Trivia / Akebono

• Hostility on the Set: Rumoredly, he didn't get along with Big Daddy Voodoo back when the latter worked in AJPW. Some say Akebono was jealous that BDV could take his place as the company's big man, while others believe BDV's reputation of being difficult to work with had something to do. The same rumors insinuate Akebono used his connections to press AJPW into not booking BDV anymore.
• Promoted Fanboy: Was a fan of professional wrestling before his own career.
• What Could Have Been:
  • When WWE and K-1 got in talks to have Akebono booked in Wrestlemania, they considered an angle in which he and Bob Sapp would lead a "K-1 Puroresu Army" along with other kickboxers to wrestle matches in WWE in a sort of invasion angle, but it was immediately shut down when they realized such a storyline wouldn't work at all in United States.
  • His 2004 fight against Royce Gracie was a last resource offer by Japanese promoters, as Gracie had rejected a highly anticipated rubber match against Hidehiko Yoshida.
  • Dick Vrij was considered as a possible opponent for Akebono in K-1, as he was a famous shoot-style wrestler with few actual fighting skills who might have given Akebono a much needed victory. However, Vrij declined for being over 40 and having persistent injuries.