding with Tajiri. Tajiri, Kushida and Tanahashi eliminated Yano and his Chaos partners Iizuka and Gedo from the J Sports Crown Openweight 6 Man Tag Tournament on June 28, 2010, but on July 19 Yano defeated Tajiri via submission in a singles match in less than six minutes to seemingly end their feud. The following month Yano entered the 2010 G1 Climax and managed to win four out of his seven round-robin stage matches, including a major victory over the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion Togi Makabe, but finished fourth in his block, thus missing the finals of the tournament. On September 3, Tajiri returned to New Japan and attacked Yano after his match, showing that they were not done with each other. On October 11 at Destruction '10, Tajiri defeated Yano in a singles match. On January 4, 2011, at Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome, Yano faced TNA performer Rob Van Dam in a hardcore match in losing effort. Yano has since adopted Van Dam's signature finger point taunt as his own.

In May 2011 Yano took part in New Japan's Invasion Tour 2011, the promotion's first tour of the United States. On May 13 in Rahway, New Jersey, he entered the tournament to determine the first ever IWGP Intercontinental Champion, defeating Dan Maff in his first round match. The following day in New York City, Yano defeated his Chaos stablemate Yujiro Takahashi to advance to the finals of the tournament. On the third and final day of the tour in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Yano was defeated by MVP in the finals of the tournament. Yano would also fail to win the title in two rematches, first on June 18 in Osaka and then on July 18 in Sapporo. In August, Yano took part in the 2011 G1 Climax, where he managed to win five out of his nine matches, which included a big win over IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi. Ultimately, a loss against Giant Bernard on the final day of the tournament eliminated from the running for a spot in the finals. On September 19, Yano started a new rivalry with Yuji Nagata by attacking him after he had defeated his Chaos stablemate Hideo Saito in a grudge match. The two faced each other on October 10 at Destruction '11, where Nagata was able to pick up a pinfall win. Later that same event, Yano attacked Hiroshi Tanahashi, after he had successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Tetsuya Naito and then accepted Nagata as his next challenger, and stole his championship belt, renaming it the "YWGP Heavyweight Championship". After Yano was named the number one contender to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, he went to team with Shinsuke Nakamura as the "Chaos Top Team" in the 2011 G1 Tag League, scoring a pinfall victory over Tanahashi in the team's opening match against the team of Tanahashi and Hirooki Goto. The Chaos Top Team ended up winning all five of their group stage matches, with Yano also picking up a pinfall victory over Togi Makabe in the process, advancing to the semifinals of the tournament with a clean sheet. On November 6, Yano and Nakamura were eliminated from the tournament in the semifinals by the team of Minoru Suzuki and Lance Archer. On November 12 at Power Struggle, Yano failed to capture the IWGP Heavyweight Championship from Tanahashi. On January 4, 2012, at Wrestle Kingdom VI in Tokyo Dome, Yano teamed with Shinsuke Nakamura in a tag team match, where they were defeated by Pro Wrestling NOAH representatives Go Shiozaki and Naomichi Marufuji.

On March 4, 2012, at New Japan's 40th anniversary event, Yano and Takashi Iizuka defeated IWGP Tag Team Champions, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima, in a non-title match, with Yano pinning Kojima for the win. On March 18, Yano and Iizuka attacked Tenzan and Kojima, after they had successfully defended their title against Lance Archer and Yoshihiro Takayama, and stole their championship belts. On May 3 at Wrestling Dontaku 2012, Yano and Iizuka defeated Tenzan and Kojima to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship, starting Yano's second reign with the title. On June 16 at Dominion 6.16, Yano's and Iizuka's first title defense, a rematch against Tenzan and Kojima, ended in a no contest. As a result, four days later Yano and Iizuka were stripped of the IWGP Tag Team Championship. On July 22, Yano and Iizuka were defeated by Tenzan and Kojima in a decision match for the vacant title. Through the second half of 2012, Yano feuded with the returning Manabu Nakanishi, which built to a match on January 4, 2013, at Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome, where Yano, Bob Sapp, Takashi Iizuka and Yujiro Takahashi were defeated in an eight-man tag team match by Nakanishi, Akebono, MVP and Strong Man. On February 9, Yano and Iizuka made an appearance for Pro Wrestling Noah, wrestling Maybach Taniguchi and Maybach Taniguchi Jr. to a double disqualification. Later, Yano and Iizuka attacked No Mercy leader KENTA after the main event, which led to Maybach Taniguchi coming out to seemingly save his stablemate, however, he ended up hitting Kenta with a chair. Yano then grabbed Naomichi Marufuji's and Takashi Sugiura's GHC Tag Team Championship belts from ringside, before handing Taniguchi KENTA's GHC Heavyweight Championship belt. The following day, Yano and Iizuka were named the number one contenders to the GHC Tag Team Championship. On March 10, Yano and Iizuka defeated Marufuji and Sugiura to become the new GHC Tag Team Champions.

Back in New Japan, Yano became involved in Chaos' rivalry with the promotion's other villainous stable, Suzuki-gun. From March 11 to March 23, Yano took part in the 2013 New Japan Cup, which saw him reach the semifinals following an upset win over Suzuki-gun leader Minoru Suzuki, before losing to Chaos stablemate Kazuchika Okada. In April, Yano and Iizuka took part in Noah's 2013 Global Tag League, where they finished with a record of two wins and two losses, failing to advance to the finals. Yano and Iizuka made their first successful defense of the GHC Tag Team Championship on May 12 against TMDK (Mikey Nicholls and Shane Haste), who had defeated them during the Global Tag League. Post-match, Yano named himself the number one contender to the GHC Heavyweight Championship. His status as the next challenger for Kenta's title was made official the following day. Yano received his title shot on June 2, but was defeated by Kenta. This led to a GHC Tag Team Championship match on June 8, where Yano and Iizuka successfully defended their title against Kenta and Yoshihiro Takayama, with Yano pinning the GHC Heavyweight Champion for the win. Back in New Japan on June 22 at Dominion 6.22, a special three-way match took place for the IWGP Tag Team Championship, held by Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima, which also included Yano and Iizuka, the GHC Tag Team Champions, and the NWA World Tag Team Champions, Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Lance Archer. After Tenzan and Kojima had managed to win the match and retain their title, Yano once again stole their championship belts. On July 7, Yano and Iizuka lost the GHC Tag Team Championship to TMDK in their third defense. On July 20, Yano and Iizuka were defeated by Tenzan and Kojima in another IWGP Tag Team Championship match between the two teams.

From August 1 to 11, Yano took part in the 2013 G1 Climax. Though finishing near the bottom of his block with a record of four wins and five losses, Yano ended his tournament on a high note, defeating Minoru Suzuki and costing him a spot in the finals. This led to a feud between Yano and Suzuki. In the rematch on September 29 at Destruction, Yano was again victorious, after handcuffing Suzuki to a ringside guard rail, which led to him being counted out. This led to another match between the two on October 14 at King of Pro-Wrestling, where Suzuki was victorious. From November 24 to December 7, Yano and Iizuka took part in the 2013 World Tag League. Though they finished last in their block with a record of two wins and four losses, Yano once again got to play the spoiler Suzuki, when he and Iizuka defeated Suzuki and Shelton X Benjamin on the final day, costing them a spot in the semifinals. The rivalry between Yano and Suzuki led to a match on January 4, 2014, at Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome, where Yano and The Great Muta defeated Suzuki and Benjamin, with Yano pinning his rival for the win, after ducking away from Muta's green mist, which instead blinded Suzuki. Yano and Suzuki again faced off on March 15 in the first round of the 2014 New Japan Cup, where Suzuki was victorious. On May 25 at Back to the Yokohama Arena, Yano and Iizuka faced off against Suzuki and Benjamin in a tag team match, during which Iizuka turned on Yano and Chaos, helping Suzuki pin him for the win and joining Suzuki-gun. From July 21 to August 8, Yano took part in the 2014 G1 Climax, where he finished with a record of four wins and six losses, which included a win over Suzuki. Yano then formed a partnership with Kazushi Sakuraba and transitioned over to feuding with former tag team partner Takashi Iizuka, while Sakuraba took over his feud with Suzuki. In November, Yano and Sakuraba took part in the 2014 World Tag League, finishing in the middle of their block with a record of three wins, one draw and three losses. Yano's rivalry with Iizuka and the rest of Suzuki-gun culminated on January 4, 2015, at Wrestle Kingdom 9 in Tokyo Dome, where he and Pro Wrestling Noah's Naomichi Marufuji, Mikey Nicholls and Shane Haste defeated Iizuka, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Lance Archer and Shelton X Benjamin in an eight-man tag team match. On February 22, the same day he ran the Tokyo Marathon (with a time of 6:47:02), Yano returned to Noah to return the favor and help Marufuji in his new rivalry with Suzuki-gun. Appearing as Marufuji's surprise tag team partner, the two defeated Iizuka and Minoru Suzuki in the main event.

### Face turn (2016-present)

Back in NJPW, Yano re-ignited his old rivalry with Hiroshi Tanahashi, after cheating his way to a win over Tanahashi in the opening round of the 2015 New Japan Cup. The rivalry culminated on July 5 at Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall, where Yano was defeated by Tanahashi. From July 20 to August 14, Yano took part in the 2015 G1 Climax, where he finished in the middle of his block with a record of four wins and five losses. On January 4, 2016, at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome, Yano teamed with the Ring of Honor (ROH) tag team of Jay Briscoe and Mark Briscoe to defeat Bullet Club's Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga and Yujiro Takahashi to become the inaugural NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions. The three made their first successful title defense the following day against another Bullet Club trio of Fale, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson. On February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka, Yano and the Briscoes lost the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship to Fale, Tonga and Takahashi in their second defense. Yano and the Briscoes regained the title three days later at The New Beginning in Niigata. On February 20 at the NJPW and ROH co-produced Honor Rising: Japan 2016 event, Yano and the Briscoes lost the title to Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson. From April 21 to May 4, Yano took part in Pro Wrestling Noah's 2016 Global Tag League, where he teamed with Naomichi Marufuji. The two finished second in the single round-robin block, advancing to the finals, where they defeated the reigning GHC Tag Team Champions, Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Lance Archer, to win the tournament. On May 28, Yano and Marufuji defeated Smith and Archer in a rematch to become the new GHC Tag Team Champions. On June 12, Yano and Marufuji defeated Smith and Archer for the third time in a row to make their first successful title defense, and followed that up by defeating another Suzuki-gun team of Minoru Suzuki and Takashi Iizuka on July 5 for their second successful defense. On July 16, Yano and Marufuji made their third successful title defense against The Aggression (Katsuhiko Nakajima and Masa Kitamiya). From July 22 to August 13, Yano took part in the 2016 G1 Climax, where he finished tied third in his block with a record of five wins and four losses, failing to advance to the finals. Through NJPW's relationship with ROH, Yano made his debut for the American promotion on August 19 at Death Before Dishonor XIV, where he and his Chaos stablemates Beretta and Rocky Romero defeated the Bullet Club trio of Tama Tonga, Tanga Roa and Yujiro Takahashi. On October 8, Yano and Marufuji made their fifth successful defense of the GHC Tag Team Championship against Yano's Chaos stablemates Kazuchika Okada and Yoshi-Hashi. The following month, Yano took part in Noah's 2016 Global League Tournament. Despite picking up wins over the likes of Minoru Suzuki and reigning GHC Heavyweight Champion Katsuhiko Nakajima, Yano failed to advance to the finals due to losing to former tag team partner Takashi Iizuka in his final round-robin match, finishing with a record of five wins and two losses. On November 23, Yano and Marufuji lost the GHC Tag Team Championship back to Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Lance Archer.

On December 16, Yano returned to NJPW from his extended stay in Noah, requesting to be added to the IWGP Tag Team Championship match at Wrestle Kingdom 11 in Tokyo Dome with Tomohiro Ishii as his partner. The request was granted after Yano stole the IWGP Tag Team Championship belts, which led to him and Ishii defeating defending champions Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tanga Roa) and G.B.H. (Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma) in a three-way match on January 4, 2017, to become the new IWGP Tag Team Champions. They lost the title to Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima on March 6 at NJPW's 45th anniversary event. During the summer, Yano took part in the 2017 G1 Climax, where he finished with a record of four wins and five losses. Yano's most notable win came in his last match over longtime rival Minoru Suzuki, against whom he now held a 4–0 record in their G1 Climax matches. Afterwards, Yano continued his feud with Suzuki by stealing his NEVER Openweight Championship belt on October 9 at King of Pro-Wrestling. This led to Yano unsuccessfully challenging Suzuki for the title in a bull rope deathmatch on November 5 at Power Struggle. On January 4, 2018, Yano, Beretta, and Tomohiro Ishii won a five-team gauntlet match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in Tokyo Dome to become the new NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions. They lost the titles to them on the following night. In July, before the start of the 2018 G1 Climax, Yano stated that in this year's tournament he wouldn't use his common tactics such as cheating in an attempt to secure quick wins in his matches and would display his amateur wrestling background. Despite showing some amateur wrestling skills, Yano still used his cheating tactics to secure quick wins in his matches. Yano went on to finish the tournament with a record of three wins and seven losses, failing to advance to the finals of the tournament. From November 17 until December 7, Yano and Ishii took part in the 2018 World Tag League, finishing the tournament with a record of nine wins and four losses, failing to advance to the finals, due to losing to Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa in their last round-robin match. On January 30, 2019, Yano, Ryusuke Taguchi and Togi Makabe defeated Bullet Club (Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa and Taiji Ishimori) to win the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship. From July 13 until August 12, Yano took part in the 2019 G1 Climax, where he finished the tournament with a record of four wins and five losses, failing to advance to the finals of the tournament.

On January 5, 2020, in the second night of Wrestle Kingdom 14 in Tokyo Dome, Yano, Makabe, Taguchi lost the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship to *Los Ingobernables de Japon* (BUSHI, EVIL, and Shingo Takagi), ending their reign at 340 days, breaking the record for the longest reign as champions. In June, Yano took part in the 2020 New Japan Cup, being eliminated from the tournament by IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Hiromu Takahashi in the second round by countout. In August, Yano took part in a tournament to crown the provisional KOPW 2020 Champion. In the first round, Yano proposed a two count rule match as part of the KOPW 2020, which he won after a fan vote. In the match on August 26, Yano defeated BUSHI to advance to the finals of the tournament. Three days later, at Summer Struggle in Jingu, Yano defeated his CHAOS stablemate Kazuchika Okada, El Desperado, and SANADA in a four-way match to become the inaugural and provisional KOPW 2020 Champion. From September 19 until October 17, Yano took part in the 2020 G1 Climax, finishing the tournament with a record of three wins and six losses, failling to advance to the finals of the tournament. During the tournament, Yano and Hirooki Goto broke the record of the shortest match in the tournament's history with the match lasting 18 seconds, surpassing the record held by Kenzo Suzuki vs. Tadao Yasuda in the 2002 tournament, which their match lasted 37 seconds. From November 15 until December 6, Yano and Tomohiro Ishii took part in the 2020 World Tag League, finishing the tournament with a record of five wins and four losses, failling advance to the finals of the tournament.

On December 23 at *Road to Tokyo Dome* tour, Yano defeating Bad Luck Fale in a Bodyslam or No Corner Pads match to become the official KOPW 2020 champion. During that day, NJPW announced a four-way match to decide the provisional KOPW 2021 champion. Prior the match, NJPW also announced the New Japan Rambo to determine challengers to the KOPW 2021. This led on January 4, 2021, on the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 15 in Tokyo Dome, Yano, Bad Luck Fale, BUSHI, and Chase Owens winning the New Japan Rambo by last eliminating Yuya Uemura to become the participants to decide the inaugural KOPW 2021. The following day, on the second night of Wrestle Kingdom 15, Yano defeated BUSHI, Fale and Owens to become the provisional KOPW 2021 Champion. In March, Yano took part in the 2021 New Japan Cup, losing in the quarterfinals to EVIL on March 16. In July, leading to Wrestle Grand Slam, it was announced that Yano would defend the provisional KOPW 2021 trophy in the New Japan Rambo. Yano proposed that blindfolds or handcuffs should be included in the match, leading on July 20, NJPW to announce the stipulation following the result of a fan vote. On July 25 at Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome, Yano lost the proviosional KOPW 2021 trophy to Chase Owens, after being the last wrestler eliminated from the *New Japan Rambo* with handcuffs. Following his loss, Yano, who was frustrated with his loss, challenged Owens to a rematch for the trophy. This led to a No Disqualification I Quit match on September 4 at Wrestle Grand Slam in MetLife Dome, where Yano defeated Owens to regain the trophy, becoming the first wrestler to win KOPW trophy on two different occasions. From September 18 to October 18, Yano took part in the 2021 G1 Climax, where he finished with a record of five wins and four losses, failing to advance to the finals of the tournament. From November 14 until December 12, Yano and Hiroshi Tanahashi took part in the 2021 World Tag League finishing the tournament with a record of seven wins and four losses, failling to advance to the finals of the tournament.

On January 4, 2021, on the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 16, Yano was one of three participants that won the New Japan Rambo by last eliminating Togi Makabe to become the participants to decide the inaugural KOPW 2022. The following day, on the second night of Wrestle Kingdom 16, Yano was defeated by Minoru Suzuki in a four-way match to decide the provisional KOPW 2022 Champion. In February, Yano began feuding with Suzuki, which culminated on February 20, Yano defeating Suzuki in a dog cage match to become the provisional KOPW 2022 Champion. He lost the provisional trophy to Suzuki's Suzuki-gun stablemate Taichi in a No Rope Ringout match on April 9 at Hyper Battle. From July 17 to August 16, Yano took part in the 2022 G1 Climax, finishing the tournament with a record of one win and five losses, failing to advance to the semifinals. From November 22 until December 14, Yano and Hiroshi Tanahashi took part in the 2022 World Tag League finishing the tournament with a record of five wins and five losses, failing to advance to the finals of the tournament. In March 2023, Yano took part in the 2023 New Japan Cup, being eliminated in the first round to Mark Davis. From July 16 to August 9, Yano took part in the 2023 G1 Climax, where he finished the tournament with a record of two wins and five losses, failing to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament. From November 25 until December 6, Yano and Tomohiro Ishii took part in the 2023 World Tag League, finishing the tournament with a record of four wins, and three losses, failing to advance to the semifinals of the tournament

## Wrestling Persona

Yano is a distinctive comedic character within the New Japan Pro-Wrestling roster known for his upset wins, and renowned for his unorthodox, underhanded, and sometimes downright cheating methods during his matches. His unique approach to wrestling often involves attempting to secure victory through sneaky rollup cradles and schoolboy pins. Yano will often have annoying attacks, such as slaps to the back of the head and atomic drop. If these tactics prove unsuccessful, he resorts to even more devious techniques, including low blows, distracting the referee, removing corner pads from the turnbuckles, and aiming for count-out wins.

To further gain an advantage, Yano often brings tape to the ring, which he uses to restrain his opponents, forcing them into precarious positions and attempting to secure count-out victories. In some instances, he even ties his adversaries to the barricades or restricts their legs. Other times, he will use the ring and go underneath. Despite his cunning tactics, Yano's opponents are well aware of his antics and typically devise strategies to counter his unconventional methods during their matches.

## In wrestling

* **Finishing moves**
	+ *634 / Rokusanshi* (Double low blow)
	+ *Kagamiwari* (Scoop brainbuster) - 2010-2014, used rarely as of 2015
	+ Multiple pin variations
		- *Akakiri* (Head and leg hook inside cradle)
		- *Kuro Kirishima* (Modified schoolboy)
		- *Urakasumi* (Leg hook front facelock rolled into a cradle)
	+ *NU2* (Low blow into a jackknife pin) - 2021
	+ *Onigoroshi* (Kneeling powerbomb)
* **Signature moves**
	+ Canadian backbreaker rack
	+ German suplex
	+ *Goriki* (Swinging side slam)
	+ Inverted suplex slam
	+ Spear
	+ Spinning side slam
* **Nicknames**
	+ "Barber"
	+ **"YTR"**
	+ **"Binwan Purodyūsā"** (Japanese for "Skilled Producer")
	+ **"Suko Naru Dai Dorobo"** (Japanese for "Sublime Master Thief")
	+ "Super Athlete"
	+ **"Noblest Brain"**
* **Entrance themes**
	+ "Original Kyoku" by New Japan Pro Wrestling
	+ **"intoxication?"** by New Japan Pro Wrestling

## Championships and accomplishments

* **Apache Pro-Wrestling Army**
	+ WEW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
* **European Wrestling Promotion**
	+ EWP Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kendo Kashin
	+ EWP Tag Team Title Tournament (2005) – with Kendo Kashin
* **New Japan Pro Wrestling**
	+ IWGP Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Togi Makabe (1) and Takashi Iizuka (1) and Tomohiro Ishii (1)
	+ NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship (4 times) – with Jay Briscoe and Mark Briscoe (1), and Beretta and Tomohiro Ishii (1), and Togi Makabe and Ryusuke Taguchi (1)
	+ KOPW (2020, 2021)
	+ Provisional KOPW 2020 (1 time)
	+ Provisional KOPW 2021 (2 times)
	+ Provisional KOPW 2022 (1 time)
	+ New Japan Rambo (2021, 2022)
* ***Pro Wrestling Illustrated***
	+ PWI ranked him #**139** of the best 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2011
	+ PWI ranked him #**346** of the best 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2016
	+ PWI ranked him #**203** of the best 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2017
* **Pro Wrestling Noah**
	+ GHC Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Takashi Iizuka (1) and Naomichi Marufuji (1)
	+ Global Tag League (2016) – with Naomichi Marufuji
* ***Tokyo Sports***
	+ Best Bout Award (2011) with Takashi Iizuka vs. Keiji Mutoh and Kenta Kobashi, All Together, August 27
	+ Best Tag Team Award (2007) with Togi Makabe

## References

1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 *ja:矢野 通* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
2. ↑ Macklin, Matthew 2014-12-26. New Japan primer: the remaining heavyweight stars . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2015-07-14.
3. ↑ Rose, Bryan 2015-07-19. New Japan 2015 G1 Climax 25: A First-Timer's Guide . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2015-08-12. Retrieved on 2015-07-14.
4. ↑ Macklin, Matthew 2015-07-10. Complete preview & guide to 2015 New Japan Pro Wrestling G1 Climax tournament . *Pro Wrestling Insider*. Retrieved on 2015-07-14.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 Toru Yano profile . *Strong Style Spirit*. Archived from the original on 2008-05-24. Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
6. ↑ Toru Yano's MMA stats . *Sherdog*. Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
7. ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 7.15 7.16 7.17 7.18 7.19 7.20 7.21 7.22 Toru Yano profile . *Puroresu Central*. Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
8. ↑ Results New Japan, 1/30/10 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-01-30). Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
9. ↑ Results New Japan, 2/14/10 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-02-14). Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
10. ↑ Back and a large update . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-05-12). Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
11. ↑ Partial 6.19 Osaka card announced; GBH vs. Noah, Hair vs. Hair, more! . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-05-17). Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 (Results) New Japan "Dominion 6.19", 6/19 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-06-19). Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
13. ↑ (Results) New Japan, 6/28/10 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-06-28). Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
14. ↑ (Results) New Japan, 7/19/10 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-07-19). Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
15. ↑ (Results) New Japan, 8/7/10 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-08-07). Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
16. ↑ (Results) New Japan, 8/8/10 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-08-08). Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
17. ↑ (Results) New Japan, 8/12/10 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-08-12). Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 (Results) New Japan, 8/15/10 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-08-15). Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
19. ↑ (Results) New Japan, 9/3/10 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-09-03). Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
20. ↑ (Results) New Japan, 10/11/10 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2010-10-11). Retrieved on 2010-10-11.
21. ↑ *ja:レッスルキングダムⅤ ｉｎ 東京ドーム* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2011-01-04.
22. ↑ Caldwell, James 2011-01-04. TNA News: Tokyo Dome Show results - Jeff Hardy defends TNA World Title, Beer Money challenges for IWGP Tag Titles, RVD vs. Yano . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2011-01-04.
23. ↑ (Results) New Japan, 3/19/11 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2011-03-19). Retrieved on 2011-08-05.
24. ↑ (Results) New Japan, 8/5/11 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2011-08-05). Retrieved on 2011-08-05.
25. ↑ Martin, Adam 2011-05-14. 5/13 New Japan Pro Wrestling Results: Rahway, NJ . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2011-05-15.
26. ↑ Martin, Adam 2011-05-15. 5/14 New Japan Pro Wrestling Results: New York . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2011-05-15.
27. ↑ Martin, Adam 2011-05-16. 5/15 New Japan Pro Wrestling Results: Philly, PA . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2011-05-16.
28. ↑ Dominion 6.18  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2011-06-18.
29. ↑ Caldwell, James 2011-06-18. NJPW News: Results from Dominion PPV Saturday - MVP's first IWGP IC Title defense, TNA wrestler appears, key title change . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2011-06-19.
30. ↑ New Japan Soul 2011  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2011-07-18.
31. ↑ ブシロード Presents G1 Climax XXI ～The Invincible Fighter～  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2011-08-14). Retrieved on 2011-08-14.
32. ↑ (Results) New Japan, 9/19/11 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2011-09-19). Retrieved on 2011-09-19.
33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Destruction '11  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2011-10-10.
34. ↑ "ベルト泥棒"矢野通が"YWGP"ベルト披露!? 10.16大熱狂の山形大会動画を緊急アップ!!  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2011-10-18). Retrieved on 2011-11-04.
35. ↑ G1 Tag League & 11/12 Osaka cards . *Strong Style Spirit* (2011-10-11). Retrieved on 2011-10-26.
36. ↑ G1 Tag League 2011 teams announced! . *Strong Style Spirit* (2011-09-21). Retrieved on 2011-10-26.
37. ↑ (Results) New Japan, 10/22/11 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2011-10-22). Retrieved on 2011-10-26.
38. ↑ (Results) New Japan 10/30/11 + 10/29 Camp Zama . *Strong Style Spirit* (2011-10-30). Retrieved on 2011-11-04.
39. ↑ (Results) New Japan, 11/4/11 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2011-11-04). Retrieved on 2011-11-04.
40. ↑ G1 Tag League 2011  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2011-11-06.
41. ↑ Power Struggle  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2011-11-12.
42. ↑ NJPW 40th anniversary Tour. レッスルキングダムⅥ in 東京ドーム  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-01-04.
43. ↑ NJPW 40th anniversary 旗揚げ記念日  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-03-18.
44. ↑ NJPW 40th anniversary Tour New Japan Glory 2012  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-03-18.
45. ↑ NJPW 40th anniversary レスリングどんたく 2012  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-05-03). Retrieved on 2012-05-03.
46. ↑ Dominion 6.16  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-06-16). Retrieved on 2012-06-16.
47. ↑ 7月シリーズ『Kizuna Road』最終戦7・22山形でIWGP 3大タイトルマッチ＆タッグ王座決定戦！  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-06-20). Retrieved on 2012-06-20.
48. ↑ NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Kizuna Road  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-07-22.
49. ↑ NJPW 40ｔｈ anniversary King of Pro-Wrestling  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-01-04.
50. ↑ Wrestle Kingdom 7 ～Evolution～ in 東京ドーム  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-01-04.
51. ↑ Show Results - 1/4 New Japan Tokyo Dome Show: Former WWE stars in undercard matches, Tanahashi vs. Okada, did any titles change hands? . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2013-01-04). Retrieved on 2013-01-04.
52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 *ja:なんと矢野＆飯塚がマイバッハと結託!! ノアマットでもベルト強奪!! キャプテンが森嶋と初対決!!* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-02-09). Retrieved on 2013-02-10.
53. ↑ 「Great Voyage 2013 in Yokohama」3月10日(日)横浜文化体育館大会対戦カード第1弾！ GHC3大選手権開催決定！  (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Noah* (2013-02-10). Retrieved on 2013-02-10.
54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 Great Voyage 2013 in Yokohama  (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Noah*. Retrieved on 2013-03-10.
55. ↑ New Japan Cup 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-05.
56. ↑ New Japan Cup 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-05.
57. ↑ New Japan Cup 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-05.
58. ↑ *ja:グローバル・タッグリーグ戦 2013* (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Noah*. Retrieved on 2013-04-28.
59. ↑ *ja:方舟新章* (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Noah*. Retrieved on 2013-05-12.
60. ↑ "崇高"なGHCタッグ王者・矢野＆飯塚が初防衛成功!! なんと矢野がKentaのGHCヘビー級王座に挑戦!!【※情報追記】  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-05-13). Retrieved on 2013-05-13.
61. ↑ Southern Navig. 2013“方舟新章～心に残るプロレス～”  (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Noah*. Retrieved on 2013-06-02.
62. ↑ Kentaが３度目の王座防衛／ノア  (in Japanese). *Nikkan Sports* (2013-06-03). Retrieved on 2013-06-02.
63. ↑ Southern Navig. 2013“方舟新章～心に残るプロレス～”  (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Noah*. Retrieved on 2013-06-08.
64. ↑ Dominion 6.22  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-06-22.
65. ↑ Great Voyage 2013 in Tokyo “七夕決戦～みんなの願い～”  (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Noah*. Retrieved on 2013-07-07.
66. ↑ 吉野家Presents Kizuna Road 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-07-20.
67. ↑ Namako, Jason 2013-07-20. 7/20 NJPW iPPV Results: Akita, Japan (Devitt vs. Okada) . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2013-07-20.
68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 『G1 Climax 23』出場メンバー発表!! 飯伏幸太、石井智宏が初出場!! 柴田勝頼が9年ぶりエントリー!!  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-07-05). Retrieved on 2013-07-05.
69. ↑ ブシモ Presents G1 Climax 23  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-08-11.
70. ↑ Caldwell, James 2013-08-11. Live results - New Japan's G1 Climax Finals 8/11: Caldwell's complete coverage of Sunday's event featuring Naito vs. Tanahashi, Shelton, Hoyt, Bulldog, Jr., Devitt, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2013-08-11.
71. ↑ 10.14両国、全カード発表!! オカダvs棚橋! 中邑vs丸藤! 内藤vs裕二郎! 永田vs桜庭! 柴田vs石井! "X"とは？  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2013-09-30). Retrieved on 2013-09-30.
72. ↑ Destruction  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-09-30.
73. ↑ King of Pro-Wrestling  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-10-14.
74. ↑ World Tag League 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-12-07.
75. ↑ World Tag League 2013  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-12-07.
76. ↑ バディファイトPresents Wrestle Kingdom 8 in 東京ドーム  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-01-04.
77. ↑ Caldwell, James 2014-01-04. Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of New Japan's biggest show of the year - four title changes, former WWE/TNA stars featured, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-01-04.
78. ↑ New Japan Cup 2014  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-03-15.
79. ↑ Back to the Yokohama Arena . *New Japan Pro Wrestlinglanguage=Japanese*. Retrieved on 2014-05-25.
80. ↑ Caldwell, James 2014-05-25. Caldwell's NJPW iPPV results 5/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live show featuring Styles vs. Okada for IWGP World Title, MOTY Contender, NWA Tag Titles, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-05-25.
81. ↑ Caldwell, James 2014-07-21. Caldwell's NJPW G1 Climax results 7/21 (Night 1): Complete coverage of A.J. Styles vs. Okada main event, Tanahashi, Nakamura, Shelton Benjamin, Bullet Club, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-08-08.
82. ↑ バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 24  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-08-08.
83. ↑ Namako, Jason 2014-08-08. 8/8 NJPW G-1 Climax Day 11 recap (Okada/Suzuki) . *Wrestleview*. Retrieved on 2014-08-08.
84. ↑ バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 24  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-12-05.
85. ↑ Caldwell, James 2014-09-21. Caldwell's New Japan PPV results 9/21: Complete live coverage of "Destruction in Kobe" - Nakamura regains IC Title, Tanahashi vs. Shibata, A.J. Styles, new Jr. Hvt. champion, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2014-12-05.
86. ↑ 『World Tag League 2014』出場チーム＆公式戦が決定！ 棚橋はヨシタツとタッグ結成！ 桜庭、AJ、柴田、ROH、NWAも参戦!  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2014-11-11). Retrieved on 2014-12-05.
87. ↑ World Tag League 2014  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2014-12-05.
88. ↑ Wrestle Kingdom 9 in 東京ドーム  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2015-02-22.
89. ↑ Caldwell, James 2015-01-04. Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome show results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Wrestle Kingdom PPV - Tanahashi vs. Okada, Bullet Club, Nakamura, Jim Ross, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2015-02-22.
90. ↑ "X"の正体は東京マラソン完走の矢野通だった!? 天山＆中西もヒートアップ! 3.15有明大会まで待ったなし!!【2.22ノア後楽園大会結果】  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2015-02-23). Retrieved on 2015-02-23.
91. ↑ *ja:ノア丸藤 秘密兵器「Ｘ」は新日・矢野…みのる組撃退* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2015-02-23). Retrieved on 2015-02-23.
92. ↑ *ja:4月5日（日）両国でAJvs飯伏が決定! オカダvsファレ！ 棚橋＆柴田vs矢野＆桜庭! ケニーvsドラダなど4大IWGP選手権が実現!!* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2015-03-16). Retrieved on 2015-03-16.
93. ↑ *ja:【新日ＮＪＣ】棚橋 天敵・矢野にまさかの１６７秒負け* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2015-03-06). Retrieved on 2015-03-16.
94. ↑ Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2015-07-05.
95. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2015-07-04. New Japan Dominion live coverage from Osaka Jo Hall - Styles vs. Okada for IWGP title, Nakamura vs. Goto for IC title and notes on biggest event since the Tokyo Dome, plus all G-1 main events . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2015-09-19. Retrieved on 2015-07-05.
96. ↑ Sempervive, Mike 2015-07-18. The Big Audio Nightmare's Guide to the annual New Japan G1 Climax . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Archived from the original on 2015-07-22. Retrieved on 2015-08-14.
97. ↑ バディファイトPresents G1 Climax 25  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2015-08-14.
98. ↑ *ja:Wrestle Kingdom 10 in 東京ドーム* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2016-01-04.
99. ↑ New Year Dash !!  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2016-01-05.
100. ↑ 100.0 100.1 The New Beginning in Osaka  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2016-02-11.
101. ↑ The New Beginning in Niigata  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2016-02-14.
102. ↑ Honor Rising:Japan 2016  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2016-02-20.
103. ↑ Caldwell, James 2015-04-11. Noah announces Global Tag League teams, including New Japan stars . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2016-05-04.
104. ↑ Global Tag League 2016  (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Noah*. Retrieved on 2016-05-04.
105. ↑ 105.0 105.1 *ja:【グローバルタッグリーグＬ】開幕３連敗から４連勝の丸藤組が大逆転優勝* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-05-05). Retrieved on 2016-05-05.
106. ↑ Caldwell, James 2016-05-04. Final Result of Noah's Global Tag League tournament . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2016-05-05.
107. ↑ 107.0 107.1 *ja:矢野＆丸藤がGHCタッグ獲得！ GHC王者へ返り咲いた潮崎にベンジャミンが挑戦表明！ 邪道＆外道が復活！ GHC Jr.タッグ挑戦へ！【5月28日(土)ノア大阪・試合結果】* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2016-05-29). Retrieved on 2016-05-29.
108. ↑ 5/28 Noah "Great Voyage" Results – Two big title changes, former WWE star next GHC Hvt. Title contender, K.E.S. historical title reign, more . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2016-05-28). Retrieved on 2016-05-28.
109. ↑ 6/12 Noah in Tokyo, Japan Results – Go Shiozaki vs. Shelton Benjamin for GHC Hvt. Title, K.E.S. challenges for GHC Tag Titles, NJPW stars, Misawa memorial . *Pro Wrestling Torch* (2016-06-12). Retrieved on 2016-06-12.
110. ↑ *ja:【ノア】丸藤組がＫＥＳ破りＧＨＣタッグ初防衛* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-06-13). Retrieved on 2016-06-13.
111. ↑ *ja:【ノア・後楽園】ＧＨＣタッグＶ２の矢野 Ｇ１決勝で丸藤と“再会”だ* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-07-06). Retrieved on 2016-07-06.
112. ↑ *ja:日テレG+ presents「第10回日テレG+杯争奪ジュニアヘビー級タッグリーグ戦」* (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Noah*. Retrieved on 2016-07-16.
113. ↑ *ja:【ノア】矢野とのコンビでＧＨＣタッグＶ３の丸藤　Ｇ１制覇誓う* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-07-17). Retrieved on 2016-07-17.
114. ↑ 2016 New Japan G1 Climax Results . *Pro Wrestling Torch*. Retrieved on 2016-08-13.
115. ↑ NJPW's Toru Yano signed for DBD XIV in Las Vegas . *Ring of Honor*. Retrieved on 2016-08-20.
116. ↑ Meltzer, Dave 2016-08-19. ROH Death Before Dishonor XIV live results: Jay Lethal vs. Adam Cole . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2016-08-20.
117. ↑ Autumn Navig. 2016  (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Noah*. Retrieved on 2016-10-08.
118. ↑ *ja:【ノア】オカダ組撃破！丸藤ＧＨＣタッグ王座Ｖ５* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2016-10-09). Retrieved on 2016-10-09.
119. ↑ *ja:「グローバル・リーグ戦2016」最新得点状況！優勝決定戦は鈴木みのるvsマサ北宮！【11/22終了時点】* (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Noah* (2016-11-22). Retrieved on 2016-11-22.
120. ↑ *ja:グローバル・リーグ戦2016* (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Noah*. Retrieved on 2016-11-22.
121. ↑ *ja:グローバル・リーグ戦2016* (in Japanese). *Pro Wrestling Noah*. Retrieved on 2016-11-23.
122. ↑ *ja:矢野通が乱入　１・４東京ＤでＩＷＧＰタッグ挑戦ゴリ押し要求！* (in Japanese). *Daily Sports Online*. Kobe Shimbun (2016-12-17). Retrieved on 2016-12-16.
123. ↑ ja:1.4東京ドーム・IWGPタッグ選手権試合は、矢野通&石井智宏組も加わり、3Wayマッチに！　NEVER無差別級6人タッグ選手権に、邪道が参戦！【WK11】 (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2016-12-19). Archived from the original on 2016-12-19. Retrieved on 2017-01-04.
124. ↑ NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2017-01-03). Retrieved on 2017-01-04.
125. ↑ Rose, Bryan 2017-03-06. NJPW 45th Anniversary show live results: Okada vs. Tiger Mask W . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2017-03-06.
126. ↑ Crockett, Paul 2017-08-12. Okada vs. Omega III: 8/12 New Japan G1 Climax report . *Pro Wrestling Insider*. Retrieved on 2017-10-11.
127. ↑ Rose, Bryan 2017-10-08. NJPW King of Pro Wrestling live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Evil . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2017-10-11.
128. ↑ Currier, Joseph 2017-11-05. NJPW Power Struggle live results: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2017-11-05.
129. ↑ *ja:【新日本】みのるが矢野葬りＮＥＶＥＲ王座Ｖ４* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports* (2017-11-06). Retrieved on 2017-11-06.
130. ↑ Renner, Ethan 2018-01-03. NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 live results: Okada-Naito, Omega-Jericho . *Wrestling Observer Newsletter*. Retrieved on 2018-01-04.
131. ↑ King of Pro-Wrestling  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2016-02-11.
132. ↑ World Tag League 2015  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2016-02-11.
133. ↑ 新日本プロレス創立35周年Tour Circuit 2007 New Japan Soul C.T.U Farewell Tour  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2013-04-13.
134. ↑ 134.0 134.1 134.2 134.3 134.4 134.5 134.6 134.7 134.8 134.9 Toru Yano profile . *Purolove*. Retrieved on 2010-09-08.
135. ↑ G1 Climax Special 2011  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-01-05.
136. ↑ G1 Tag League 2011  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling*. Retrieved on 2012-01-05.
137. ↑ *ja:矢野通選手が「東京マラソン」で見事に完走!! “スーパーアスリート”を証明!!* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2015-02-24). Retrieved on 2015-02-24.
138. ↑ *ja:新日本・携帯サイトの“着うた”で、アンダーソンの新入場曲! ベンジャミンの入場曲を8月3日（金）配信!!　真壁独占インタビューも掲載!!* (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro Wrestling* (2012-07-31). Retrieved on 2012-07-31.
139. ↑ "PWI 500": 101–200 . *Pro Wrestling Illustrated* (2011-08-08). Retrieved on 2011-08-08.
140. ↑ (Results) New Japan, 12/14/11 . *Strong Style Spirit* (2011-12-14). Retrieved on 2011-12-15.
141. ↑ *ja:東京スポーツ　プロレス大賞* (in Japanese). *Tokyo Sports*. Retrieved on 2014-02-02.