16 WWE Superstars Who Did Not Belong At WrestleMania
3. Akebono
WrestleMania 21 saw Big Show do battle against world renowned sumo wrestler Akebono. The match, fought under sumo rules, was to be an added attraction to the event. Based in Los Angeles, WWE tried desperately to attract attention from all media outlets as WrestleMania went Hollywood. The problem? No wrestling fan wanted to see that ridiculous nonsense play out on a show reserved for the best and brightest in sports entertainment. Akebono had zero connection to the WWE audience. Just because he performed in a sport that shared the "wrestling" name did not mean they knew who he was, cared about his accomplishments or wanted to see him set foot inside a Vince McMahon-owned ring. And those fans in Los Angeles responded predictably. By that, I mean silence. Except, that is, for the sophomoric laughter that came from the revelation of Big Show's pasty white ass. The remainder of the "match" was dominated by questions of why it was on the main card when room could not be made for Booker T, who was left to compete in the pre-show Battle Royal. Instead of celebration, Akebono's presence on the 2005 card is met with mockery and eye rolling.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
