Akebono Taro, the sumo-turned-pro wrestler who competed against The Big Show at WrestleMania 21, has passed away at the age of 54.
The Japan Times is reporting that Akebono died of heart failure. He was less than a month away from his 55th birthday.
Akebono was the first foreign-born sumo wrestler to reach the rank of Yokozuna, a status he achieved in 1993.
Born in Hawaii as Chadwick Haheo Rowan, he was the 64th Yokozuna and became incredibly popular during his sumo career.
Akebono retired from sumo in 2001 after suffering an injury and transitioned into kickboxing, competing for K-1, and MMA.
Akebono transitioned into pro wrestling in 2005 when he was brought in to face The Big Show at WrestleMania 21 in a sumo match.
He scored the victory over Big Show and moved to AJPW, where he debuted at AJPW’s Wrestle-1 event in August of 2005.
Akebono worked for several Japanese promotions including NJPW, Hustle, Dragon Gate, and ZERO-1 before returning to AJPW for a seven-year run from 2008 through 2015.
He had two runs with the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship, two with the All Asia Tag Team Championships alongside Ryota Hama, and the World Tag Team Championships twice — one with Taiyo Kea and one with Yutaka Yoshie.
On behalf of everyone here at eWn, we send our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Akebono.
Akebono Taro, the legendary sumo wrestler turned pro wrestler, has sadly passed away at the age of 54. The Japan Times reported that Akebono died of heart failure, just a few weeks before his 55th birthday.
Akebono, born as Chadwick Haheo Rowan in Hawaii, made history as the first foreign-born sumo wrestler to achieve the prestigious rank of Yokozuna in 1993. Throughout his sumo career, he gained immense popularity and became a beloved figure in the sport.
After retiring from sumo in 2001 due to an injury, Akebono ventured into kickboxing and competed in the renowned K-1 and MMA circuits. However, his journey didn’t stop there. In 2005, he made his transition into professional wrestling when he was brought in to face The Big Show at WrestleMania 21 in a highly anticipated sumo match.
To the surprise of many, Akebono emerged victorious over The Big Show, showcasing his incredible strength and skill. Following this memorable debut, he joined All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) and made his first appearance at AJPW’s Wrestle-1 event in August 2005.
Throughout his wrestling career, Akebono worked for various Japanese promotions, including New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), Hustle, Dragon Gate, and ZERO-1. However, he had a significant seven-year run with AJPW from 2008 to 2015.
During his time in AJPW, Akebono achieved numerous accolades. He held the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship twice and won the All Asia Tag Team Championships twice alongside Ryota Hama. Additionally, he also won the World Tag Team Championships twice, once with Taiyo Kea and once with Yutaka Yoshie.
The passing of Akebono has left a void in the wrestling world, and his loss is deeply felt by his family, friends, and fans. His contributions to both sumo and professional wrestling will forever be remembered and celebrated.
On behalf of everyone at eWn, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Akebono. May his legacy live on in the hearts of those who admired him and may he rest in peace.