Akebono Taro, a sumo wrestler from Hawaii, made a million-dollar fortune by being a yokozuna, the top rank in sumo wrestling.
Akebono, one of the tallest and heaviest wrestlers ever, had a big rivalry with young Japanese wrestlers like Takanohana and Wakanohana in the early 1990s.
This rivalry made sumo wrestling more popular at tournaments and on TV.
Key Takeaways
- The payout can be much bigger if a Maegashira defeats a high-ranked opponent like a Yokozuna, which Akebono Taro acquired.
- He was involved in All Japan Pro Wrestling for over eight years, which led him to earn an average salary of ¥3,813,127.
- Financial problems, including the failure of his restaurant and other difficulties, influenced him to join K-1
Even though Akebono faced many injuries during his eight years as a yokozuna, he still won eight tournament championships, making eleven in his career.
Additionally, Akebono achieved much in All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW).
He became a twice-time Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion, World Tag Team Champion, and All-Asia Tag Team Champion.
Akebono Taro Net Worth Is Collected From Sumo Wresting And AJPW
Despite suffering an injury in the summer, Akebono bounced back and won consecutive championships in November 1992 and January 1993.
It earned him a promotion to yokozuna, the highest rank in sumo wrestling.
In Grand Sumo, companies can sponsor matches for around $600, and even though $600 might not seem like much, it adds up over time.
There are six tournaments in Grand Sumo in a year. So, in a decent year, a high-ranked fighter, Maegashira, can earn around $72,000 in winnings on top of the $108,000 for being a ranked wrestler.
The payout can be much bigger if a Maegashira defeats a high-ranked opponent like a Yokozuna. They could earn 50 or more envelopes, equivalent to a full year’s stipend for just that one fight.
Additionally, he was involved in All Japan Pro Wrestling for over eight years, which led him to earn an average salary of ¥3,813,127.
Altogether, Akebono Taro’s net worth is approximately $5 million earned from sumo wrestling tournaments and AJPW.
Akebono Taro Had Financial Struggles Amidst His Sumo Career
After suffering another injury and sitting out of the tournament in January 2001, Akebono decided to retire from sumo wrestling.
He faced a tough road back to fighting fitness and chose to step away from the sport instead.
In November 2003, he left the Sumo Association and joined K-1, a kickboxing organization.
Financial problems, including the failure of his restaurant and other difficulties, influenced his decision.
His supporters’ network had dissolved after his marriage in 1998, which was a significant source of income for him.
Additionally, he earned much less as an oyakata (sumo coach) than a yokozuna.
Joining K-1 allowed him to clear his debts by fighting for them.
However, K-1’s platform didn’t give him the chance to rise and shine like in sumo wrestling, so he opted for AJPW.
FAQs
How old was Akebono Taro?
Chad Rowan, aka Akebono Taro, was born on May 8, 1969, and was a renowned sumo wrestler of Hawaiian descent. He was 54 when he took his last breath in April 2024 because of heart failure.
What was Akebono Taro’s early life?
Chad Rowan grew up in Hawaii with his parents, Randolph and Janice Rowan, and two younger brothers. One of his brothers, Ola, also briefly pursued a career in sumo wrestling. Chad attended Kaiser High School, where he excelled in basketball as an all-star center.
Did Akebono Taro pursue higher education?
Yes, Chad Rowan attended Hawaii Pacific University on a basketball scholarship. However, he sat out his freshman season, possibly due to reasons related to his future career in sumo wrestling
Who is Akebono Taro’s wife?
He was married to Christiane Reiko Kalin in 1998.
