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Akebono TaroA sumo wrestler who has reached the rank of yokozuna
Date of Birth: 08.05.1969
Country:  Dive |
Content:
- Akebono Taro: The Legendary Sumo Wrestler and Pro Wrestler
- Unprecedented Success in Sumo
- Retirement and Transition to Pro Wrestling
- WWE Debut and Prominence
- Time with All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW)
- New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and Gimmick Change
- HUSTLE: The Monster Bono
Akebono Taro: The Legendary Sumo Wrestler and Pro Wrestler
Birth and Early LifeAkebono Taro (born Chad Haaheo Rowan) was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and later became a Japanese citizen. His sumo name, Akebono, translates to "dawn" or "sunrise." He began his career as Dainami ("Great Ocean") under the tutelage of Takamiyama.
Unprecedented Success in Sumo
Akebono made history by becoming the first non-Japanese to attain the prestigious rank of yokozuna in January 1993. Standing tall at 203 cm (6'8") and weighing around 235 kg (518 lbs), he was one of the tallest and heaviest wrestlers in sumo history.
Throughout his 13-year career, Akebono won the Emperor's Cup 11 times and achieved an impressive 566-198 win-loss record in makuuchi. These victories were especially remarkable given the intense rivalry with the dominant Futagoyama-beya school.
Retirement and Transition to Pro Wrestling
Akebono retired from sumo in 2001. He briefly worked as a coach using his temporary license granted to retired yokozuna. He played a significant role in the success of Takamisakari and taught Asashoryu the ceremonies required of a yokozuna.
After leaving the sumo world, Akebono pursued a career in pro wrestling, capitalizing on his fame and popularity.
WWE Debut and Prominence
Akebono's wrestling career began with WWE. In his debut match, he defeated Eddie Vegas in 58 seconds. He then defeated Big Show in a sumo match at WrestleMania 21. Akebono's third and final WWE match was a victory alongside Big Show against Carlito and Matt Morgan.
Time with All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW)
After WWE, Akebono trained under Keiji Muto and joined AJPW. He debuted in 2005 and immediately earned the opportunity to team with Muto in the Real World Tag League. The duo reached the finals but lost to Team 3D. Akebono left AJPW soon after.
New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and Gimmick Change
Akebono moved to NJPW in 2006 and challenged for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship but was defeated by Brock Lesnar. During his time there, he briefly adopted the Bono Tiger gimmick, inspired by Satoru Sayama's Tiger Mask.
HUSTLE: The Monster Bono
In 2007, Akebono joined HUSTLE, where he became Monster Bono, the son and bodyguard of Yingling. He later used the names Bono-chan and Bono-kun before parodying Keiji Muto as Great Bono.
