Yokozuna was an American professional wrestler best known for his time in the WWF, where he captured multiple championships and became a major star. Born Rodney Agatupu Anoa’i, he was celebrated for his imposing size and charismatic ring persona.
Personal and Family Life
Yokozuna was born on October 2, 1966, in San Francisco, California, into a wrestling family. He was trained by his uncles, Afa and Sika Anoai, and began wrestling as a teenager. He was married to Monica and had two children. His family also includes several well-known wrestlers, emphasizing his deep roots in the wrestling community.
Career Highlights
Beginning his career under the name Kokina Anoai, he soon developed the character of Yokozuna, portraying a sumo wrestler. He achieved great success in the WWF, where he first gained major attention in the early 1990s, winning the WWF Championship and becoming a two-time champion during his career. Despite personal and health challenges, including significant weight gain, he left a lasting impact on professional wrestling.
Death and Legacy
Yokozuna passed away on October 22, 2000, at the age of 34 due to a heart attack in Liverpool, England. His premature death shocked the wrestling world, but his legacy as a groundbreaking performer continues. He was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012, honoring his contributions and influence in the sport.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Born to Controversy: The Roddy Piper Story | 2006-11-14 | Self – Yokozuna |
| WWE WrestleMania XII | 1996-03-31 | Yokozuna |
| WWE WrestleMania XI | 1995-04-02 | Yokozuna |
| WWE: Tombstone – The History of the Undertaker | 2005-08-23 | Yokozuna |
| WWE Survivor Series 1992 | 1992-11-25 | Yokozuna |
| WWE Royal Rumble 1993 | 1993-01-24 | Yokozuna |