Akebono, the former sumo wrestler, professional wrestler and MMA competitor shared an update on his health (Our attempt at translating):
"Currently I am under medical treatment at hospital due to right leg appendicitis and infection. As a result of repeated discussions with the hospital side, We decided to cancel the appearances and appearances of all the events scheduled in the future. Initially, the person himself also was largely discouraged by this decision, Now as soon as possible, I am recovering for recovery in a positive manner aiming for return. Also, some articles that were misleading due to some reports were posted. Because there are many parts that are far from the facts,
I am going to revise this place and I will report only the facts."
Akebono was placed in a medically induced coma less than a week ago, per Wrestling Observer Newsletter (H/T Uproxx).
"The last word we had is that he was in a medically induced coma. He was expected to be hospitalized for at least ten days. He was hospitalized after a match on Tuesday night in Omuta working for DDT."
Akebono Tar? was born in Hawaii and his claim to fame for many wrestling fans in the United States is his WrestleMania 21 showdown with Big Show.
He was the first non-Japanese-born competitor to achieve yokozuna in sumo wrestling. He previously fought MMA legend Royce Gracie as well:
He's wrestled all over Japan and has been a Japanese citizen since 1996. He retired from sumo wrestling in 2001.
