Toru Yano

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 currently in his second reign as one third of the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions, while also being a former two-time IWGP 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

New Japan Pro Wrestling (2001–present)

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.