The Tragic Fate of Yokozuna (Sad Ending)

The date is April 4, 1993. The sun is setting over the Las Vegas strip, casting a golden glow on the ancient Roman-themed Caesars Palace. Behind its gates, the outdoor arena is buzzing with anticipation. WrestleMania 9, the biggest event in professional wrestling, is reaching its climax. The W.W.F. Championship is on the line, and the audience is about to witness a moment that will go down in wrestling history.

In one corner stands Bret "The Hitman" Hart, the technical maestro and reigning champion. In the other, an unstoppable force of nature, his face set in a stern scowl, his eyes burning with intensity. This is Yokozuna, the 550-pound behemoth who has dominated the federation since his debut just months ago.

As the bell rings, the crowd watches in awe as Yokozuna, despite his massive size, moves with surprising agility. He absorbs Hart's best shots as if they were mere annoyances, responding with devastating clotheslines and body avalanches that shake the very ring. The match reaches its zenith when Yokozuna, locked in Hart’s sharpshooter, seems poised for defeat. But then, in a shocking turn of events, his manager Mr. Fuji throws salt into Hart's eyes. Blinded and disoriented, Hart succumbs to Yokozuna's mountainous mass.

The referee's hand slaps the mat. One, two, three. Yokozuna has done the unthinkable. He has dethroned Bret Hart and become the W.W.F. Champion. As he stands triumphant, his manager Mr. Fuji waving the Japanese flag by his side, the arena fills with a cacophony of boos. Yet, there's an undeniable respect mixed with the vitriol. Love him or hate him, Yokozuna has become an integral part of the early 90s wrestling landscape, a villainous counterpoint to the all-American heroes that defined the company.

But the night is not over. In a surprising turn of events, Hulk Hogan emerges to check on his friend Bret Hart. Goaded into an impromptu match, Hogan faces the exhausted Yokozuna. In a mere 22 seconds, Hogan defeats the new champion, capturing the title in a moment that would be hotly debated by fans for years to come.

This moment, at WrestleMania 9, represented more than just a championship change. It was the birth of an unyielding powerhouse in the W.W.F., a character who would define the company's main event scene for the next two years.

In this video we take a look at how this larger-than-life character made this meteoric rise, as well at what contributed to his tragic early passing.

Music Credits:
Don't Look Back by Soundridemusic
Link to Video:    • NoCopyright Cinematic Trailer Intro B...  

Criminal tension by Soundridemusic
Link to Video:    • Crime Cinematic Tension NoCopyright B...