Akebono Taro, a prolific sumo wrestler who also competed in the world of professional wrestling, has passed away at the age of 54 years old.
Japanese media outlets confirmed his death after he was rushed to a hospital in Tokyo, Japan. His cause of death has been listed as heart failure. On Twitter, Rahm Emanuel, the official U.S. Ambassador to Japan, paid tribute to Taro.
Statement by Ambassador Rahm Emanuel on the Passing of Former Sumo Grand Champion Akebono
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.
When Akebono became the… pic.twitter.com/kfuFvA2IUH
— ???????????????? (@USAmbJapan) April 11, 2024
Taro was born Chadwick Haheo Rowan in Hawaii and had a legendary career as a sumo wrestler. After moving to Tokyo in the 190s, he would go on to win 11 titles with over 560 victories. His multiple victories would earn him the status of yokozuna (not to be confused with the WWE star,) which is the highest title for a Sumo wrestler.
Akebono in Pro-Wrestling
Akebono Taro also had an accomplished career in professional wrestling and made his WWE debut in March 2005. At WrestleMania 21 the following month. Akebono defeated The Big Show in a sumo match via koshinage (throwing the opponent entirely out of the ring.)
With a taste for pro-wrestling, Akebono joined All Japan Pro Wrestling that same year and would win Tokyo Sports’ Newcomer Award for 2005 as well as the Best Tag Team Award (with Keiju ‘Great Muta’ Mutoh.) He debuted for New Japan in 2006 but would return to All Japan in 2008 where he would remain for the next seven years of his career.
Akebono also competed for DDT Pro-Wrestling, Dragon Gate, and Pro Wrestling Zero1, and would become the World Heavyweight Champion with the latter promotion.
We at SE Scoops would like to offer our condolences to his friends and family at this sad time.