Toru Tanaka

Title History

• IWA Australia title defeating Dominic DeNucci (June 3, 1966)
• IWA Australia title defeating Mario Milano (September 20, 1968)
• IWA Australia Tag Team titles w/Skull Murphy (November 1968)
• NWA (Hawaii) North American title defeating Jim Hady (December 25, 1968)
• WWWF International Tag Team titles w/Mitsu Arakawa winning a fictitious tournament (June 1969)
• NWA Texas American title defeating Fritz von Erich (December 18, 1970)
• NWA Texas American title defeating Fritz von Erich (February 23, 1971)
• NWA Texas American Tag Team titles w/Thunderbolt Patterson defeating Wahoo McDaniel & Johnny Valentine (July 19, 1971)
• WWWF Tag Team titles w/Mr. Fuji defeating Jay Strongbow & Sonny King (June 27, 1972)
• WWWF Tag Team titles w/Mr. Fuji defeating Haystacks Calhoun & Tony Garea (September 11, 1973)
• NWA Florida Tag Team titles w/Dick Slater (October 1974)
• L&G Caribbean title winning a 12-Man Tournament (March 1, 1975)
• NWA Georgia title defeating Abdullah the Butcher (August 1975)
• NWA Georgia Tag Team titles w/Mr. Fuji by winning a Tournament (September 19, 1975)
• NWA Southeastern title (June 1976)
• NWA Los Angeles Americas Tag Team titles w/Dr. Hiro Ota defeating Victor Rivera & Cien Caras (February 11, 1977)
• NWA Los Angeles Americas title defeating Chavo Guererro Sr. (February 12, 1977)
• WWWF Tag Team titles w/Mr. Fuji defeating Larry Zbyzsko & Tony Garea in a Tournament Final (September 27, 1977)
• NWA New Zealand British Commonwealth title defeating Jack Claybourne (June 13, 1978)
• NWA New Zealand British Commonwealth title defeating Steve Rickard (1978)
• AWA Southern Tag Team titles w/Robert Fuller defeating Dennis Condrey & Don Carson (January 22, 1979)
• AWA Southern title by forfiet (February 12, 1979)
• AWA Southern title from Robert Fuller (March 1979)
• NWA Southeastern Tag Team titles w/Mr. Fuji defeating Ron & Bobby Fuller (June 29, 1979)
• NWA Texas Brass Knuckles title defeating Bruiser Brody (1979)
• NWA Texas Brass Knuckles title defeating Bruiser Brody (April 14, 1980)

Career Highlights

In The Beginning:

• 1939: Charles Kalani (Toru Tanaka) began his Jujutsu studies, holding the rank Danzan-Ryu Black Belt..
• 1955: Charles Kalani was drafted into the United States Army, attaining the rank of Sergent..
• 1966: Charles Kalani became a professional wrestler, creating the name Professor Toru Tanaka.

IWA Australia:

• Even though Tanaka was of Hawaiian descent, he was announced as hailing form Japan..
• Toru Tanaka gained a reputation for being one of the most notorious wrestling villains in the world..
• Toru Tanaka was also respected by his peers for his legitimate toughness..
• Toru Tanaka possessed great wrestling talent consisting of power and submission skills..
• Toru Tanaka began incorporating his martial arts background into his matches..
• Toru Tanaka’s fusion of wrestling and martial arts would help shape wrestling matches throughout the United States..
• Toru Tanaka often won his matches using the Japanese Sleeper..
• Toru Tanaka would leave a towel over his opponent’s face after defeating him in a match..
• June 3, 1966 – Sydney: Toru Tanaka defeated Dominic DeNucci to win the IWA Heavyweight title..
• Professor Toru Tanaka feuded with Mark Lewin over the IWA Title..
• July 9, 1966 – Melbourne: Mark Lewin defeated Toru Tanaka to win the IWA Heavyweight title..
• WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino was touring Australia at the time, and took notice of Professor Tanaka..
• ~~~Sammartino recommended Tanaka to Vince McMahon Sr.and Tanaka was offered a WWWF contract.

World Wide Wrestling Federation – vs Bruno Sammartino:

• Professor Toru Tanaka joined the WWWF, immediately becoming a top star with Wild Red Berry as his manager..
• Professor Toru Tanaka was one of the first “evil foreigners” from Japan to invade the United States..
• March 27, 1967 – Madison Square Garden: Toru Tanaka defeated Ricky Sexton in his Madison Square Garden debut..
• Toru Tanaka became a top contender for the WWWF Title, and remained a fierce challenger to future champions..
• Toru Tanaka was a huge draw at Madison Square Garden for over seven years as one of the WWWF’s most hated heels..
• Toru Tanaka occasionally teamed with Gorilla Monsoon in main event tag team matches..
• Toru Tanaka performed a pre-match Japanese ritual, where he would throw salt from four corners of the ring..
• April 21, 1967: Toru Tanaka wrestled Bruno Sammartino (WWWF Champion) to a Time Limit Draw (Tanaka’s first Title shot)..
• April 27, 1967 – Washington DC: Toru Tanaka & Luke Graham defeated Bruno Sammartino & Arnold Skaaland in a dark match..
• May 1, 1967 – Washington Coliseum: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino by pinfall..
• ~~~However, Sammartino had his foot on the rope, and the decision was overturned in Sammartino’s favour..
• May 13, 1967 – Philadelphia: WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Toru Tanaka by Disqualification..
• May 15, 1967 – MSG: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated The Ox by Submission..
• May 20, 1967 – Baltimore: Toru Tanaka & Gorilla Monsoon defeated Bruno Sammartino & Spiros Arion..
• June 19, 1967 – MSG: Bruno Sammartino defeated Toru Tanaka by DQ when Tanaka threw salt in Sammartino’s eyes..
• July 31, 1967 – MSG: Toru Tanaka & Gorilla Monsoon defeated Bruno Sammartino & Spiros Arion by Disqualification..
• August 21, 1967 – MSG: Bruno Sammartino & Spiros Arion defeated Toru Tanaka & Gorilla Monsoon in a Best 2/3 Falls match..
• ~~~Fall 1: Tanaka pinned Arion | Fall 2: Arion pinned Tanaka | Fall 3: Referee stopped the match..
• September 15, 1967 – Philadelphia: Toru Tanaka & Gorilla Monsoon beat Bruno & Eduard Carpentier in a Best 2/3 Falls match..
• ~~~Fall 3: Toru Tanaka & Gorilla Monsoon are awarded the match when Spiros Arion interfered..
• September 25, 1967 – MSG: Spiros Arion defeated Toru Tanaka by DQ when Tanaka rubbed salt into Arion’s eyes..
• September 30, 1967 – Boston Garden: Toru Tanaka defeated Bruno Sammartino (Decision was reversed and Title returned to Bruno)..
• October 7, 1967 – Philadelphia: Toru Tanaka/Gorilla Monsoon/Hans Mortier defeated Sammartino/Spiros Arion/Eduard Carpentier..
• October 13, 1967 – Pittsburgh: Toru Tanaka defeated Bruno Sammartino when the match was stopped due to excessive blood loss..
• October 23, 1967 – MSG: Toru Tanaka & Gorilla Monsoon defeated Bill Miller & Al Costello in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match..
• ~~~Fall 1: Monsoon pinned Miller | Fall 2: Costello pinned Tanaka | Fall 3: Tanaka pinned Costello..
• October 28, 1967: WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Toru Tanaka even when Tanaka’s foot was on the rope!
• November 4, 1967: Boston Garden: Bruno Sammartino defeated Toru Tanaka to retain the WWWF Heavyweight title..
• November 10, 1967: Pittsburgh Civic Arena: Toru Tanaka wrestled Bruno Sammartino to a Time Limit Draw..
• December 9, 1967 – Boston Garden: Bruno Sammartino defeated Toru Tanaka to retain the WWWF Heavyweight title..
• January 11, 1968 – WWWF TV Taping: Toru Tanaka defeated Arnold Skaaland..
• January 29, 1968 – MSG: Bruno Sammartino defeated Toru Tanaka to retain the WWWF title..
• February 14, 1968: Toru Tanaka & Hans Montier defeated Bruno Sammartino & Dominic DeNucci..
• February 17, 1968: Toru Tanaka & Bull Ramos defeated Bruno Sammartino & Dominic DeNucci..
• February 26, 1968: Boston Garden: Bruno Sammartino defeated Toru Tanaka in a Stretcher Match..
• March 11, 1968 – MSG: Victor Rivera defeated Toru Tanaka by DQ when Tanaka threw salt into Rivera’s eyes..
• March 24, 1968 – Maple Leaf Gardens: WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Toru Tanaka by Disqualification..
• April 24, 1968 – MLG: WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• May 20, 1968 – MSG: Toru Tanaka & Gorilla Monsoon defeated Bobo Brazil & Earl Maynard..
• June 22, 1968 – MSG: Toru Tanaka & Gorilla Monsoon wrestled Bobo Brazil & Victor Rivera to a Time Limit Draw..
• July 6, 1968 – Boston Garden: Bruno/Carpentier/Rivera defeated Tanaka/Monsoon/Virgil the Kentucky Butcher..
• ~~~This was a special Best 3 out of 5 falls match which had a two hour time limit..
• July 19, 1968 – MSG: Bobo Brazil & Victor Rivera defeated Toru Tanaka & Gorilla Monsoon by DQ..
• July 27, 1968 – Boston Garden: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Victor Rivera..
• August 17, 1968 – MSG: Bruno Sammartino & Victor Rivera defeated Toru Tanaka & Gorilla Monsoon.

IWA Australia:

• Professor Toru Tanaka returned to Australia..
• September 20, 1968 – Sydney: Toru Tanaka defeated Mario Milano to win the IWA Heavyweight title..
• Professor Toru Tanaka and Tex Mckenzie began to feud over the IWA Heavyweight Title..
• November 15, 1968 – Sydney: Tex Mackenzie defeated Toru Tanaka to win the IWA Heavyweight title..
• Professor Tanaka left the IWA area shortly after his feud with Tex Mackenzie.

NWA Hawaii:

• Professor Toru Tanaka arrived in Hawaii, where he began feuding with “Canada’s Greatest Athlete” Gene Kiniski
• December 25, 1968: Toru Tanaka defeated Jim Hady to win the NWA North American title..
• February 19, 1969: Gene Kiniski defeated Toru Tanaka to win the NWA North American title.

World Wide Wrestling Federation:

• Professor Toru Tanaka returned to the World Wide Wrestling Federation..
• March 20, 1969 – Washington DC: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Arnold Skaaland..
• March 21, 1969 – Annual Easter Seals Society Show: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Jerry Dorsi..
• March 27, 1969 – Washington DC: WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• ~~~~On the same card that night, Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Puerto Rican Legend Carlos Colon..
• April 5, 1969 – Philadelphia: Toru Tanaka defeated WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino by Count Out..
• April 10, 1969 – Washington DC: Toru Tanaka wrestled Rocky Johnson to a curfew draw..
• April 11, 1969 – Pittsburgh: Bruno Sammartino defeated Toru Tanaka when the match was stopped after Tanaka sustained a rib injury..
• May 14, 1969 – MSG: Bruno Sammartino & Victor Rivera defeated Toru Tanaka & Killer Kowalski in a Best 2/3 Falls match..
• May 31, 1969 – Boston Gardens: Professor Toru Tanaka wrestled Victor Rivera to a time limit draw.

World Wide Wrestling Federation – The Rising Sons (Toru Tanaka & Mitsu Arakawa):

• Professor Toru Tanaka formed a successful heel tag team with Mitsu Arakawa known as “The Rising Sons”..
• June 1969: The Rising Suns won a fictitious tag team tournament in Japan to win the WWWF International Tag Team titles..
• June 5, 1969 – Washington (TV Tapings): The Rising Suns (Int. Tag Team Champions) defeated Al Nelson & Chuck Richards..
• Professor Toru Tanaka continued to wrestle in singles competition against his regular foes..
• Professor Toru Tanaka also received the occasional Title shot at WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino..
• June 30, 1969 – MSG: The Rising Suns defeated Victor Rivera & Haystacks Calhoun in a 2/3 Falls match to retain..
• July 26, 1969 – Boston Garden: The Rising Sons defeated Victor Rivera & Haystacks Calhoun to retain..
• August 23, 1969 – Boston Garden: The Rising Sons defeated Victor Rivera & Haystacks Calhoun to retain..
• September 13, 1969 – Boston Garden: The Rising Sons defeated Bruno Sammartino & Antonio Pugliese to retain..
• October 1, 1969 – MSG: The Rising Sons wrestled Victor Rivera & Antonio Pugliese to a draw..
• October 4, 1969 – Boston Garden: Bruno Sammartino & Antonio Pugliese defeated The Rising Sons in a Non Title match..
• October 17, 1969 – Antonio Pugliese & Victor Rivera defeated The Rising Sons in a 2/3 Falls Non Title match..
• October 27, 1969 – MSG: The Rising Sons defeated Antonio Pugliese & Dominic DeNucci to retain..
• November 1, 1969 – Boston Garden: Bruno Sammartino defeated Professor Toru Tanaka to retain the WWWF Title..
• December 9, 1969 – MSG: Victor Rivera & Tony Marino defeated The Rising Sons in a 2/3 Falls match to win the titles!
• ~~~The switch wasn’t recognised in Pittsburgh, therefore Tanaka & Arakawa were still International Tag Team Champions..
• December 13, 1969 – Pittsburgh: Bruno Sammartino & Batman defeated The Rising Suns in a 2/3 Falls match to win the titles!
• Professor Toru Tanaka went back to singles competition.

World Wide Wrestling Federation – Professor Toru Tanaka:

• March 9, 1970 – MSG: Gorilla Monsoon & Mario Milano defeated Toru Tanaka & Ernie Ladd in a 2/3 Falls match..
• March 10, 1970 – Boston Garden: Profofessor Toru Tanaka defeated Gene DuBois..
• March 19, 1970 – Washington DC: Victor Rivera & Mario Milano defeated Toru Tanaka & Ivan Koloff by Disqualification..
• April 4, 1970 – Boston Garden: Profofessor Toru Tanaka defeated Mario Milano..
• April 25, 1970 – Boston Garden: Profofessor Toru Tanaka defeated Lee Wong from Hong Kong..
• May 2, 1970 – Philadelphia Arena: Dominic DeNucci defeated Profofessor Toru Tanaka by Count Out..
• May 14, 1970 – Washington DC: Bobo Brazil defeated Profofessor Toru Tanaka..
• May 16, 1970 – Philadelphia Arena: Gorilla Monsoon defeated Profofessor Toru Tanaka by DQ..
• May 18, 1970 – Washington DC: Profofessor Toru Tanaka wrestled Dominic DeNucci to a Draw..
• May 21, 1970 – Washington DC: Profofessor Toru Tanaka defeated Lee Wong from Hong Kong..
• May 30, 1970 – Boston Garden: Gorilla Monsoon defeated Profofessor Toru Tanaka..
• June 15, 1970 – MSG: Profofessor Toru Tanaka defeated Red Bastien..
• July 2, 1970 – Washington DC National Arena: Profofessor Toru Tanaka defeated Arnold Skaaland..
• July 16, 1970 – Washington DC: Chief Jay Strongbow & Victor Rivera defeated Toru Tanaka & The Black Demon..
• July 25, 1970 – Philadelphia Arena: Toru Tanaka & Karl Kovacs defeated Victor Rivera & Jose Rivera..
• August 1, 1970 – MSG: Profofessor Toru Tanaka wrestled Chief Jay Strongbow to a 20 minute Draw..
• August 6, 1970 – Washington DC: Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Profofessor Toru Tanaka..
• August 15, 1970 – Boston Garden: Profofessor Toru Tanaka defeated Chief Jay Strongbow..
• August 20, 1970 – Washington DC: Gorilla Monsoon & Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Toru Tanaka & Crusher Verdu..
• August 22, 1970 – Philadelphia: Profofessor Toru Tanaka defeated Chief Jay Strongbow..
• September 12, 1970 – Boston Garden: Profofessor Toru Tanaka defeated Gorilla Monsoon..
• September 14, 1970 – MSG: Profofessor Toru Tanaka defeated Manuel Soto.

NWA Texas:

• Profofessor Toru Tanaka joined Fritz Von Erich’s NWA Texas promotion..
• December 18, 1970 – Houston: Toru Tanaka defeated Fritz von Erich to win the NWA American Heavyweight title..
• February 22, 1971 – Fort Worth: Fritz von Erich defeated Toru Tanaka to win the NWA American Heavyweight title..
• February 23, 1971 – Dallas: Toru Tanaka defeated Fritz von Erich to reclaim the NWA American Heavyweight title!
• March 5, 1971 – Houston: Wahoo McDaniel defeated Toru Tanaka to win the NWA American Heavyweight title..
• July 19, 1971: Tanaka & Thunderbolt Patterson defeated McDaniel & Johnny Valentineto win the NWA American Tag Team Titles.

World Wide Wrestling Federation:

• December 1971: Toru Tanaka once again returned to the WWWF, this time managed by the Grand Wizard..
• January 15, 1972 – Philadelphia: Gorilla Monsoon defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• January 22, 1972 – Boston Garden: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Manuel Soto..
• January 24, 1972 – Washington DC: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Chief Jay Strongbow..
• January 31, 1972 – MSG: Pedro Morales defeated Toru Tanaka by DQ to retain the WWWF Title..
• ~~~Toru Tanaka attempted to throw salt in Morales’ eyes but accidentally hit the referee’s eyes!
• February 21, 1972 – MSG: WWWF Champion Pedro Morales defeated Professor Toru Tanaka to retain..
• March 13, 1972 – MSG: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Rene Goulet..
• March 25, 1972 – Philadelphia: WWWF Champion Pedro Morales defeated Professor Toru Tanaka to retain..
• April 29, 1972 – Boston Garden: Bruno Sammartino defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• May 22, 1972 – MSG: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Manuel Soto..
• June 3, 1972 – Boston Garden: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Manuel Soto..
• June 5, 1972 – Allentown: WWWF Champion Pedro Morales defeated Toru Tanaka by DQ to retain..
• June 10, 1972 – Philadelphia: Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Toru Tanaka in an Indian Strap Match..
• June 16, 1972 – Harrisburg: Jay Strongbow & Arnold Skaaland defeated Toru Tanaka & Jimmy Valiant in a 2/3 Falls match..
• June 21, 1972 – Baltimore: Sonny King defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• June 23, 1972 – North Attleboro: Jay Strongbow & Sonny Kingdefeated oru Tanaka & The Blue Demon to retain the Tag titles.

World Wide Wrestling Federation – Professor Tanaka & Mr. Fuji:

• June 27, 1972 – Philadelphia: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Jay Strongbow & Sonny King to win the Tag Team titles
• Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji continued to wrestle singles matches while holding the Tag Team titles..
• Professor Toru Tanaka would occasionally challenge Pedro Morales for the WWWF Title..
• June 30, 1972 – Asbury Park: WWWF Champion Pedro Morales defeated Toru Tanaka to retain..
• July 1, 1972 – MSG: Jay Strongbow & Sonny King defeated Toru Tanaka & Ernie Ladd..
• July 15, 1972 – Boston Garden: Jack Brisco defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• July 21, 1972 – Asbury Park: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji vs Pedro Morales & Gorilla Monsoon ended in a draw..
• July 29, 1972 – MSG: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji vs Chief Jay Strongbow & Sonny King ended in a 60 Minute draw..
• August 12, 1972 – Boston Garden: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji wrestled Chief Jay Strongbow & Sonny King to a draw..
• September 2, 1972: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Gorilla Monsoon & Manuel Soto in a Best 2/3 Falls match..
• October 7, 1972 – Boston Garden: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Chief Jay Strongbow & El Olympico to retain..
• October 9, 1972 – Washington DC: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Jack Brisco & Fred Curry to retain..
• October 16, 1972 – MSG: Pedro Morales & Bruno Sammartino defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji in a 2/3 Falls match..
• ~~~Fall 1: Morales & Sammartino won | Morales & Sammartino won by DQ, the titles cannot change hands on a DQ..
• October 30, 1972 – Boston Garden: Toru Tanaka wrestled Sonny King to a draw..
• November 18, 1972 – Boston Garden: Gorilla Monsoon/Strongbow/Sonny King defeated Tanaka/Fuji/Spoiler in a 2/3 Falls match..
• November 27, 1972 – MSG: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji wrestled Gorilla Monsoon & Chief Jay Strongbow to a 20 Minute draw..
• November 19, 1972 – Boston Garden: Gorilla Monsoon/Strongbow/Sonny King defeated Tanaka/Mr. Fuji/The Spoiler..
• January 15, 1973 – MSG: Bruno Sammartino defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• January 19, 1973 – Pittsburgh: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Bruno Sammartino..
• February 2, 1973 – Pittsburgh: Toru Tanaka vs Bruno Sammartino (No Contest) due to excessive blood loss from both wrestlers..
• March 26, 1973 – MSG: Professor Toru Tanaka wrestled Gorilla Monsoon to a time limit draw..
• April 30, 1973 – MSG: Andre the Giant defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• May 14, 1973 – MSG: Andre & Gorilla Monsoon & Jay Strongbow defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji & Moondog Mayne..
• May 30, 1973 – Hamburg: Haystacks Calhoun & Tony Garea defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji to win the Tag team titles!
• June 4, 1973 – MSG: Gorilla Monsoon & Haystacks Calhoun defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji in a Best 2/3 falls match ..
• June 16, 1973 – Boston Garden: Chief Jay Strongbow & Haystacks Calhoun defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji ..
• June 30, 1973 – MSG: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Mr. Olympico..
• July 23, 1973 – MSG: Haystacks Calhoun & Tony Garea defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji in a Best 2/3 falls match..
• August 18, 1973 – Boston Garden: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Tony Garea & Haystacks Calhoun in a non-title match..
• August 27, 1973 – MSG: Gorilla Monsoon defeated Professor Toru Tanaka.

World Wide Wrestling Federation – Professor Tanaka & Mr. Fuji:

• September 11, 1973 – Philadelphia (TV): Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Haystacks Calhoun & Tony Garea to win the Tag Team titles!
• ~~~Haystacks was unable to continue the match after Tanaka threw salt in his eyes and choked him with his own horseshoe!
• October 15, 1973 – MSG: Dean Ho defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• October 29, 1973 – Boston Garden: Andre the Giant defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• November 14, 1973 – Hamburg: Tony Garea & Dean Ho defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji to win the Tag Team titles!
• December 1, 1973 – Philadelphia: Andre & Jay Strongbow & Victor Rivera defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji & Blackjack Lanza..
• February 15, 1974 – Harrisburg: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Dean Ho by Count Out..
• March 4, 1974 – MSG: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Jose Gonzalez..
• March 9, 1974 – Philadelphia: Tony Garea & Dean Ho defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji to retain..
• March 16, 1974 – Harrisburg: Pedro Morales & Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji in a 2/3 Falls match..
• March 18, 1974 – Nassau Coliseum: Dean Ho/Jay Strongbow/Gorilla Monsoon defeated Toru Tanaka/Mr. Fuji/Stan Stasiak..
• March 23, 1974 – Professor Toru Tanaka vs Dean Ho ended in a Time Limit Draw..
• March 30, 1974 – Boston Garden: Toru Tanaka vs Tony Garea ended in a Time Limit Draw..
• March 30, 1974 – Springfield: Pedro Morales defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• April 1, 1974 – MSG: Tony Garea & Dean Ho defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji by DQ to retain..
• June 29, 1974 – Boston Garden: Gorilla Monsoon defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• July 22, 1974 – MSG: Dean Ho defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• August 3, 1974 – Philadelphia Spectrum: Victor Rivera defeated Professor Toru Tanaka.

NWA Florida:

• October 1974: Toru Tanaka teamed with Dick Slater to win the Florida Tag Team Titles..
• January 1975: Dominic DeNucci & Tony Parisi defeated Toru Tanaka & Dick Slater to win the Florida Tag Team titles!

L&G:

• March 1, 1975 – Puerto Rico: Toru Tanaka won a 12 Man Tournament to become the first Caribbean Champion!

Georgia Championship Wrestling:

• Professor Toru Tanaka debuted in Georgia Championship Wrestling managed by Bobby Heenan..
• August 1975 – Atlanta: Toru Tanaka defeated Abdullah the Butcher to win the NWA Georgia Heavyweight title!
• September 19, 1975 – Atlanta: Nikolai Volkoff defeated Toru Tanaka to win the NWA Georgia Heavyweight title!
• September 9, 1975 – Atlanta: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji win a tag team tournament to win the NWA Georgia Tag Team titles!
• October 1975: Bob Backlund & Jerry Brisco defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji for the NWA Georgia Tag Team titles!

NWA Los Angeles:

• February 11, 1977 – Toru Tanaka & Dr. Hiro Ota defeated Victor Rivera & Cien Caras to win the Americas Tag Team titles..
• February 12, 1977 – San Bernadino: Toru Tanaka defeated Chavo Guererro Sr. to win the Americas Heavyweight title..
• March 18, 1977 – Los Angeles: The Hangman defeated Toru Tanaka to win the Americas Heavyweight title.

World Wide Wrestling Federation:

• Professor Toru Tanaka returned to the WWWF teaming with Mr. Fuji and being managed by Classy Freddie Blassie..
• June 1977: Toru Tanaka gained several singles victories over S.D. Jones, Gorilla Monsoon and Jose Gonzalez..
• May 3, 1977 – Philadelphia (TV Taping): Toru Tanaka defeated Johnny Rivera | Toru Tanaka defeated Steve King..
• May 4, 1977 – Hamburg (TV Taping): Toru Tanaka defeated Ted Adams | Toru Tanaka defeated Don Serrano..
• May 24, 1977 – Philadelphia (TV Taping): Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Jose Gonzales & Special Delivery Jones..
• ~~~In the 2nd Hour: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji wrestled Larry Zbyzsko & Tony Garea to a Time Limit Draw..
• June 27, 1977 – MSG: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji wrestled Gorilla Monsoon & Dominic DeNucci to a No Contest..
• July 29, 1977 – North Attleboro: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Peter Maivia & Jose Gonzalez..
• August 1, 1977 – MSG: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Jose Gonzalez & Lenny Hurst in a Best 2/3 Falls match..
• ~~~Mr. Fuji pinned Gonzales for the first fall… Toru Tanaka pinned Hurst to win the second fall..
• August 2, 1977 – New Bradford: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Larry Zbyzsko & Tony Garea..
• August 8, 1977 – Nassau Coliseum: Tony Garea defeated Professor Tory Tanaka by Disqualification..
• August 9, 1977 – Scranton: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Peter Maivia & Haystacks Calhoun in a 2/3 Falls match..
• August 20, 1977 – The Spectrum: Peter Maivia & Haystacks Calhoun defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji in a 2/3 Falls match..
• September 26, 1977 – MSG: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Johnny Rivera..
• September 27, 1977 – Philadelphia: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Larry Zbyzsko & Tony Garea..
• ~~~This was the finals of a tag team tournament to win the WWWF Tag Team titles for the third time as a team..
• October 22, 1977 – New Haven Coliseum: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji co-won 16 Man $8000 Battle Royal..
• ~~~Earlier in the show: Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Johnny Rivera..
• October 1977: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Garea/Zbyzsko and Maivia/Strongbow in a number of title matches..
• October 10, 1977 – Boston Garden: Bruno Sammartino defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• October 10, 1977 – Scranton: Peter Maivia defeated Professor Toru Tanaka by Disqualification..
• October 17, 1977 – Staten Island: Andre the Giant & Tony Garea defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji by DQ..
• October 18, 1977 – Championship Wrestling (TV Taping): Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Bob Marcus & Terry York..
• October 19, 1977 – All Star Wrestling (TV Taping): Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defended the title twice at the tapings..
• ~~~~WWWF Tag Team Champions Prof. Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Lenny Hurst & Johnny Rivera..
• ~~~~WWWF Tag Team Champions Prof. Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji wrestled Tony Garea & Larry Zbyzsko to a Double DQ..
• October 21, 1977 – Nassau Coliseum: Larry Zbyzsko defeated Professor Toru Tanaka by Disqualification..
• October 24, 1977 – MSG: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Peter Maivia & Chief Jay Strongbow to retain..
• November 5, 1977 – New Haven: Mil Mascaras defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• November 7, 1977 – Boston Garden: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Larry Zbyzsko & Tony Garea to retain..
• November 8, 1977 – Championship Wrestling: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated SD Jones & Johnny Rivera to retain..
• November 9, 1977 – All Star Wrestling (TV Taping): Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Dewey Robertson & Johnny Rivera to retain..
• ~~~Peter Maivia & Chief Jay Strongbow defeated WWWF Tag Team Champions Professor Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji by DQ..
• November 21, 1977 – MSG: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Tony Garea & Larry Zbyzsko to retain the Tag Team titles..
• November 25, 1977 – Harrisburg: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Ivan Putski & Larry Zbyzsko in a Best 2/3 Falls match..
• November 28, 1977 – East Bridgewater: Dusty Rhodes defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• December 1, 1977 – Asbury Park: Bob Backlund defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• December 10, 1977 – Philadelphia: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Tony Garea & Larry Zbyzsko in a Best 2/3 Falls match..
• December, 12, 1977 – Boston Garden: Peter Maivia & Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji by Disqualification..
• December 16, 1977 – Pittsburgh: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Tony Garea & Larry Zbyzsko to retain the Tag Team titles..
• December 19, 1977 – MSG: Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Professor Toru Tanaka by Disqualification..
• January 16, 1978 – Boston Garden: Toru Tanaka wrestled Tony Garea to a Time Limit Draw..
• January 23, 1978 – MSG: Bob Backlund/Peter Maivia/Tony Garea/Larry Zbyzsko beat Tanaka/Fuji/Stan Stasiak/Mikel Scicluna..
• ~~~This was a special 8-Man Elimination match when Bob Backlund defeated Mr. Fuji & Toru Tanaka to win the bout..
• February 11, 1978 – Baltimore: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Tony Garea & Larry Zbyzsko to retain..
• February 14, 1978 – Scranton: Bob Backlund defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• February 18, 1978 – Philadelphia: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Gorilla Monsoon & Jay Strongbow in a 2/3 Falls match..
• February 20, 1978 – MSG: Dusty Rhodes defeated Professor Toru Tanaka..
• March 6, 1978 – Boston Garden: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Gorilla Monsoon & S.D. Jones to retain..
• March 11, 1978: Bob Backlund defeated Professor Toru Tanaka to retain the WWWF Heavyweight title..
• March 14, 1978 – Philadelphia: Dino Bravo & Dominic DeNucci defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji to win the Tag team titles..
• March 20, 1978 – MSG: Andre & Dusty Rhodes & Mil Mascaras defeated Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji & Ken Patera (2/3 Falls)..
• March 21, 1978 – Portland MAINE: Bob Backlund defeated Toru Tanaka to retain the WWWF Heavyweight title.

NWA New Zealand:

• June 13, 1978 – Christchurch: Toru Tanaka defeated Jack Claybourne to win the British/Empire Commonwealth Heavyweight title..
• June 22, 1978 – Auckland: Steve Rickard defeated Toru Tanaka to win the British/Empire Commonwealth Heavyweight title..
• 1978: Toru Tanaka defeated Steve Rickard to reclaim the British/Empire Commonwealth Heavyweight title..
• August 17, 1978 – Auckland: Steve Rickard defeated Toru Tanaka to win the British/Empire Commonwealth Heavyweight title.

American Wrestling Association:

• January 22, 1979 – Memphis: Robert Fuller/Tanaka defeated Dennis Condrey/Don Carson to win the AWA Southern Tag Team titles..
• ~~~Tanaka left the ring before the match ended, starting up a feud between Toru Tanaka & Robert Fuller..
• February 12, 1979 – Memphis: Toru Tanaka won the AWA Southern Heavyweight title by Forfeit..
• March 1979: Robert Fuller defeated Toru Tanaka to win the AWA Southern Heavyweight title..
• ~~~~The AWA Southern Heavyweight Title was returned to Toru Tanaka.

National Wrestling Alliance :

• June 29, 1979 – Knoxville: Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji defeated Ron & Bobby Fullerto win the NWA Southeastern Tag Team titles.

NWA Texas :

• Professor Toru Tanaka was managed by JJ Dillon and put into a feud with Bruiser Brody..
• 1979: Toru Tanaka defeated Bruiser Brody to win the NWA Texas Brass Knuckles title..
• Bruiser Brody later regained the NWA Texas Brass Knuckles title from Toru Tanaka soon after..
• April 14, 1979 – Fort Worth: Toru Tanaka defeated Bruiser Brody to win the NWA Texas Brass Knuckled title..
• Professor Toru Tanaka later vacated the Brass Knuckles title after leaving the Territory .

Retirement:

• Professor Toru Tanaka retired from wrestling to pursue a career in Film and Television..
• Professor Toru Tanaka appeared in many movies click here to view Tanaka’s filmography on IMDB.com..
• August 22, 2000: Professor Toru Tanaka died after suffering a heart attack in Lake Forrest, California.