In order to escape immense poverty Toyota snuck onto a Japanese whaling boat to come over to America in the early 90s. Once he arrived in Chicago, Toyota got involved with the only people he could identify with, the Yazuka. After years of working for the Yazuka Toyota did some soul searching. Once rediscovering his Buddhist faith, the guilt finally caught up to him, and he decided to distance himself from the gang immediately. As a result, he was marked for death. The Yakuza attempted to take their revenge for Toyota's lack of appreciation by force feeding him Michelin tires until he exploded. After five days of this excruciating form of attempted murder, Toyota fell asleep on his captors, killing them almost instantly. The legend of his silent ninja-like escape caused the Yakuza to flee from Chicago in fear. Sal, a New Yorker who was especially terrorized by the Yakuza, not only gave Toyota a part time job at the Cici's Pizza he owned and operated, but also introduced him to his Uncle Rocco, who would help Toyota fulfill his life long dream of becoming a professional wrestler.