Akebono, known for his accomplishments both in sumo wrestling and later professional wrestling, has passed away.
Japanese media announced on Wednesday that Akebono had died of heart failure at 54 years old. He had been ill since 2017 when he was hospitalized following a DDT tour. After his release, he was confined to a wheelchair while continuing to suffer from heart complications.
Akebono, one of the greatest sumos of all-time, who later had a long run as a pro wrestling headliner, passed away at 54.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) April 11, 2024
Akebono was born Chadwick Haheo Rowan and was of Hawaiian descent. He joined sumo wrestling in 1988 and became the first non-Japanese sumo to reach the rank of yokozuna, which is the highest rank of sumo possible. He retired from sumo in 2001 and started pro wrestling in 2005 when he defeated The Big Show in a sumo match at WrestleMania 21.
Following his WrestleMania match, Akebono joined All Japan Pro Wrestling, where he would remain off and on through 2015. He would become a two-time Triple Crown Champion and won the Champion Carnival tournament in 2015. After becoming a freelancer, he founded the Odo promotion, where he served as president until his hospitalization.
News Summary:
- Former sumo wrestler and AJPW star Akebono passes away at 54 years old
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