- Akebono Taro was a multifaceted athlete with a notable career in sumo wrestling, MMA, professional wrestling, and kickboxing.
- He made history as the first non-Japanese-born wrestler to reach the Yokozuna rank in sumo, showcasing his dominance and skill in the sport.
- Despite his success in sumo, Akebono faced challenges in MMA, highlighting the differences between sumo and MMA.
- Akebono’s personal life, including his marriage and family, played a significant role in his public image.
Newsypeople- Akebono Taro, born Chad Rowan on May 8, 1969, was a prominent figure in the world of sumo wrestling and professional wrestling. He was a Hawaiian professional sumo wrestler who later transitioned into professional wrestling. Akebono achieved significant success in sumo wrestling, rising swiftly through the ranks and becoming a notable figure in the sport.
He was trained by the pioneering Hawaiian wrestler Takamiyama and had a remarkable career in sumo wrestling, eventually becoming a Yokozuna, the highest rank in sumo.In his professional wrestling career, Akebono was known for his participation in various wrestling promotions and his achievements in the ring.
He held titles such as the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, NEVER Openweight Championship, and other prestigious titles in the wrestling world. Akebono’s wrestling career extended beyond Japan, as he also took part in international events like the Lucha Libre World Cup in Mexico.
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WWE legend Akebono Taro has died https://t.co/OgIO2ay3Eh pic.twitter.com/6nzGMzW5ke
— The Sun (@TheSun) April 11, 2024
Akebono Taro Net Worth 2024: How Rich Is He?
Akebono’s net worth was approximately $5 million, which he earned from his sumo wrestling tournaments and his involvement in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). In sumo wrestling, sponsorship for matches could be around $600, and a high-ranked fighter like a Maegashira could earn around $72,000 in winnings on top of the $108,000 for being a ranked wrestler.
The payout could significantly increase if a Maegashira defeated a high-ranked opponent like a Yokozuna, which Akebono achieved. Additionally, his time in AJPW led him to earn an average salary of ¥3,813,127.
Despite his success and wealth, Akebono faced financial difficulties, including the failure of his restaurant and other challenges, which influenced him to join K-1. He became a Japanese citizen in 1996 and retired from professional wrestling in 2017 due to health problems. Akebono passed away in April 2024, at the age of 54, due to heart failure. His legacy in the world of sumo wrestling and professional wrestling is undeniable, and his contributions to the sports have left a lasting impact.
Akebono Taro Career And Achievement
Akebono Taro, born Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan in Hawaii, was a remarkable figure in the world of sumo wrestling, achieving unprecedented success and breaking barriers for foreign-born wrestlers. His career in sumo wrestling began in the late 1980s when he moved to Tokyo, and he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the first foreign-born wrestler to reach the prestigious rank of yokozuna, or grand champion, in Japan.
Akebono’s journey in sumo wrestling was marked by a series of significant achievements. In 1992, he won his first tournament championship and was promoted to the ozeki rank. His success continued with consecutive victories in the November and January tournaments of 1993, earning him promotion to yokozuna in just 30 competitions, a feat no one had accomplished before him. Throughout his career, Akebono won 11 grand tournament championships, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination.
Despite facing injuries that affected his performance, Akebono remained committed to his sport, amassing a total of 566 victories against 198 losses at the makuuchi level, including a 432–122 record as a yokozuna. He was awarded four Outstanding Performance and two Fighting Spirit prizes, although he never achieved a perfect record of 15 victories in a single tournament.
Akebono’s career was not only defined by his success in sumo wrestling but also by his personal journey. He became a Japanese citizen in 1996, officially changing his name to Akebono Tarō, and expressed pride in being an American while also embracing his adopted country. His lifestyle remained grounded, with a preference for popular and classical music, samurai movies, and a desire to avoid crowds.
After retiring from sumo wrestling in 2001, Akebono transitioned to professional kickboxing and mixed martial arts competitions, and he also worked as a professional wrestler. His legacy in sumo wrestling and his contributions to the sport are celebrated for their impact on both the sport and the cultural ties between the United States and Japan.
Akebono Taro passed away in 2024 at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy of achievement and inspiration. His career in sumo wrestling, marked by unparalleled success and a commitment to the sport, has made him a lasting figure in the history of sumo wrestling.
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