WWE legend Akebono dead – Sumo star who faced Big Show at WrestleMania dies aged 54 after suffering heart failure
A LEGENDARY sumo wrestler has died at the age of 54.
Akebono Taro, who won 11 grand tournaments during his career, died from heart failure.
He had been battling an illness since collapsing in Kitakyushu in Japan seven years ago and had reportedly been in hospital near Tokyo.
Hawaii-born Akebono – who became the first non-Japanese grand champion or “yokozuna” – died earlier this month while receiving treatment, his family said.
His family said: “It is with sadness that we announce Akebono Taro died of heart failure earlier this month while receiving care at a hospital in the Tokyo area.”
Born Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan, Akebono moved to Tokyo in the late 1980s and made his sumo debut in March 1988.
He reached the top division two years later – and won his first grand championship in 1993.
After becoming the first-ever foreign-born grand champion – sumo’s highest rank – he opened the door for other foreign wrestlers to find success in the sport.
In 2005, Akebono competed against The Big Show at WrestleMania 21 in Los Angeles.
At the prime of his career, he reportedly weighed 500lbs and stood at 6ft8ins – with his fighting style relying on his huge size to thrust opponents out of the ring.
The United States ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, paid tribute to Akebono – describing him as a “giant in the world of sumo”.
He said: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Akebono, a giant in the world of sumo, a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the United States and Japan, Emanuel posted.
“When Akebono became the first-ever foreign-born grand champion, sumo’s highest rank, in 1993, he opened the door for other foreign wrestlers to find success in the sport.
“Throughout his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural ties between the United States and his adopted homeland by uniting us all through sport.”
Samoa Joe, the current world champion of AEW pro wrestling, said Akebone was “the epitome of a Yokozuna” in a touching tribute.
“RIP to the Mighty Akebono,” he said. “The epitome of a Yokozuna, both a warrior and a gentlemen. A hui hou.”
Retired professional wrestler Keiji Muto, said Akebono was “someone who felt the love of professional wrestling through his sincere approach”.
“Yokozuna, please rest peacefully,” he said.
Chicago-born TV personality Dave Spector said he had the privilege of calling Akebono by his real name, Chad.
“His family was wonderful, always shining brighter than the Hawaiian sun,” he wrote.
“We would exchange jokes, and even as a yokozuna, he was always just Chad.”
Akebono regularly appeared as a celebrity on Japanese TV shows.
He retired from sumo in 2001 fought in various mixed-martial arts and professional wrestling events.
Akebono is survived by his wife, daughter and two sons.
A private funeral will be held for the sumo legend.