Sumo wrestling legend Akebono — who once competed against Big Show at WWE’s WrestleMania 21 — has sadly died at 54 years old.
Akebono’s family said in a statement Thursday the former grand champion passed away in Tokyo earlier this month from heart failure. They added he had been receiving care at a local hospital when he died.
Akebono grew up in Hawaii — but he made a name for himself after moving to Tokyo in the 80s.
The 6-foot-8 athlete — who at points in his life weighed 500 pounds — didn’t take long to make his mark in the sumo wrestling world, earning his first-ever grand championship in 1993.
He went on to win the title a total of 11 times in his career … before retiring in 2001.
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
— ラーム・エマニュエル駐日米国大使 (@USAmbJapan) April 11, 2024
@USAmbJapan
Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, said in a statement Thursday Akebono’s talent “strengthened the cultural ties between the United States and his adopted homeland by uniting us all through sport.
I send my sincerest condolences to his family and friends and to sumo fans everywhere,” Emanuel said.
While Akebono was most well known for his displays of raw strength in Japan … American wrestling fans got an up-close look at him back in 2011 — when he and Big Show did a little sumo exhibition at ‘Mania in Los Angeles.
The event was a fun one, with Akebono eventually hurling the WWE Superstar out of the ring.
Akebono’s family announced they plan to have a private ceremony to honor his life soon … and asked “for privacy during this time of mourning.”
RIP
