A former sumo, Tadao Yasuda was held in high hopes by New Japan. Although he wouldn't achieve much success until 2001, he performed well in a trial series during the "
BATTLE LINE KYUSHU 1997" tour in April, despite managing to obtain only one victory. He faced a variety of wrestlers, from main eventers to midcarders.
Tadao Yasuda Flight Series (4/17/97 to 4/24/97)
1. (4/17/97 @ Nagasaki Prefectural Gymnasium) Kensuke Sasaki beat Tadao Yasuda (16:06) with the Strangle Hold Gamma.
2. (4/18/97 @ Beppu B-Con Plaza) Hiroyoshi Tenzan beat Tadao Yasuda (13:54) by pinfall.
3. (4/19/97 @ Ogori City Gymnasium) Junji Hirata beat Tadao Yasuda (13:13) by pinfall.
4. (4/23/97 @ Kumamoto City Gymnasium) Tadao Yasuda beat Michiyoshi Ohara (10:57) with a crab hold.
5. (4/24/97 @ Kanoya City Gymnasium) Keiji Muto beat Tadao Yasuda (11:24) with a figure-four leglock.