Akebono has passed away.
Japanese media is reporting that Chadwick Haheo Rowan, also known as Akebono, a former sumo wrestler and AJPW Triple Crown Champion, passed away at the age of 54. The report notes that he died of heart failure after he had been battling illness for several years. He had been dealing with heart complications since 2017, when he was hospitalized and put into a medically induced coma.
Akebono was highly successful in sumo wrestling and reached the Yokozuna rank in 1993. He retired in 2001 and later transitioned to wrestling. Akebono memorably beat The Big Show in a sumo match at WWE WrestleMania 21. He wrestled for NJPW and faced IWGP Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar during his run with the company. Among other promotions, Akebono also wrestled for Zero-1 and Dragon Gate. He last wrestled in 2017.
Akebono went on to compete for All Japan Pro Wrestling for the next several years. Akebono won the AJPW Triple Crown Championship twice, and he also won the Champion Carnival tournament. He was also the founder of the Odo promotion and served as the president until he was hospitalized.
On behalf of Fightful, we send our condolences to Akebono's family, friends, and fans.
