SUMO WRESTLING ICON 'AKEBONO TARO' DIED OF HEART FAILURE AT THE AGE OF 54.(PHOTOS).#RIP.
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
STAR GONE Akebono death updates — Wrestling legend leads tributes as Hawaiian-born WWE and sumo icon dies age 54
SUMO wrestling icon Akebono Taro has died at the age of 54.
11-time grand tournament winner Akebono was the first person born outside of Japan to earn the title of grand champion or "yokozuna."
Confirming the star's passing and cause of death, his family wrote: "It is with sadness that we announce Akebono Taro died of heart failure earlier this month while receiving care at a hospital in the Tokyo area."
At the peak of his wrestling career, Taro weighed 500lbs and towered over opponents at 6ft8ins - with his fighting style relying on his huge size to thrust opponents out of the ring.
Following huge success in Japan, Akebono made his WWE debut where he faced off against the Big Show.
Paying tribute to Taro, wrestler Samoa Joe wrote: "RIP to the Mighty Akebono. The epitome of a Yokozuna, both a warrior and a gentlemen. A hui hou."
The Big Show will 'never forget' clash with Akebono
In perhaps the 'biggest' WrestleMania clash ever, The Big Show faced off against sumo legend Akebono in 2005.
Speaking prior to Akebono Taro's death, The Big Show explained why he will never forget the clash.
He told Fox News: "I've had a lot of great WrestleMania moments. I think the WrestleMania I'll never forget personally was having 40 yards of silk wrapped around me and hauled up my ass when I wrestled Akebono.
"So I basically was out there in a 40 yards of silk thong. And you know they packed that thing with water. You know the silk tightens. Yeah. Neither did I. And neither did. I just want you to know that day I personally endured a lot of discomfort and pain."
Akebono Taro's health battle
Akebono Taro had been struggling with poor health for several years before his death.
The star collapsed in Kitakyushu, Japan, seven years ago and had reportedly been in hospital near Tokyo.
Fans also claim Taro had been seeking weight loss advice in the months prior to his death from heart failure.
Cause of death revealed
Akebono Taro died of heart failure earlier this month, his family confirmed.
They wrote: “It is with sadness that we announce Akebono Taro died of heart failure earlier this month while receiving care at a hospital in the Tokyo area.”.
More photos below.
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Comments
Post a Comment