Report Last Updated - 2/06 (Winter)
Real Name - Chad Haaheo Rowan
Birthdate - 5/8/69
6'8" 517 lbs. - Waimanalo, HI

Aliases - Akebono Taro

Athletic background - Sumo (Yokozuna `93-`01), MMA/Kickboxing (K-1)

Teachers - Keiji Muto

Professional background - AJPW(`05), NJPW(`06), NOAH(`06)

Groups - none

Career Highlights - n/a

Finisher(s) -
- Magnificent 64 (Falling Hip Throw)
- Flying Splash from the 2nd Turnbuckle
- Chokeslam

Favorites -
- Avalanche
- Lariat
- Sleeper
- Shoulder Block
- Chest Slap

Ringwork Rating -
move set - 5
science - 2
aerial - 1
power - 6
strikes - 5

Intangible Rating -
entertainment - 5
selling - 3
bumping - 4
heat - 7
carrying - 3
push - 8
potential - 5

Serious Injuries - Knees

Outlook - Akebono is one of the most widely known and celebrated sumo wrestlers as the first gaijin to become yokozuna in the sport. His immense size and amazing power took him to the top quickly. He entered the sport in 1988 along with the legendary brothers Takanohana and Wakanohana and the trio became constant rivals throughout the 90s. Akebono claimed the title in 1993 and held it for eight years. Akebono was a foreign monster and the fans respected him, but ultimately wanted a native sumo to topple him. Injuries and constant scrutiny took their toll on him and he bowed out of active participation in 2001 and pulled out of the sport completely two years later to embark on a new, more lucrative career with K-1. Akebono was in his mid-30s, his physical peak was behind him and no rikishi-turned-fighter had ever seen much success. Following loss after loss to everyone from credible fighters like Royce Gracie and Remy Bonjasky to attraction fighters like Bob Sapp and Bobby Olgun, Akebono decided to move into pro-wrestling. While his credibility and star power has been hurt by his terrible run in K-1, Akebono is still a name and can be protected in puroresu. He has been paired with talented workers and used correctly, which is helping him regain his status. He seems similiar to Bob Sapp, but can he become a passable pro-wrestler with drawing power that companies will want to use? 2006 will be a telling year for this next journey for Akebono.