Akebono Tarō
Akebono Tarō | |
---|---|
曙太郎 | |
Hokutoumi | |
* Up to date as of June 2020. |
Akebono Tarō (
One of the tallest and heaviest wrestlers ever, Akebono's rivalry with the young Japanese hopefuls, Takanohana and Wakanohana, was a big factor in the increased popularity of sumo at tournament venues and on TV in the early 1990s.[3] During his eight years at the yokozuna rank, Akebono won a further eight tournament championships, for a career total of eleven, and was a runner-up on thirteen other occasions, despite suffering several serious injuries. Although his rival yokozuna Takanohana won more tournaments in this period, their individual head-to-heads remained very close.
Akebono became a
Early life
Chad Rowan was born on 8 May 1969, to Randolph and Janice Rowan,[4] and was of Hawaiian descent. He grew up with two younger brothers, one of whom, Ola, also became a sumo wrestler for a brief period after Chad.[4] He attended Kaiser High School, where he played basketball and became an all-star center.[4] He went to Hawaii Pacific University on a basketball scholarship, but sat out his freshman season.[4]
Sumo career
Early career
Rowan was planning to study for a career in hotel management,
Akebono rose rapidly through the ranks, equaling the record for the most consecutive
Promotion
In 1992, after a year of 8–7 or 7–8 records near the top of the makuuchi division, Akebono suddenly came alive with a 13–2 record in January of that year, narrowly losing the top division championship to Takanohana.[10] A second 13–2 record two tournaments later, in May, saw him win the top division championship for the first time, and with it promotion to ōzeki.[10] After an injury during the summer, he went on to win consecutive championships in November 1992 and January 1993 to win promotion to yokozuna.[10]
At the time of his promotion, the rank of yokozuna had been vacant for eight months (an exceedingly rare occurrence) and his promotion, despite the fact that he was the first foreign yokozuna, was welcomed by many. He had met the stipulation of winning two consecutive tournaments that had been mentioned by the Yokozuna Deliberation Council when turning down Konishiki the previous year, and was also seen as having conducted himself with the dignity and humility necessary for such an exalted rank.[11] One commentator remarked, "He makes me forget he is a foreigner because of his earnest attitude toward sumo."[11]
Yokozuna era
Akebono was a long-standing and strong yokozuna, lasting nearly eight years in the rank and winning the top division championship on a further eight occasions. His career highlights include the rare achievement of winning the top division championship in three consecutive tournaments, in 1993. In July 1993 he beat Takanohana and Wakanohana in consecutive matches to win the
Akebono suffered frequent injuries during his career.
Fighting style
Akebono was one of the tallest sumo wrestlers ever, at 203 cm (6 ft 8 in) tall, and also one of
Retirement
After winning his eleventh top division title in November 2000,
While an oyakata, Akebono also appeared in TV commercials and opened a restaurant called ZUNA.[21][22]
In June 2013 he returned to Azumazeki stable for the first time since leaving the Sumo Association to oversee some training sessions as an assistant instructor.[23]
Kickboxing and mixed martial arts career
Akebono | |
---|---|
Born | Chadwick Haheo Rowan 8 May 1969 Waimānalo, Hawaii, U.S. |
Died | April 2024 Tokyo, Japan | (aged 54)
Other names | Akebono |
Nationality | Japanese |
Height | 6 ft 8 in (203 cm) |
Weight | 514 lb (233 kg; 36 st 10 lb) |
Division | Super heavyweight |
Style | Sumo, Kickboxing |
Stance | Orthodox |
Fighting out of | Tokyo, Japan |
Team | Team Yokozuna |
Rank | Yokozuna in sumo |
Years active | 3 (2003–2006) |
Kickboxing record | |
Total | 10 |
Wins | 1 |
Losses | 9 |
By knockout | 5 |
Mixed martial arts record | |
Total | 4 |
Wins | 0 |
Losses | 4 |
By submission | 3 |
By decision | 1 |
Draws | 0 |
Other information | |
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog |
Akebono left the Sumo Association in November 2003 to join K-1.[24] The decision was influenced by financial problems due to the failure of his restaurant, among other financial difficulties. His koenkai, or supporters network, had dissolved after his marriage in 1998, depriving him of a valuable source of income.[16] In addition, he earned far less as an oyakata than he had as a yokozuna.[16] K-1 offered him a chance to clear his debts by fighting for them.[25]
K-1
2003–2004
At the time of his debut, Akebono was involved in a highly publicized matchup at K-1 Premium 2003 against popular superheavyweight fighter
Some months later, Akebono followed with another high level match, this time against the famed
After another decision loss against Chinese fighter Zhang Qingjun in South Korea, Akebono travelled to United States to fight American legend Rick Roufus in K-1 Las Vegas. During the fight, Roufus avoided being cornered by Akebono's pushes and counterattacked with ineffective kicks and punches.[30] Again, Akebono showed an unsportsmanlike side when he tried repeatedly to throw Roufus out of the ring, leading referee Cecil Peoples to warn him. At one point, Akebono even pushed away Peoples himself.[30] Due to the fouls and to Roufus's incessant attacks, decision was given to the American.[30]
The next month, Akebono faced Dutch striker Remy Bonjasky back in Japan. Ignoring his opponent's signature high kicks, Akebono pressed with punches and pushes, but Bonjasky kept dodging and attacking, even landing a sharp kick to the head by springing from the top rope. The bout transpired this way until the third round, when Bonjasky scored a roundhouse kick that knocked Akebono out.[citation needed]
At the end of the year, Akebono had his mixed martial arts debut against
2005–2006
In March 2005, Akebono was granted a place in the K-1 Korea Grand Prix, whose first round saw him facing
Akebono and Choi rematched in July at K-1 Grand Prix event in Hawaii. Akebono lasted longer, but he found the same problems as the first time, with Choi scoring repeated jabs from the safety of his reach while he blocked the sumo's push and charge style. Akebono was eventually knocked down, and although he resumed his attack, Choi knocked him out to end the match.[34][35] Akebono then returned to MMA format to end the year, going against former comedian Bobby Ologun at K-1 Premium. The sumo champion neutralized Ologun's striking by taking him down and smothering him during the earlier rounds, but he was later stunned by a barrage of punches and controlled for the rest of the match, losing the decision.[citation needed]
In 2006, Akebono had his third mixed martial arts match against another
Akebono's last MMA match saw him meeting
Rizin Fighting Federation
Akebono fought a rematch against Bob Sapp on 31 December 2015, at Rizin Fighting Federation Grand Prix event.[39] He lost the fight by technical decision when a cut on his head could not be stemmed.
Professional wrestling career
Akebono | |
---|---|
Birth name | Chadwick Haheo Rowan |
Born | Waimānalo, Hawaii | 8 May 1969
Died | April 2024 Tokyo, Japan | (aged 54)
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Akebono Bono-chan Bono-kun Bono Tiger Great Bono Monster Bono |
Billed height | 203 cm (6 ft 8 in) |
Billed weight | 200 kg (441 lb) |
Trained by | Riki Choshu Keiji Muto |
Debut | 31 March 2005 |
Retired | 11 April 2017 |
World Wrestling Entertainment (2005)
On 31 March 2005, Akebono made an appearance on SmackDown! to accept the Big Show's challenge to a (kayfabe) sumo match at WrestleMania 21.[40][41] Akebono made his wrestling debut later that night, defeating jobber Eddie Vegas. At WrestleMania 21, Akebono defeated Big Show with a koshinage, throwing him entirely out of the ring.[42]
On 1 July, Akebono made an appearance in a house show in Japan to help Big Show during a match against
All Japan Pro Wrestling (2005-2007)
This section needs additional citations for verification. (April 2024) |
On 4 August 2005, Akebono made his official wrestling debut in Japan, appearing at AJPW's Wrestle-1 event against the
Later, Akebono and Mutoh competed in the Real World Tag League 2005, during the tournament, making it all the way to the finals, but were defeated by Team 3D. At the end of the year, Akebono won the Tokyo Sports award for "Rookie of the Year" and "Team of the Year" with Mutoh, who then stated that Akebono had successfully graduated from his lessons, and was then released from his contract to move to other companies and gain experience.
New Japan Pro Wrestling (2006–2007)
On 4 January 2006, Akebono appeared in
In February, Akebono made his official debut in New Japan as an ally of Riki Choshu, defeating then IWGP Tag Team Champions Cho-Ten (Masahiro Chono and Hiroyoshi Tenzan). On 19 March, he faced Brock Lesnar for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship,[44] but was defeated when Lesnar got the pinfall after hitting him with the title. Months later, after the championship had become vacant, Akebono participated in a tournament for it, defeating Hiroyoshi Tenzan in the first round, but being eliminated by Giant Bernard in the second.
In October, Akebono and Choshu participated in the
Hustle (2007–2009)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Giant_Silva.jpg/220px-Giant_Silva.jpg)
This section needs additional citations for verification. (April 2024) |
Akebono debuted in
Dragon Gate (2008–2010)
On 21 September 2008, Akebono appeared in the Battle Royal of
Pro Wrestling Zero1 (2009–2013)
In March 2009, Akebono appeared in
Return to AJPW (2008–2015)
Akebono returned to AJPW, allying himself with
On 22 March 2015, Akebono won the World Tag Team Championship for the second time, when he and Yutaka Yoshie defeated Jun Akiyama and Takao Omori.[68] On 25 April, Akebono defeated Suwama in the finals to win All Japan's premier tournament, the Champion Carnival.[69] In the build-up to Akebono's challenge for the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship against Go Shiozaki, he and Yoshie lost the World Tag Team Championship to Shiozaki and Kento Miyahara on 6 May.[70] On 21 May, Akebono defeated Shiozaki to win the Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship for the second time.[71] Akebono eventually went on to lose the championship to Jun Akiyama in his third defense on 1 November 2015.[72] The following day, it was announced that Akebono was leaving All Japan and once again becoming a freelancer, looking to return to martial arts.[73] It was also announced that he would continue working for All Japan as a freelancer.[74]
Ōdō (2015–2017)
On 4 December 2015, Akebono announced he was forming a new company named Ōdō. He would serve as its president with the backing of Motoko Baba, the widow of All Japan founder Giant Baba.[75] On 13 March 2016, Akebono made his debut for AJPW splinter promotion Wrestle-1, reuniting with SMOP partner Ryota Hama.[76] Ōdō held its first event on 20 April in Korakuen Hall. The main event of the show saw Akebono, Ryota Hama and Taiyo Kea defeat Daisuke Sekimoto, Masato Tanaka and Yuji Okabayashi.[77] In early June, Akebono took part in the Lucha Libre World Cup in Mexico.[78] On 16 September, Ōdō formed a partnership with Pro Wrestling Zero1.[79]
Akebono's last recorded match happened on 11 April 2017, for
Personal life
![Statue of Akebono in Waimānalo, Hawaii.](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/Akebono_statue_by_Prayitno_Photography.jpg/220px-Akebono_statue_by_Prayitno_Photography.jpg)
Akebono was born to Randy, a taxi driver of
At the end of 1996, he was engaged to Yu Aihara, a television
In April 2017, he was hospitalized after feeling unwell while on a wrestling tour in Kitakyushu.[84] Early reports indicated that he had been placed in a medically-induced coma after suffering a cardiac condition,[85] but his family later released a statement on Akebono's website criticizing "misleading" articles and saying he was undergoing treatment "due to a right leg cellulitis and an infection."[86] A family spokesperson thanked Akebono's fans for their support, saying "The number of messages from around the world has been overwhelming."[87]
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that the original story was correct and the cellulitis claim was a cover story for a serious heart issue.[88] Akebono's wife confirmed in March 2018 that her husband had suffered acute heart failure and had been in a medically induced coma for two weeks. He lost nearly 130 pounds, much of it in muscle, and still could not walk, requiring a wheelchair. He was to begin intensive physical therapy.[89]
On 2 January 2019, it was reported that he had lost the use of his legs and suffered from partial memory loss, unable to remember his pro-wrestling days. For a short period, he was unable to speak without the aid of his wife.[90]
Although still unable to walk, he attended a memorial service for his former tsukebito
Akebono died of heart failure in April 2024 at age 54 after being admitted to a hospital in Tokyo.[92][93] His death was announced on the morning of April 11 in Japan,[94] and a funeral was held in Tokyo three days later.[95] Akebono's widow Christiane Reiko told reporters after the funeral that he had suffered from arrhythmia for seven years.[95] She also said that Akebono's body would be cremated, with half of his ashes remaining with his family in Japan and the other half placed into the ocean off of the Hawaiian coast.[95]
Career record
Year | January Hatsu basho, Tokyo |
March Haru basho, Osaka |
May Natsu basho, Tokyo |
July Nagoya basho, Nagoya |
September Aki basho, Tokyo |
November Kyūshū basho, Fukuoka |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1988 | x | (Maezumo) | East Jonokuchi #19 6–1 |
East Jonidan #97 5–2 |
East Jonidan #52 5–2 |
West Jonidan #15 6–1 |
1989 | East Sandanme #60 5–2 |
East Sandanme #33 6–1 |
West Makushita #55 6–1 |
East Makushita #28 5–2 |
West Makushita #14 5–2 |
East Makushita #5 5–2 |
1990 | East Makushita #2 4–3 |
West Jūryō #12 8–7 |
West Jūryō #10 11–4 |
East Jūryō #3 11–4 |
East Maegashira #14 9–6 |
West Maegashira #7 9–6 F |
1991 | West Maegashira #1 8–7 O★ |
East Komusubi #1 8–7 O |
West Sekiwake #1 7–8 |
West Maegashira #1 8–7 ★★ |
West Komusubi #1 7–8 |
West Maegashira #1 8–7 ★ |
1992 | West Komusubi #1 13–2 OF |
East Sekiwake #1 8–7 |
West Sekiwake #1 13–2 O |
East Ōzeki #1 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
East Ōzeki #2 9–6 |
West Ōzeki #1 14–1 |
1993 | East Ōzeki #1 13–2 |
East Yokozuna #1 10–5 |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2 |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2–PP |
East Yokozuna #1 14–1 |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2–P |
1994 | East Yokozuna #1 11–4 |
East Yokozuna #1 12–3–PP |
East Yokozuna #1 10–2–3 |
East Yokozuna #1 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
East Yokozuna #1 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
East Yokozuna #1 10–5 |
1995 | West Yokozuna #1 12–3 |
West Yokozuna #1 14–1 |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2 |
West Yokozuna #1 11–4 |
West Yokozuna #1 12–3 |
West Yokozuna #1 7–3–5 |
1996 | West Yokozuna #1 0–3–12 |
West Yokozuna #1 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
West Yokozuna #1 10–5 |
West Yokozuna #1 12–3 |
West Yokozuna #1 10–5 |
West Yokozuna #1 11–4–P |
1997 | East Yokozuna #1 12–3 |
West Yokozuna 12–3–PP |
West Yokozuna #1 13–2–P |
West Yokozuna #1 12–3 |
West Yokozuna #1 9–6 |
West Yokozuna #1 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
1998 | West Yokozuna #1 10–5 |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2 |
East Yokozuna #1 10–5 |
East Yokozuna #1 11–4 |
West Yokozuna #1 10–5 |
East Yokozuna #2 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
1999 | East Yokozuna #2 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
East Yokozuna #2 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
East Yokozuna #2 11–4 |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2–P |
East Yokozuna #1 2–2–11 |
East Yokozuna #2 Sat out due to injury 0–0–15 |
2000 | West Yokozuna #2 11–4 |
West Yokozuna #1 12–3 |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2 |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2 |
East Yokozuna #1 13–2 |
West Yokozuna #1 14–1 |
2001 | East Yokozuna #1 Retired 0–0–15 |
x | x | x | x | x |
Record given as wins–losses–absencies Top division champion Top division runner-up Retired Lower divisions Non-participation Playoff (s)Divisions: Jonokuchi Makuuchi ranks: Maegashira |
Kickboxing record
This section needs additional citations for verification. (April 2024) |
Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Loss | 1–9 | ![]() |
Technical decision | Rizin Fighting Federation 2
|
31 December 2015 | 2 | 0:49 | Saitama, Saitama , Japan
|
Shoot boxing rules. |
Loss | 1–8 | Choi Hong-man
|
KO (left hook) | K-1 World Grand Prix 2006 in Sapporo
|
30 July 2006 | 2 | 0:57 | Sapporo, Japan
|
|
Loss | 1–7 | Choi Hong-man
|
TKO (referee stoppage) | K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Hawaii
|
29 July 2005 | 1 | 2:52 | Honolulu, Hawaii, US
|
|
Loss | 1–6 | Choi Hong-man
|
TKO (corner stoppage) | K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Seoul
|
19 March 2005 | 1 | 0:24 | Seoul, South Korea
|
K-1 Korea Grand Prix semifinal. |
Win | 1–5 | ![]() |
Decision (unanimous) | K-1 World Grand Prix 2005 in Seoul
|
19 March 2005 | 3 | 3:00 | Seoul, South Korea
|
K-1 Korea Grand Prix opening round. |
Loss | 0–5 | ![]() |
KO (right high kick) | K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 Final Elimination
|
25 September 2004 | 3 | 0:33 | Tokyo, Japan
|
|
Loss | 0–4 | ![]() |
Decision (unanimous) | K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Las Vegas II
|
7 August 2004 | 3 | 3:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, US
|
|
Loss | 0–3 | ![]() |
Extra round decision (unanimous) | K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Seoul
|
17 July 2004 | 4 | 3:00 | Seoul, South Korea
|
K-1 Korea Prix opening round. |
Loss | 0–2 | ![]() |
Decision (unanimous) | K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Saitama
|
27 March 2004 | 3 | 3:00 | Saitama, Japan
|
|
Loss | 0–1 | ![]() |
KO (right hook) | K-1 PREMIUM 2003 Dynamite!! | 31 December 2003 | 1 | 1:55 | Nagoya, Japan
|
- Legend
- Win
- Loss
- Draw/No contest
Mixed martial arts record
This section needs additional citations for verification. (April 2024) |
4 matches | 0 wins | 4 losses |
By submission | 0 | 3 |
By decision | 0 | 1 |
Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Loss | 0–4 | Paulo Cesar Silva
|
Submission (kimura) | K-1 PREMIUM 2006 Dynamite!! | 31 December 2006 | 1 | 1:02 | Osaka, Japan
|
|
Loss | 0–3 | Don Frye | Submission (guillotine choke) | Hero's 5 | 3 May 2006 | 2 | 3:50 | Tokyo, Japan
|
|
Loss | 0–2 | Bobby Ologun | Decision (unanimous) | K-1 Premium 2005 Dynamite
|
31 December 2005 | 3 | 5:00 | Osaka, Japan
|
|
Loss | 0–1 | Royce Gracie | Submission (omoplata) | K-1 PREMIUM 2004 Dynamite!! | 31 December 2004 | 1 | 2:13 | Osaka, Japan
|
Legend: Win Loss Draw/No contest
Championships and accomplishments
Professional wrestling
- All Japan Pro Wrestling
- All Asia Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Ryota Hama[96]
- Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship (2 times)[57][71]
- Taiyo Kea (1) and Yutaka Yoshie (1)[96]
- Champion Carnival (2015)[69]
- 2 January Korakuen Hall Heavyweight Battle Royal (2010, 2015)[97]
- Ōdō Tournament (2013)[56]
- Dragon Gate
- DDT Pro-Wrestling
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Pro Wrestling Zero1
- Shogun Okamoto (1)[96]
- NWA Pan-Pacific Premium Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
- World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[100]
- 2009) – with Shinjiro Otani
- Tokyo Sports
- Keiji Mutoh[101]
- Best Tag Team Award (2009) with Ryota Hama[101]
- Newcomer Award (2005)[101]
Other accomplishments
- Black Belt
- 1993 Competitor of the Year
See also
- Glossary of sumo terms
- List of non-Japanese sumo wrestlers
- List of past sumo wrestlers
- List of sumo record holders
- List of sumo tournament top division champions
- List of sumo tournament top division runners-up
- List of the heaviest sumo wrestlers
- List of yokozuna
References
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{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - )
- ^ "Japanese Legend Akebono to Team With Big Show As World Wrestling Entertainment". WWE. 6 August 2005. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ a b c "In Memoriam: Akebono (1969-2024)". New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
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External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Akebono Tarō's official biography (English) at the Grand Sumo Homepage
- Akebono at IMDb
- AJPW profile (in Japanese)
- Akebono Tarō's profile at Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database