Although most individuals are unfamiliar with Sumo wrestling, they may have heard of Akebono Taro at some point.
Table of Contents
Wiki, Bio, Age, Family, Siblings, Childhood & Education
Chadwick Haheo Rowan, better known as Akebono Taro, was born on May 8, 1969, in Waimanalo, Hawaii, to Randolph and Janice Rowan. Taro’s father is also of Japanese heritage, which explains Akebono’s fascination with Sumo wrestling.
Apart from that, Bono-chan was raised by his two younger brothers, Ola Taro and an unknown brother. Interestingly, Ola, like his brother, became a sumo wrestler, albeit for a short time.
In addition, when it comes to his education, Akebono attended Kaise High School. Furthermore, Taro was one of the top basketball players in high school. He was even named an All-Star centre.
Following that, the 6’8″ former wrestler graduated from Hawaii Pacific University. What’s more shocking is that Taro was awarded a full scholarship owing to his exceptional basketball ability.
Akebono Taro’s Height, Weight, and Body Dimensions
Taro weighs 514 pounds (233 kilograms) and stands 6 feet 8 inches tall (2.03 m). As a result of his large body size, the Hawaii native dominated the Sumo game during the 1990s.
Akebono Taro’s Profession & Career
Sumo wrestling is naturally the first thing that springs to mind when we think of Akebono. Taro dominated the Sumo world in the 1990s when he was practically untouchable.
In reality, Akebono Taro won 11 titles in the Yokozuna rank, the highest rank in Sumo wrestling. However, Takanohana, Akebono’s long-time competitor, deserves some of the credit for Akebono’s reputation and popularity during his Sumo days.
To explain, the two had some spectacular matches that caught the audience’s mind. As a result, both wrestlers benefited from the widespread coverage that their matches received.
Taro, for example, made history by being the first non-Japanese-born wrestler to achieve the Yokozuna title. And, as it turned out, he not only competed in but also dominated the Yokozuna rank alongside his competitor.
Akebono experimented with other combat sports after quitting Sumo wrestling in 2001. He could never duplicate his Sumo form, however.
Despite this, the Hawaii native battled in well-known companies such as K-1, Rizin Fighting Federation, NJPW, and AJPW, to name a few. However, his most well-known role was in WWE in 2005.
Taro had a feud with another wrestling legend, the Big Show. Furthermore, it all began on March 31, 2005, when Akebono accepted a Sumo bout challenge from Big Show. It all came to a head at WrestleMania 21, when the 6’8 monsters threw Big Show out of the ring to win the bout.
Akebono Taro’s Salary and Net Worth
Akebono has a $1.5 million net worth as of 2020, primarily from his sumo and professional wrestling activities in the 1990s and early 2000s. Similarly, the Hawaii native competed in professional combat sports for 13 years.
Furthermore, Akebono used to earn a yearly salary of $80,000 during his sumo days as a Yokozuna.
Similarly, Bono-Kun received $80,000 for winning a top-ranked sumo tournament in 1993. Taro’s biggest payout, though, came when he joined the WWE in 2005.
Bono-Chan, according to numerous accounts, was earning hundreds of thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, the contract’s specifics are still unknown.
Akebono Taro’s Wife, Marriage & Relationship
In terms of his marriage, Akebono is happily married to Christiane Reiko Kalina. Similarly, the pair married in September 1998. Christiane is also a teacher of Japanese and American origin.
Aside from that, the couple has three children, a daughter and two sons. Unfortunately, little is known about the three children.
As a result, it appears that the former Sumo champion wishes to keep his offspring out of the spotlight, which we totally understand.
Taro, on the other hand, was previously involved in a relationship with Yu Aihara, a former TV celebrity. Furthermore, the couple married in a spectacular wedding in front of numerous high-profile celebrities in 1996.
However, barely a year later, the couple chose to end their marriage due to personal disagreements. Nonetheless, that is in the past and should be forgotten. The wrestler is currently living happily with his wife and three children, whom he adores.
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 |
Religion | N/A |
Nationality | American-Japanese |
Ethnicity | Asian |
Father’s Name | Randolph Rowan |
Mother’s Name | Janice Rowan |
Siblings | Yes (2 brothers) |
Age | 53 years old |
Height | 6 feet 8 inches |
Weight | 233 Kg |
Body Build | Athletic |
Hair Colour | N/A |
Eye Colour | N/A |
Martial Status | Married |
Wife | Christiane Reiko Kalina |
Children | Yes (3) |
Profession | Sumo Wrestler, Mixed Martial Artist, KickBoxer, Professional Wrestler |
Championships (Sumo) | 11 |
Records | 654-232-181 |
Active-Years | 1988-2001 |
Net Worth | $1.5 Million |
Salary | $80,000 |
Social Media | WWE Instagram |
Brands | N/A |
Hobbies | N/A |