Ep 8. Yokozuna
- March 26, 2023
- 42 min
-
(87)
The Biography: WWE Legends season 3 episode 8 explores the life and career of the prominent professional wrestler, Yokozuna, born as Rodney Agatupu Anoa'i. The episode showcases his journey from the early years of his life to his becoming a wrestling superstar and highlights his achievements and impact on the wrestling industry.
The episode starts by delving into Yokozuna's family background and his Samoan heritage. It talks about Yokozuna's upbringing, his relationship with his family, and his introduction to wrestling at a young age. It also touches on his early struggles with weight and his training with the legendary wrestler, Afa Anoa'i, at the Wild Samoan Training Center, where he learned the craft of professional wrestling.
As Yokozuna's career progressed, he quickly emerged as a star in the wrestling world. The episode showcases his impressive stature and physique that made him stand out from other wrestlers. His famous move, the Bonzai Drop, became his trademark finisher and a crowd favorite. The documentary delves into his iconic feuds with other legendary wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, and Bret Hart.
The episode also explores Yokozuna's close relationship with his cousin, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who was inspired by Yokozuna's success to pursue a wrestling career himself. It talks about Yokozuna's impact on the wrestling industry as he paved the way for future wrestlers from Polynesian descent to make their mark on the sport.
The documentary also covers the challenges Yokozuna faced outside of the wrestling world, including his battle with weight and addiction to painkillers. It sheds light on the personal struggles that made it hard for Yokozuna to balance his professional and personal life.
Throughout the episode, numerous wrestlers and wrestling personalities provide unique insights into Yokozuna's life, including his impact on the sport, his personality, and his legacy. It showcases the emotional reaction of his peers upon his untimely death due to pulmonary edema in 2000.
The episode concludes by highlighting Yokozuna's enduring legacy as a wrestling legend, a beloved personality, and a pioneer for Polynesian representation in the wrestling world. It deftly showcases his rise to the top, the challenges he faced, and his overall impact on the wrestling industry.