{"id":705,"date":"2025-05-19T14:36:01","date_gmt":"2025-05-19T14:36:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/?p=705"},"modified":"2025-06-12T11:35:57","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T11:35:57","slug":"yokozuna","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/yokozuna\/","title":{"rendered":"About Yokozuna"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"545\" height=\"498\" src=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Yokozuna.png\" alt=\"Yokozuna\" class=\"wp-image-706\" style=\"width:316px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Yokozuna.png 545w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Yokozuna-400x366.png 400w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Yokozuna-250x228.png 250w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Yokozuna-150x137.png 150w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Yokozuna-50x46.png 50w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Yokozuna-100x91.png 100w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Yokozuna-200x183.png 200w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Yokozuna-300x274.png 300w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Yokozuna-350x320.png 350w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Yokozuna-450x411.png 450w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Yokozuna-500x457.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 545px) 100vw, 545px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yokozuna<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Lists:<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/list-44-the-best-wrestling-champion-in-history\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Best Wresting Champions in History<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/list-130-the-best-finishing-moves-in-wrestling-history\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Best Finishing Moves in Wrestling History<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Real Name:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rodney Agatupu Anoa\u02bbi<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ring Name(s):<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yokozuna<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Great Kokina (pre-WWE)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kokina Maximus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Birth:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>October 2, 1966 \u2013 San Francisco, California, USA<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Death:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>October 23, 2000 \u2013 Liverpool, England (aged 34)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Height:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>6 ft 4 in (193 cm)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Billed Weight:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>558 lbs (253 kg), though he was often much heavier in later years<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Billed From:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Land of the Rising Sun (Japan)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Trained By:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Afa_Anoa%CA%BBi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Afa Anoa\u02bbi<\/a> (of the Wild Samoans)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Background and Heritage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although he was billed as a sumo wrestler from Japan, Yokozuna was actually <strong>Samoan-American<\/strong> and a proud member of the legendary <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anoa%CA%BBi_family\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Anoa\u02bbi wrestling family<\/a><\/strong>, which includes stars such as <a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/dwayne-the-rock-johnson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Rock (Dwayne Johnson)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/roman-reigns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Roman Reigns<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/Rikishi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rikishi<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/umaga\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Umaga<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/The-usos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Usos<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He was a cousin of Rikishi and a member of the extended wrestling dynasty that has produced multiple WWE champions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>WWE Career Highlights<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Debut:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yokozuna debuted in the WWF (now WWE) in <strong>1992<\/strong>, managed by <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwe.com\/superstars\/mrfuji\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mr. Fuji<\/a><\/strong>, and was instantly portrayed as a dominant heel with an unstoppable sumo persona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Notable Achievements:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>2\u00d7 WWF Champion<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First reign: WrestleMania IX (1993), defeating <a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/bret-the-hitman-hart\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bret Hart<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Second reign: Shortly after, defeating <a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/hulk-hogan\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Hulk Hogan<\/a> at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0202440\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">King of the Ring 1993<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1\u00d7 WWF Tag Team Champion<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>With <a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/owen-hart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Owen Hart<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1993 Royal Rumble Winner<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Main Evented WrestleMania IX and X<\/strong> (A rare feat for a heel in that era)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Slammy Award Winner<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wrestling Style and Persona<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite his massive size, Yokozuna was surprisingly agile and quick. His in-ring style was heavily influenced by the <strong>sumo<\/strong> wrestling tradition but adapted to WWE&#8217;s entertainment-based format. His signature move was the <strong>Banzai Drop<\/strong>, where he would climb to the second rope and drop his full body weight onto an opponent\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His character exuded dominance and intimidation, often enhanced by his traditional sumo gear, the salt-throwing ritual, and his stoic demeanor. Mr. Fuji&#8217;s presence as his devious manager also elevated his heel persona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Rivalries<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/bret-the-hitman-hart\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bret &#8220;The Hitman&#8221; Hart<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 WrestleMania IX and X<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/hulk-hogan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hulk Hogan<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 WrestleMania IX, King of the Ring 1993<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/lex-luger\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lex Luger<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Body Slam Challenge, SummerSlam 1993<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/the-undertaker\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Undertaker<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Casket Match at Royal Rumble 1994<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/owen-hart\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Owen Hart<\/a><\/strong> (later tag team partner)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Decline and Departure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yokozuna\u2019s weight became increasingly difficult to manage, eventually surpassing 600 lbs. WWE released him in <strong>1998<\/strong> after he failed physical exams due to health concerns. He continued to wrestle on the independent circuit until his death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Yokozuna&#8217;s Best Moments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yokozuna was a towering force in WWE history, known for his unmatched size, agility, and commanding presence in the ring. As a former WWE Champion and Royal Rumble winner, he left an indelible mark on the sport during the 1990s. This compilation revisits the most unforgettable moments of his career\u2014from championship triumphs to iconic rivalries\u2014celebrating the legacy of one of wrestling\u2019s most dominant superstars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Yokozuna&#039;s most gigantic victories: WWE Playlist\" width=\"1130\" height=\"636\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wW7H7JyoqIQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Death and Legacy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yokozuna tragically passed away on October 23, 2000, in a hotel room in Liverpool, England, while on a wrestling tour. The official cause of death was <strong>pulmonary edema<\/strong> (fluid in the lungs), though his massive weight contributed to chronic health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2012, he was posthumously inducted into the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwe.com\/shows\/wwe-hall-of-fame\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WWE Hall of Fame<\/a><\/strong>, with his cousin <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/Rikishi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rikishi<\/a><\/strong> and other family members accepting the honor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Legacy and Influence<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yokozuna is remembered as one of the most dominant and unique big men in wrestling history. His quick rise to the top and his back-to-back WrestleMania main events marked a rare accomplishment, particularly for a heel character. He remains one of the most iconic characters of the early 1990s WWF era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a proud member of the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anoa%CA%BBi_family\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Anoa\u02bbi family<\/a>, his legacy lives on through current superstars like <a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/roman-reigns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Roman Reigns<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/The-usos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Usos<\/a>, who carry on the family\u2019s wrestling dynasty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lists:The Best Wresting Champions in HistoryThe Best Finishing Moves in Wrestling History Real Name: Rodney Agatupu Anoa\u02bbi Ring Name(s): Birth: October 2, 1966 \u2013 San Francisco, California, USA Death: October 23, 2000 \u2013 Liverpool, England (aged 34) Height: 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) Billed Weight: 558 lbs (253 kg), though he was often much [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":706,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[156],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-705","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wrestlers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/705","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=705"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/705\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1297,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/705\/revisions\/1297"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/706"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=705"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=705"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=705"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}