Sumo Wrestling Legend Akebono Dies at Age 54; Competed at WWE WrestleMania 21

TOKYO, JAPAN: Taro Akebono (L), Japan's first foreign-born sumo grand champion, and American K-1 fighter Bob Sapp make a fighting pose during a news conference at a Tokyo hotel, 06 November 2003. The 34-year-old Hawaiian-born Akebono said that he left the traditional world of the national sport to become a fighter in the violent karate-based combat sport, called "K-1". AFP PHOTO/JIJI PRESS (Photo credit should read AFP/AFP via Getty Images)

Photo credit should read AFP/AFP via Getty Images

Legendary sumo wrestler Akebono died earlier this month at the age of 54, his family told TMZ.

Akebono, who performed at WrestleMania 21 in a match against the Big Show, died in Tokyo from heart failure. His family said he was being treated in a hospital at the time of his death.

Born Chadwick Haheo Rowan in Hawaii, Akebono moved to Tokyo in the 1980s to pursue a career in sumo wrestling. Standing at a towering 6'8" and weighing over 500 pounds at various points, Akebono won his first grand championship in 1993 and went on to become an 11-time champion with a 654-232-181 record before his retirement in 2001.

Rahm Emmanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, released a statement reacting to Akebono's death, noting that he "strengthened the cultural ties between the United States and his adopted homeland by uniting us all through sport."

ラーム・エマニュエル駐日米国大使 @USAmbJapan

Statement by Ambassador Rahm Emanuel on the Passing of Former Sumo Grand Champion Akebono<br><br>I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Akebono, a giant in the world of sumo, a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the United States and Japan. <br><br>When Akebono became the… <a href="https://t.co/kfuFvA2IUH">pic.twitter.com/kfuFvA2IUH</a>

Akebono had the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of a new audience in 2005 when he faced the Big Show in Los Angeles. He won their sumo match by throwing the 7-footer out of the ring.

Akebono went on to continue his professional wrestling career for 12 more years until his retirement in 2017. He competed in multiple promotions, including New Japan Pro Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling and Dragon Gate. He also competed in mixed martial arts four times between 2004 and 2006, losing each fight.

Per TMZ, Akebono's family announced it will honor his life in a private ceremony soon and requested "privacy during this time of mourning."

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