Yokozuna, whose real name was Rodney Agatupu Anoa'i, is considered one of the heaviest and most impactful wrestlers in WWE history. He was of Samoan descent but was presented in WWE as a Japanese sumo wrestler.
Sports News: Many wrestlers in WWE are known for their strength, physique, and unique personalities. But when it comes to wrestlers with massive physiques, one name stands out—Yokozuna. His real name was Rodney Anoa'i, but the world knew him by his ring name, "Yokozuna." He was a WWE superstar whose weight once reached 600 pounds (approximately 272 kilograms). His weight and incredible diet gave him a unique identity among fans.
The Sumo Superstar of the Wrestling World
Yokozuna was one of the most dominant and impactful wrestlers in WWE during the 1990s. His character was based on a Japanese sumo wrestler, but he was actually of American Samoan descent and belonged to the renowned Anoa'i family, which includes legends like Roman Reigns, The Usos, and The Rock. In 1993, he defeated legends like Hulk Hogan to win the WWE Championship and became a two-time WWE Champion. Despite his massive size, his in-ring movement was astonishing. He appeared remarkably agile in the ring, which was incredible considering his stature.
Yokozuna's Astonishing Diet
The secret to Yokozuna's physique lay in his diet, which was less a diet and more of a food challenge for an ordinary person. Reports suggest Yokozuna ate 240 eggs, approximately 3 kilograms of chicken, and an entire bucket of rice daily. The caloric intake of his diet was equivalent to a small family's food for a week.
His relative and current WWE superstar, Jimmy Uso, mentioned in an interview that he once saw Yokozuna eat 100 turkey tails by himself. Yokozuna also loved mayonnaise and consumed it with many things.
Weight: A Blessing and a Challenge
Yokozuna's immense size benefited his WWE character. However, this same weight also presented a significant challenge. He struggled with his health on several occasions. WWE advised him to focus on fitness given his increasing weight, but this proved difficult. In 2000, at only 34 years old, Yokozuna passed away.
His death was due to cardiac arrest, linked to his excessive weight and lifestyle. This event was a significant blow to the wrestling world.
Yokozuna is Still Remembered in WWE Today
Although Yokozuna is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in WWE history. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012. His massive physique, explosive entrances, and dominant in-ring performances remain fresh in the minds of viewers. Yokozuna's name continues to be included in the list of wrestlers who left an indelible mark on WWE, not only through their size but also through their talent and performance.