Jami Thompson
Akebono Taro is a former professional sumo wrestler and professional wrestler of Japanese descent from Waimanalo, Hawaii. He began sumo in Japan in 1988 and was trained by pioneering Hawaiian wrestler Takamiyama.
Early Life & Family
On May 8, 1969, Chadwick Haheo Rowan—better known by his stage name Akebono Taro—was born to Janice and Randolph Rowan in Waimanalo, Hawaii.
Akebono’s interest in sumo wrestling is explained by the fact that Taro’s father is also of Japanese descent.
Apart from that, Ola Taro and an unidentified brother raised Bono-chan and his two younger brothers. It’s interesting to note that Ola, like his brother, briefly entered the sumo wrestling world.
Akebono additionally attended Kaise High School for his education. Taro was also a standout basketball player in high school. He eventually became an All-Star center.
Career
Taro dominated the sumo scene in the 1990s because, at that time, he was practically unbeatable.
In reality, Akebono Taro won 11 titles while competing at the Yokozuna rank, the top level in sumo wrestling.
Akebono’s longtime rival Takanohana should share some of the glory for Akebono’s notoriety and appeal during his Sumo career, though.
To further elaborate, let me say that the two’s incredible matches had the audience spellbound. Both wrestlers benefited as a result of the widespread interest that their matches garnered.
Among other things, Taro made history by becoming the first wrestler from a nation other than Japan to reach the Yokozuna rank. He ended up participating in the Yokozuna rank as well as co-dominating it with his rival.
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Retirement
After winning his eleventh top division championship in November 2000, Akebono suffered yet another injury, and after missing the competition in January 2001, he made the difficult decision to give up fighting in favor of retiring.
After retiring, he joined the Japan Sumo Association and signed up as a coach, or oyakata, where he collaborated with his former coach in the Azumazeki stable.
He assisted in the development of Mongolian wrestler Asashry, who went on to become a yokozuna, and learned the dohy-iri, or yokozuna ring-entry ceremony, from Akebono.
Akebono opened a restaurant called ZUNA while still working as an oyakata. He also appeared in TV commercials.
He made his first visit back to the Azumazeki stable since leaving the Sumo Association in June 2013 to supervise some training.
皆さんに大変な心配掛けて、すみません
必ず、直して、元気な姿でまた皆さんの前で試合出来る事頑張ります
また皆さん是非応援よろしくお願いします
良いお年を pic.twitter.com/HSlNMOZDlS— Akebono Taro (@Ake64) December 29, 2016
WWE & Kickboxing Career
After retiring from Sumo wrestling in 2001, Akebono tried his hand at a variety of other combat sports. However, he was unable to recreate his Sumo form.
However, the Hawaii native competed in a number of well-known leagues, including K-1, Rizin Fighting Federation, NJPW, and AJPW. But in 2005, when he joined WWE, he gave his most well-known performance.
To be clear, Taro clashed with The Big Show, a renowned wrestler. In addition, it all started on March 31, 2005, when Akebono agreed to take on Big Show in a Sumo match.
Height & Weight
Since Akebono was born in 1969, he is currently 52 years old. In a similar vein, the Hawaii native was born on May 8.
His horoscope, therefore, indicates that he is under the sign of Taurus. Similarly, Taureans frequently exhibit obstinacy, artistic flair, and opulence—all admirable qualities.
With a massive 514 lb (233 kg) and a height of 6 feet 8 inches, Taro dominates everyone (2.03 m). The Hawaii native dominated the sumo match in the 1990s due to his enormous size.
Net Worth & Salary
As of 2020, Akebono’s net worth was $1.5 million, the majority of which came from his sumo and professional wrestling endeavors in the 1990s and early 2000s.
As a Yokozuna in sumo, Akebono additionally used to be paid an annual salary of $80,000.
Similar to today, Bono-Kun won a prestigious sumo match in 1993, earning $80,000. Taro’s biggest payday, though, came when he signed on with the WWE in 2005.
Numerous reports claim that Bono-Chan was earning hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Wife & Kids
Regarding his marriage to Christiane Reiko Kalina, Akebono is content with their union. The couple exchanged vows in September 1998.
The other three children the couple has been blessed with include a daughter and two sons. The three kids are unfortunate because not much is known about them.
Therefore, it would make sense to us if the former Sumo champion wanted to shield his kids from the limelight.
However, Yu Aihara, a former television personality, and Taro once had a romantic relationship.
The couple also exchanged vows in 1996 at a lavish ceremony in front of a large number of well-known celebrities.
A year later, however, the two decided to call off their wedding because of personal issues.
But since that happened in the past, it should be disregarded. The wrestler currently has a fulfilling home life with his wife and three lovely children.
Social Media Presence
Akebono Taro doesn’t use social media very often. He does, however, have a Twitter account, though he rarely updates it.
Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about him, you can find a variety of articles on numerous websites.
FAQs
What happened to Akebono?
In 2017, Akenbo experienced acute heart failure, which put him in a coma. He is, however, gradually making a full recovery from his health issue.
What are the Popular Tvs Shows of Akebono?
Sum Neko and Ikkyu San are two of Akebono’s most watched TV programs.
Did Akebono have two marriages?
He did, in fact. Yu Aihara, an actor by trade, wed Taro in 1996. But the expected outcome didn’t materialize, and the couple split up.
Taro later wedded Christiane Reiko Kalina, his current wife, in 1998.
After his heart failure, did Akebono Taro experience memory loss?
Yes, Taro initially struggled to recall his sons. However, he eventually regains consciousness and remembers everything later.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Chadwick Haheo Rowan aka Akebono Taro |
| Birth Date | May 8, 1969 |
| Birth Place | Waimanalo, Hawaii, U.S.A |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Nick Name | Bono-KunBono Tiger
Monster Bono Great Bonosuke |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Nationality | American-Japanese |
| Ethnicity | Asian |
| Father’s Name | Randolph Rowan |
| Mother’s Name | Janice Rowan |
| Siblings | Yes (2 brothers) |
| Education | Kaise High SchoolHawaii Pacific University |
| Age | 53 years old |
| Height | 203 cm (6 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | 514 lb (233 kg) |
| Body Build | Athletic |
| Hair Colour | Unknown |
| Eye Colour | Unknown |
| Martial Status | Married |
| Wife | Christiane Reiko Kalina |
| Children | Yes (3) |
| Profession | Sumo WrestlerMixed Martial Artist
KickBoxer Professional Wrestler |
| Championships (Sumo) | 11 |
| Records | 654-232-181 |
| Active-Years | 1988-2001 |
| Net Worth | $1.5 Million |
| Salary | $80,000 |
