Jimmy Yang

2025-08-21T08:38:56Z

2A01:5A8:4A3:F8A1:DC5A:8FA3:DE85:7B4D: /* Championships and accomplishments */

{{short description|South Korean-American professional wrestler}}
{{for|the actor and comedian|Jimmy O. Yang}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Jimmy Yang
|birthname = James Carson Yun<ref name="Melok">{{cite web|last=Melok|first=Bobby|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/wherearetheynow/where-are-they-now-jimmy-wang-yang|title=Where Are They Now?: Jimmy Wang Yang|publisher=[[WWE]]|work=[[WWE]].com|date=December 18, 2013|access-date=July 28, 2015}}</ref>
|image = Jamesyun.jpg
|alt =
|caption = Yun in 2007
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1981|5|13}}<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="birth">{{cite web|url=http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/calbirths?c=search&first=James&last=Yun&spelling=Exact&4_year=&4_month=0&4_day=0&5=&7=&SubmitSearch.x=0&SubmitSearch.y=0&SubmitSearch=Submit|title=California Births, 1905 - 1995|access-date=2008-05-10|publisher=Family Tree Legends}}</ref>
|birth_place = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="gerweck-yang"/>
|children = 1
|names = Akio<ref name="OWOW"/> Akio Yang<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fwewrestling.com/show-schedule/viewevent/3-fwe-welcome-to-the-rumble-2|title=FWE Welcome to the Rumble 2|access-date=2013-05-25|work=[[Family Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608004052/http://fwewrestling.com/show-schedule/viewevent/3-fwe-welcome-to-the-rumble-2|archive-date=2013-06-08|url-status=dead}}</ref> Apeman<ref name="Wrestling data">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=169|title=Jimmy Yang Profile|access-date=2013-04-13|publisher=Wrestling Data}}</ref> '''Jimmy Yang''' '''Jimmy Wang Yang'''<ref name="OWOW"/> Yun Yang
|height = {{height|ft=5|in=9}}<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name=WWE>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/jimmywangyang|title=WWE profile}}</ref>
|weight = {{convert|206|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name=WWE/>
|billed = [[Austell, Georgia]]<ref name=WWE/>
|trainer = [[WCW Power Plant]]<ref name="Melok"/>
|debut = June 1999<ref name="OWOW"/>
|retired =
}}
'''James Carson Yun''' (born May 13, 1981) is an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is best known for his tenures in [[World Championship Wrestling]] and [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment]] from 1999 to 2010, under the [[ring name]]s '''Jimmy Yang''', '''Akio''' and '''Jimmy Wang Yang'''.

Yun was trained in the Power Plant, the [[World Championship Wrestling]] farm territory. He worked in WCW until its closure in 2001. During the following years, he worked for several promotions. In the United States, he worked with [[Impact Wrestling|NWA Total Nonstop Action]] (where he was part of the promotion's first match) or [[Ring of Honor]], but most notably with [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]], where he had three different stints from 2001 to 2002, 2003 to 2005 and 2006 to 2010. During his last stint, he wrestled as Jimmy Wang Yang, an Asian-American cowboy and [[redneck]].

He also starred in [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]], where he won the [[AJPW Junior Tag League|World's Strongest Junior Tag League]] in [[AJPW Junior Tag League#2002|2002]] with [[Kaz Hayashi]] and the [[AJPW Junior League|Junior League]] in [[AJPW Junior League#2010|2010]].

==Early life==
Yun was born in [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|Hollywood]], [[California]], to a [[Germans|German]] mother and an American father of [[Korean Americans|Korean descent]].<ref name="gerweck-yang"/> His father was in the [[U.S. Army]], stationed in [[Germany]], where he met his future wife. Yun grew up in [[Austell, Georgia|Austell]], [[Georgia (US state)|Georgia]], and has three sisters and one brother.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.halfkorean.com/?page_id=4286|title=Interview with James Yun|date=February 2011|publisher=HalfKorean.com|access-date=January 18, 2020}}</ref>

==Professional wrestling career==

===World Championship Wrestling (1999–2001)===
{{see also|Jung Dragons}}
In June 1999, Yun signed with [[World Championship Wrestling]], making his WCW television debut in January 2000 under the ring name "Jimmy Yang". He was originally a part of the [[Jung Dragons]] [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|faction]] along with [[Jamie Noble|Jamie-San]] and [[Kaz Hayashi]]. They were brought into WCW by [[Jimmy Hart]] to feud with [[3 Count]], another faction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kinglawler.com/jimmyhartinterview.html|title=Jimmy Hart interview|date=June 2000|last=Rose|first=Shannon|publisher=Pro Wrestling Daily|access-date=2008-07-24}}</ref> They made their pay-per-view debut at [[New Blood Rising]], losing a ladder match to 3 Count.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wcwppv/newbloodrising00.html|title=New Blood Rising 2000|date=2000-08-13|access-date=2008-07-24|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling}}</ref> They added a manager, [[Kristina Laum|Leia Meow]], and continued the feud with 3 Count, until, in late 2000, Jamie-San unmasked and left the group, becoming known as Jamie Knoble and forming a tag team with former 3 Count member [[Evan Karagias]].<ref name="Jung-Dragons-OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/j/jung-dragons.html|title=Jung Dragons Profile|access-date=2008-05-02|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling}}</ref> The team of Hayashi and Yang [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] with Knoble and Karagias until the [[The Invasion (professional wrestling)|WWF purchased WCW]].

===World Wrestling Federation (2001)===
In March 2001, the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] acquired Yun's contract and assigned him to the company's [[Heartland Wrestling Association]] developmental territory, but he was released in December 2001.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wwf.com/news/headlines/1098323 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011207120400/http://www.wwf.com/news/headlines/1098323 |archive-date=7 December 2001 |title=Federation releases eight developmental talents, Rios |publisher=WWF.com |date=5 December 2001 |accessdate=28 January 2023}}</ref><ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/j/jimmy-yang.html|title=Jimmy Yang Profile|access-date=2008-03-25|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>

===All Japan Pro Wrestling (2002)===
In 2002, Yun joined [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] where he wrestled as both a part of its [[tag team]] division and its singles junior heavyweight division.<ref name="OWOW"/> On April 13, 2002, Yun, competing as Yang, teamed up with [[Kaz Hayashi]] and [[Hi69]] to defeat [[Kazushi Miyamoto]], [[Gran Naniwa]], and [[Ryuji Hijikata]].<ref name="OWOW"/> On July 17 on an AJPW [[pay-per-view]], Yang teamed up with Hayashi and [[Jackie Fulton|George Hines]] to defeat [[Ryuji Hijikata]], Gran Naniwa, and [[John Hindley|Johnny Smith]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ajpw/2002.html|title=July 17, 2002--All Japan Pro Wrestling PAY PER VIEW results from Osaka|date=2002-07-17|access-date=2009-04-02|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Over a month later, Yang returned to AJPW on August 31, teaming with [[Masaaki Mochizuki]] and [[Dragon Kid]] to defeat [[Magnum Tokyo]], [[Susumu Mochizuki|Susumu Yokosuka]], and [[Makoto Saito (wrestler)|Darkness Dragon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ajpw/2002.html|title=August 31, 2002--All Japan Pro Wrestling from BUDOKAN, JAPAN|date=2002-08-31|access-date=2009-04-02|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Yang suffered his first loss in AJPW on September 15, when he and [[Kazushi Miyamoto]] lost to [[Kendo Kashin]] and [[Robbie Brookside]], although that same month he teamed with Kaz Hayashi to win the Real World Junior Heavyweight Tag Team League.<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name=AJPWTag>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ajpw/2002.html|title=September 15, 2002--All Japan Pro Wrestling in FUJIMI, JAPAN|date=2002-09-15|access-date=2009-04-02|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> The following month, Yang defeated [[Gran Hamada]] and Gran Naniwa in a three-way match, before he and Yoji Anjoh lost to [[Mike Polchlopek|Mike Barton]] and [[Jim Steele (wrestler)|Jim Steele]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ajpw/2002.html|title=October 12, 2002--All Japan Pro Wrestling from Osaka, Japan|date=2002-10-12|access-date=2009-04-02|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ajpw/2002.html|title=October 21, 2002--All Japan Pro Wrestling from Aomori, Japan|date=2002-10-21|access-date=2009-04-02|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Throughout the end of 2002, Yang continued competing in six-man tag team matches, with mixed results.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ajpw/2002.html|title=November 23, 2002--All Japan Pro Wrestling in Korakuen, Japan|date=2002-11-23|access-date=2009-04-02|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ajpw/2002.html|title=November 26, 2002--All Japan Pro Wrestling in Kumamoto, Japan|date=2002-11-26|access-date=2009-04-02|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>

===NWA Total Nonstop Action (2002–2003)===
From May to August 2002, Yang was one third of the Flying Elvises in [[NWA Total Nonstop Action]] (NWA TNA) alongside [[Sonny Siaki]] and [[Jorge Estrada]]. Yang and the other Elvises were involved in TNA's first match, defeating [[A.J. Styles]], [[Jerry Lynn]], and [[Low Ki]] in a six-man tag team match. Yang continued wrestling for TNA as a singles competitor through to January 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/tna/2002.html|title = TNA Weekly PPVs 2002}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/tna/2003.html|title = TNA Weekly PPVs 2003}}</ref>

===Independent circuit (2002–2003)===
On December 20, 2002 Yang made his [[Major League Wrestling]] debut at ''King of Kings'', where he and [[Mike Sanders (wrestler)|Mike Sanders]] lost to [[Steve Williams (wrestler)|"Dr. Death" Steve Williams]] and PJ Friedman.<ref name="OWOW"/> He competed regularly in MLW throughout 2003, both in singles and tag team competition.<ref name="OWOW"/> At the ''War Games and J Cup USA'' show on September 19, 2003, Yang competed in the Super J Cup USA tournament, defeating [[Juventud Guerrera]] in the first round, but losing to [[Christopher Daniels]] in the second.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/mlw/030919.html|title=November Major League Wrestling - War Games & J Cup USA; September 19, 2003 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL|date=2003-09-19|access-date=2009-04-02|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>

===Return to WWE (2003–2005)===

In September 2003, following a match with [[Tommy Dreamer]] on ''[[WWE Heat|Sunday Night Heat]]'',<ref name="gerweck-yang">{{cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/jimmyyanginterview.htm|title=Interview with Jimmy Yang|access-date=2008-06-23|publisher=Gerweck.net|date=2006-02-10|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623204251/http://www.gerweck.net/jimmyyanginterview.htm|archive-date=2008-06-23}}</ref> Yun was signed to a three-year developmental deal with the renamed [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE). Yun made his WWE debut on October 19, 2003 at [[No Mercy (2003)|No Mercy]], along with the [[Japanese American]] [[Ryan Sakoda]]. Yun was renamed Akio (a reference to Japanese wrestler [[Akio Sato (wrestler)|Akio Sato]]) and aligned himself with Sakoda, forming the [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villainous]] [[tag team]] Kyo Dai, the henchmen of the native Japanese wrestler [[Yoshihiro Tajiri|Tajiri]]. Sakoda was eventually released from WWE and Tajiri was traded to ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]''.

This left Yun on his own to become a lower card wrestler and ''[[WWE Velocity|Velocity]]'' mainstay, competing primarily in the [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|cruiserweight]] division until he was released on July 5, 2005.<ref name= "Online World of Wrestling">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/j/jimmy-yang.html|title=Jimmy Yang Wrestler Profile|access-date=2011-08-16|publisher=onlineworldofwrestling.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/releases |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090420091404/http://www.wwe.com:80/inside/news/archive/releases |archive-date=20 April 2009 |title=WWE releases several Superstars |publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]] |date=8 July 2005 |accessdate=1 February 2023}}</ref>

===Ring of Honor (2005–2006)===
After being released from WWE, Yun wrestled in [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH). He debuted on October 1, 2005, at the New Yorker Hotel in [[Manhattan]], losing to [[Jamie Noble|James Gibson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Joe Vs. Kobashi - Manhattan, NY 10/1/05|date=October 1, 2005|access-date=April 7, 2012|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142414/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=March 22, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> He lost once again the following night to [[Christopher Daniels]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Unforgettable - Philadelphia, PA 10/2/05|date=October 2, 2005|access-date=April 7, 2012|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142414/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=March 22, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> and again two weeks later to [[Roderick Strong]], causing him to [[kayfabe]] take some time away from the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Enter The Dragon - Cleveland, OH 10/14/05|date=October 14, 2005|access-date=April 7, 2012|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|quote=Strong beat Jimmy Yang|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142414/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=March 22, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

He returned to ROH in January 2006 where he recorded his first win in ROH, teaming with [[Matt Sydal]] and [[Jack Evans (wrestler)|Jack Evans]] in the Trios Tournament. The team, however, was ultimately defeated by [[The Embassy (professional wrestling)|The Embassy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|title=Tag Wars 2006- Dayton, OH 1/27/06|date=January 27, 2006|access-date=April 7, 2012|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|quote=Shelley, Rave, & Abyss defeated Evans, Sydal, & Jimmy Yang to win Trios Tournament 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142414/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event|archive-date=March 22, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Yun stayed with the company for several months, wrestling as Jimmy Yang and using the same martial arts based persona he adopted in WCW. His entrance music was the theme from the film ''[[The Last Dragon]]'', and he brought in the film's star [[Taimak]] (referred to in his appearances as 'Bruce Leroy', the name of his character) to help him in a feud with Embassy member [[Jimmy Rave]].

===Second return to WWE (2006–2010)===
[[File:Jimmy Wang Yang.jpg|thumb|Jimmy Wang Yang in 2009]]
In May 2006, Yun made a return to WWE, as Akio, on an edition of ''[[WWE Heat|Heat]]'', working as an [[Job (professional wrestling)|enhancement talent]] in a try-out match with [[Charlie Haas]]. This match impressed WWE, and they re-signed him once more. Beginning with the August 25, 2006 edition of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'', [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Vignette|vignettes]] began airing featuring Yun dressed as a [[cowboy]] and calling himself Jimmy Wang Yang, in the process cutting his previously long hair short and growing a [[Fu Manchu moustache]] to fit the [[gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]]. In the vignettes, Yang questioned why people would assume [[Stereotypes of East Asians in the Western world|stereotypical Asian]] things about him while proclaiming that he was much more of a [[redneck]], of which he was proud.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nichibeitimes.com/articles/artsent.php?subaction=showfull&id=1160693760&archive=&start_from=&ucat=3&|title=Entertainment Re-oriented - Jimmy Wang Yang: The Asian Redneck Wrestler|last=Hamamoto|first=Ben|date=2006-10-12|access-date=2008-06-24|newspaper=Nichi Bei Times |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080328082122/http://www.nichibeitimes.com/articles/artsent.php?subaction=showfull&id=1160693760&archive=&start_from=&ucat=3& |archive-date = 2008-03-28}}</ref> The vignettes played for several weeks, with Yang focusing more on his redneck leanings. On the September 29 ''SmackDown!'', he made his in-ring debut in a loss to [[Sylvain Grenier|Sylvan]], who illegally used the ropes for leverage to get a pin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/09292006/|title=RAW's Revenge Strikes SmackDown|date=2006-09-26|last=Schiff|first=Steven A.|access-date=2007-12-20|publisher=WWE}}</ref> In November he was managed by Amy Zidian which lasted only a month.

In December 2006, Yang became the number one contender for the [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1991–2007)|Cruiserweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/12082006/|title=A united front|date=2006-12-08|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=2007-12-21|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Yang challenged [[Gregory Helms]] for the Cruiserweight title, but lost to him at [[Armageddon (2006)|Armageddon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/2006/matches/3472944/results/|title=Helms still in Cruiserweight control|date=2006-12-17|last=McAvennie|first=Mike|access-date=2007-12-21|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Later, he participated in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Gauntlet match|Cruiserweight Open]] at [[No Way Out (2007)|No Way Out]] for the Cruiserweight Title, but was unable to win the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2007/matches/3465668113/results/|title=Chavo makes a splash|date=2007-02-18|last=Tello|first=Craig|access-date=2008-09-26|publisher=WWE}}</ref> In mid-2007, Yang and [[Chavo Guerrero Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]] began a feud. On the June 15 edition of ''SmackDown!'', Yang once again became the number one contender for the Cruiserweight Championship,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06152007/|title=Backdraft|date=2007-06-15|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=2008-01-30|publisher=WWE}}</ref> after feuding with Guerrero for almost two months. At [[Vengeance: Night of Champions]], Yang lost to Guerrero after a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Frog splash|frog splash]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/history/2007/matches/40811641111/results/|title=Chavo cruises |work=WWE }}</ref> During [[The Great American Bash (2007)|The Great American Bash]], Yang competed in another Cruiserweight Open and although he was never pinned, [[Hornswoggle]] won the title after becoming an official entrant in the match due to him hiding under the ring.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/history/2007/matches/42789824/results/|title=A leprechaun's pot o' Cyuiserweight gold |work=WWE }}</ref> On the July 27 edition of ''SmackDown!'', Yang teamed with [[Torrie Wilson]] against [[Kenny Dykstra]] and [[Lisa Marie Varon|Victoria]]; Yang and Wilson won the match after Yang pinned Dykstra. Following this match, Wilson began appearing as Yang's new [[Manager (professional wrestling)|valet]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07272007/|title=Who's ready to clash after The Bash? |date=July 20, 2007 }}</ref>

On the October 12 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Jamie Noble, in order to weed out the competition for the vacant Cruiserweight Championship, told [[Deuce 'n Domino]] that Yang had been making "lewd remarks" about [[Cliff Compton|Domino]]'s on-screen sister and manager, [[Cherry (American wrestler)|Cherry]].<ref name="cherry"/> Deuce demanded a match against Yang from acting General Manager [[Vickie Guerrero]]. Yang won the match with his signature [[moonsault]] from the top rope, but was attacked by Deuce, Domino, and Cherry after the match.<ref name="cherry">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/10122007/|title=Fruit-ful confrontation|date=2007-10-12|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=2007-12-20|publisher=WWE}}</ref> The next week, Yang and [[Shannon Moore]] teamed up against Deuce 'n Domino in a tag team match, which Yang and Moore won. On the December 18 episode of ''[[WWE ECW|ECW]]'', Yang and Moore defeated the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Champions]] [[John Morrison and the Miz]] to earn a title-shot,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/12182007/|title=It's not easy being gold|date=2007-12-18|last=Rote|first=Andrew|access-date=2007-12-19|publisher=WWE}}</ref> igniting a feud between the two teams. On the January 1, 2008 episode of ''ECW'', Yang and Moore once again beat Morrison and the Miz, this time in a six-person tag team match also involving [[Layla El|Layla]] and [[Kelly Kelly]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/01012008/|title=Extreme resolutions|date=2008-01-01|last=Rote|first=Andrew|access-date=2008-01-02|publisher=WWE}}</ref> The following week, in a [[Iron Man match|Fifteen Minutes of Fame Match]], Moore and Yang tied the champions on [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pinfalls]], resulting in Miz and Morrison retaining the titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/01082008/|title=Retaining gold|date=2008-01-08|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|access-date=2008-01-11|publisher=WWE}}</ref>

On June 9, 2008, Yun was suspended for thirty days for his first violation of the WWE Wellness Policy.<ref name="suspension">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/yangsuspended|title=Jimmy Wang Yang suspended|date=June 9, 2008|access-date=2008-06-09|publisher=WWE}}</ref> He made his return on the July 18 edition of ''SmackDown'', being defeated by the repackaged [[Brian Kendrick|The Brian Kendrick]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07182008/|title=Love bites|date=2008-07-18|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=2008-08-05|publisher=WWE}}</ref> In September 2009, Yun sustained cuts and bruises to his back from [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] after being attacked with a [[Shinai|Singapore cane]] on an episode of ''[[WWE Superstars]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1252654987.php?style=dark|title=Superstars Results - 9/10/09|date=2009-09-10|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|access-date=2009-09-11|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>

In late 2009, Yang formed a tag team with [[Ray Gordy|Slam Master J]] and in their first match as a team, they lost to [[The Hart Dynasty]] on the December 10 episode of ''Superstars''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwesuperstars/archive/12102009/|title=Showing off their Swagger |date=December 4, 2009 }}</ref> On the December 18 episode of ''SmackDown'', Yang and J lost a rematch to the Dynasty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/12182009/|title=From here to Christmas |date=December 12, 2009 }}</ref> On the January 14, 2010 episode of ''Superstars'', Yang and J scored their first win as a team after they defeated [[Mike Knox]] and [[Charlie Haas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwesuperstars/archive/01142010/|title=Beating the odds |date=January 8, 2010 }}</ref> Jimmy Wang Yang's last match in WWE was a dark match at [[WrestleMania XXVI]] took part in a 26-man Battle Royal, that was won by [[Yoshi Tatsu]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-22 |title=What Happened To Jimmy Wang Yang? (Former WWE & WCW Star) - Atletifo |url=https://atletifo.com/features/what-happened-to-jimmy-wang-yang-former-wwe-wcw-star/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |language=en-GB}}</ref> On April 22, 2010, Yun was released from his WWE contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1271973470 |title=WWE releases six talents |date=2010-04-22 |last=Gerweck |first=Steve |work=WrestleView |access-date=2010-04-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424012646/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1271973470 |archive-date=2010-04-24 }}</ref>
=== Independent circuit (2010–2013, 2016–present) ===
In May 2010, after being released by WWE, Yun returned to the independent circuit as Jimmy Yang and was announced to be part of the new HighSpots ''Pro Wrestling Superstars'' talent booking roster.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingsuperstars.com/|title=Pro Wrestling Superstars Booking|date=2010-05-01|access-date=2010-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403084900/http://www.prowrestlingsuperstars.com/|archive-date=2010-04-03|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

On July 25, 2010, Yun, as Jimmy Yang, returned to All Japan Pro Wrestling to take part in the [[AJPW Junior League#2010|2010 Junior League]].<ref name=AJPWJHDay1>{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=1&nr=54172|title=AJPW Summer Action Series 2010 - Tag 1|access-date=2010-08-10|work=Cagematch}}</ref> Yang finished second in his block, after victories over [[Shuji Kondo]], MAZADA and [[Taka Michinoku]], and advanced to the semifinals of the tournament.<ref name=AJPWJHDay1/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=1&nr=54410|title=AJPW Summer Action Series 2010 - Tag 4|access-date=2010-08-10|work=Cagematch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=1&nr=54604|title=AJPW Summer Action Series 2010 - Tag 8|access-date=2010-08-10|work=Cagematch}}</ref> On August 8 Yang first defeated [[Minoru Tanaka (wrestler)|Minoru]] in the semifinals and then [[Kai (wrestler)|KAI]] in the finals to win the 2010 Junior Heavyweight League.<ref name=AJPWJHDay9>{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=1&nr=54658|title=AJPW Summer Action Series 2010 - Tag 9|access-date=2010-08-10|work=Cagematch}}</ref> With his victory Yang had earned a shot at the [[World Junior Heavyweight Championship (AJPW)|World Junior Heavyweight Championship]], but was defeated in his title match on August 29 by the defending champion, Yang's former tag team partner, Kaz Hayashi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cagematch.de/?id=1&nr=55210|title=AJPW Pro- Wrestling Love in Ryogoku Vol.10|access-date=2010-09-01|work=Cagematch}}</ref>

===Return to TNA (2011)===
On June 27, 2011, Yang made a one night return to TNA at the tapings of the June 30 edition of ''Impact Wrestling'', working in his old Flying Elvis [[gimmick (professional wrestling)|gimmick]] and losing to Low Ki in a three–way first round match of a tournament for a TNA contract, which also included [[Matt Bentley]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1309236451|title=Spoilers: Impact Wrestling for June 30|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|date=2011-06-28|access-date=2011-06-28|work=WrestleView}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/tnaimpact/article_51156.shtml|title=Bax's TNA Impact Wrestling report 6/30: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Impact with 'Limited Commercial Interruption'|last=Baxendell|first=Matt|date=2011-06-30|access-date=2011-06-30|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>

===Third return to WWE (2021)===
Yun returned to the WWE as a backstage producer on October 25, 2021 during the live ''Raw'' broadcast.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sescoops.com/2021/10/jimmy-wang-yang-working-as-wwe-producer/|title = Former WWE Star Returns to Company in Backstage Role|date = 29 October 2021}}</ref> On December 28, Yun announced that WWE released him from his producer role.<ref>{{cite web |title=James Yun on Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/akioyang/status/1475991134266662914 |website=Twitter |date= December 28, 2021 |access-date=January 4, 2022 |quote=I don't particularly appreciate seeing this narrative saying that I quit. It takes A LOT for me to quit anything. Almost a month ago, @WWE chose not to move forward with me being a producer, and I was perfectly fine with their decision.}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Yun has a brother named Johnathan, who is a professional breakdancer.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=February 1, 2008|title=60 seconds with Jimmy Wang Yang|journal=Ww Smackdown!|publisher=WWE Magazine|page=13|issn=8756-7792}}</ref> He also has a daughter named Jazmine.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Reviews/2010/07/01/14577946.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715131426/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Reviews/2010/07/01/14577946.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |title=Jimmy Yang DVD proves you can't overcome indifference, politics |access-date=2010-07-04 |publisher=SLAM! WRESTLING |date=2010-07-04}}</ref><ref name="whtnjimmy">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2f7vkwgScY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/b2f7vkwgScY |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Jimmy Wang Yang: Where Are They Now?|publisher=[[YouTube]]|access-date=2010-10-26}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He owns a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#School|professional wrestling school]] called Pro Training, LLC. located in [[Cincinnati]], [[Ohio]].<ref name="Wrestling School">{{cite web|url=http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=204358012|title=Official Pro Training LLC Myspace|access-date=2008-11-06|publisher=MySpace.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081114180429/http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile|archive-date=2008-11-14|url-status=dead}}</ref> In late October 2010, Yun started a pest control business called "Jimmy's Pest Control" in the Cincinnati area.<ref name="yunpest">{{cite web|url=http://www.jimmyspestcontrol.com|title=Jimmy's Pest Control|publisher=jimmyspestcontrol.com.com|access-date=2010-10-26}}</ref> He currently owns [[party bus]] businesses called "Redneck Party Bus" and "Princess Party Bus".<ref name="whtnjimmy"/>

==Other media==
Yun appears in the 2009 film ''[[Royal Kill]]'' as a police officer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=538&view=filme#filme|title=Yun in Royal Kill}}</ref>

Yun made his WWE video game debut in ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009]]''. He appears in the video game King of Colosseum Red released in 2002.

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[AJPW Junior League|Junior League]] ([[AJPW Junior League#2010|2010]])<ref name=AJPWJHDay9/>
**Bape Sta!! Tag Tournament (2003) – with [[Satoshi Kojima]]<ref name="Wrestling Data">{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=turniere&turnier=346|title=Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database|website=www.wrestlingdata.com}}</ref>
**[[AJPW Junior Tag League|World's Strongest Junior Tag League]] ([[AJPW Junior Tag League#2002|2002]]) – with [[Kaz Hayashi]]<ref name=AJPWTag/>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 110 of the top 500 wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|''PWI'' 500]] in 2007 <ref>{{Cite journal|title=PWI 500|newspaper=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|date=August 2009|url= http://www.pwi-online.com}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{IMDb name|1222096|James Yun}}
* {{professional wrestling profiles}}

{{AJPW Junior League}}
{{AJPW Junior Tag League}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Yang, Jimmy}}
[[Category:1981 births]]
[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American people of Korean descent]]
[[Category:Faux Japanese professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Austell, Georgia]]
[[Category:Entertainers from Cincinnati]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from California]]
[[Category:American professional wrestlers of Asian descent]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]

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Jimmy Yang