Rodney Anoaʻi

Rodney Anoaʻi

Birth : 1966-10-02, San Francisco, California, USA

Death : 2000-10-23

History

Rodney Agatupu Anoaʻi  was an American professional wrestler. He was best known for his time with The World Wrestling Federation where he wrestled under the ring name Yokozuna. The termyokozuna refers to the highest rank in professional sumo wrestling in Japan. Although the "Yokozuna" character was portrayed as a champion sumo wrestler, Anoaʻi had never competed as an actual sumotori. Though Yokozuna wrestled as a representative of Japan, he was of Samoan origin and was accordingly billed as hailing from Polynesia (although he was managed by Mr. Fuji, who would follow Anoaʻi to the ring with a wooden bucket of salt, and waving a Japanese flag). In the WWF, Anoaʻi was a two-time WWF Champion and two-time Tag Team Champion (with Owen Hart), as well as the winner of the 1993 Royal Rumble. Anoa'i was the first wrestler of Samoan descent to hold the WWF Championship as well as the first Royal Rumble winner who as a result of a direct stipulation received a world title shot at WrestleMania. He defeated WWE Hall of Famers Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan, in consecutive pay-per-view victories at WrestleMania IX and the1993 King of the Ring, to win his two WWF Championships. He was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2012.

Profile

Rodney Anoaʻi
Rodney Anoaʻi
Rodney Anoaʻi

Movies

Randy Savage Unreleased: The Unseen Matches of The Macho Man
For the first time ever, never-before-released matches of “Macho Man” Randy Savage are being released from the vault for the WWE Universe’s viewing pleasure. Witness matchups against fellow WWE Hall of Famers, such as Yokozuna, Steve Austin, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, and so much more!
WWE: Attitude Era: Vol. 3 Unreleased
Are you ready? Then give me a "hell yeah!" Relive one of the greatest periods in sports-entertainment history with WWE Attitude Era Unreleased Volume 3. This release contains even more attitude and features over 7 hours of exclusive never- before-seen matches and moments featuring: Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Undertaker, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Bret "Hit Man" Hart, Mick Foley, and all your favorite Attitude Era Superstars!
WWE: Presents True Giants
WWE presents True Giants, an in-depth look at sports entertainment's most successful gargantuan Superstars from Big Show and Mark Henry to titans like Andre the Giant, Kevin Nash and more!
WWE: 50 Greatest Finishing Moves in WWE History
Yokozuna
The 50 Greatest Finishing Moves in WWE History presents the most amazing, devastating, and bone crunching signature moves in this countdown-style production guaranteed to stir up controversy and banter among the WWE Universe. Which moves made the cut, and what is the greatest finishing move in the history of WWE? Find out here.
WWE Hall Of Fame 2012
Inductees into the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame included Mil Máscaras, Edge, The Four Horsemen, Ron Simmons, Yokozuna and Mike Tyson.
Macho Madness - The Randy Savage Ultimate Collection
“Macho Man” Randy Savage was one of the most controversial superstars in history of sports entertainment. His complicated relationship with Miss Elizabeth, his dramatic WWE championship tournament run at WrestleMania IV, the formation and explosive breakup of the MegaPowers with Hulk Hogan, his reign as the Macho King, and his shocking jump to WCW all made him a legend. Savage always brought a chaotic poetry to the ring. He’s widely considered one of the finest in-ring competitors of all time, and his interviews were always a sight to behold. For the first time ever, fans can relive the entire storied career in Macho Madness: The Randy Savage Ultimate Collection, a 3-DVD set that spans two decades of exciting and intense matchups.
WWE: Greatest Wrestling Stars of the '90s
Yokozuna
This retrospective program takes a look back on the most dramatic and memorable professional wrestling moments of the 1990s, with profiles on some of the greatest wrestling stars of the decade, and an account of the feud between WCW and the WWE.
WWE: Hulk Hogan: The Ultimate Anthology
Yokozuna
The best and most memorable matches from Hulk Hogan's career.
WWE: Born to Controversy - The Roddy Piper Story
Yokozuna
The Roddy Piper Story.
WWE: Tombstone - The History of the Undertaker
Yokozuna
Since his eerie debut at the 1990 Survivor Series, the Undertaker has gone on to take the WWE championship four times and become one of the most popular--and feared--superstars in the history of the squared circle. This three-disc set traces the in-ring evolution of the wrestler known as the Phenom, the American Badass and the Deadman through 21 of his greatest bouts, with bonus footage, rare interviews and more. 10 hrs
Heroes of Wrestling
Yokozuna
Heroes of Wrestling was a professional wrestling pay-per-view event that took place on October 10, 1999 from the Casino Magic hotel and casino in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The event was meant to be the first in a series of pay-per-views that would feature popular wrestling stars from the 1980s and early 1990s. The event is considered to be one of the worst wrestling events of all time, and was a critical and financial disaster.
WWF World Tour '96
Yokozuna
Go on tour with your favorite WWE Superstars!
WWE Survivor Series 1996
Yokozuna
A traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match puts The Rock, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Barry Windham & "Wildman" Marc Mero against Triple H, Goldust, Crush & Jerry "The King" Lawler. The Undertaker faces Mankind with Paul Bearer above the ring in a cage. Shawn Michaels defends the WWE Championship against "Sycho" Sid Vicious. Stone Cold Steve Austin battles Bret "The Hitman" Hart and so much more!
WWE SummerSlam 1996
Yokozuna
The temperature is on the rise as WWE's annual Summer Spectacular comes your way. Shawn Michaels defends the WWE Championship against The Man They Call Vader. The Undertaker and Mankind battle in a wild Boiler Room Brawl. Jerry "The King" Lawler faces Jake "The Snake" Roberts and much more!
WWE In Your House 8: Beware of Dog
Yokozuna
In Your House: Beware of Dog features Shawn Michaels vs. "The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith for the WWE Championship; Goldust vs. The Undertaker for the WWWE Intercontinental Title; Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Savio Vega and more!
WWE WrestleMania XII
Yokozuna
Shawn Michaels and Bret "Hit Man" Hart battle it out in an epic, hour long Iron Man Match with the WWE Championship on the line. The Undertaker faces Diesel. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Goldust collide in a wild Hollywood Backlot Brawl. The Ultimate Warrior goes one-on-one with Hunter Hearst-Helmsley. Stone Cold Steve Austin and much more!
WWE In Your House 6: Rage in the Cage
Yokozuna
WWE In Your House: Rage in the Cage features Yokozuna vs. "The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith. In a Crybaby Match, Razor Ramon faces The 1-2-3 Kid. Bret "The Hitman" Hart defends the WWE Championship in a Steel Cage vs. Diesel. Shawn Michaels faces Owen Hart with a WrestleMania title opportunity on the line. and so much more!
WWE Royal Rumble 1996
Yokozuna
Thirty Superstars compete in the annual Royal Rumble with the winner advancing to WrestleMania for an opportunity at the WWE Championship. Shawn Michaels, Diesel, Big Van Vader, and more compete in the over-the-top elimination match. The Undertaker battles Bret "Hit Man" Hart for the WWE Championship!
WWE Survivor Series 1995
Yokozuna
Survivor Series (1995) was the ninth annual Survivor Series pay-per-view. It was sponsored by the Milton Bradley Company. It took place on November 19, 1995 at the US Air Arena in Landover, Maryland, and was the first Survivor Series program not to take place on either Thanksgiving Eve or Thanksgiving night. The main event was a No DQ match for the WWF Championship. Diesel defended the title against Bret Hart. The undercard featured Shawn Michaels, Ahmed Johnson, British Bulldog and Sycho Sid versus Yokozuna, Owen Hart, Razor Ramon and Dean Douglas in a four-on-four elimination match. The Darkside (The Undertaker, Savio Vega, Fatu and Henry Godwinn) versus The Royals (King Mabel, Jerry Lawler, Isaac Yankem and Hunter Hearst Helmsley) in a four-on-four elimination match. Goldust versus Bam Bam Bigelow and Bertha Faye, Aja Kong, Tomoko Watanabe and Lioness Asuka versus Alundra Blayze, Kyoko Inoue, Sakie Hasegawa and Chaparita Asari in a four-on-four elimination match.
WWE In Your House 4: Great White North
Yokozuna
Diesel defends the WWE Championship against "The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith. Razor Ramon and The 1-2-3 Kid challenge The Smokin’ Gunns for the WWE World Tag Team Title. It's the world premiere of Goldust as he takes on Marty Jannetty. Plus Tough decisions are made concerning Shawn Michaels and the WWE Intercontinental Title!
WWE In Your House 3: Triple Header
Yokozuna
All three titles will be on the line when WWE Champion Diesel and Intercontinental Champion Shawn Michaels team up to take on the Tag Team Champions. Bret Hart goes one on one with Jean Pierre-Lafitte. Razor Ramon faces Dean Douglas and much more!
WWE In Your House 2: Lumberjacks
Yokozuna
Diesel defends the WWE Championship against "Sycho" Sid Vicious in a Lumberjack Match. Shawn Michaels has his eyes set on the WWE Intercontinental Championship as he battles hometown boy "Double J" Jeff Jarrett. Bam Bam Bigelow faces Henry O. Godwinn. Men on a Mission battle Razor Ramon & Savio Vega in tag team action and much more!
WWE King of the Ring 1995
Yokozuna
King of the Ring (1995) was the third annual King of the Ring. It took place on June 25, 1995 at the CoreStates Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The main event was a tag team match in which WWF Champion Diesel and Bam Bam Bigelow faced Tatanka and Sycho Sid. The main matches on the undercard were Bret Hart versus Jerry Lawler in a "Kiss My Foot" match and the King of the Ring Final.
WWE In Your House
Yokozuna
In Your House 1 was a professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which took place on May 14, 1995 at the Onondaga War Memorial in Syracuse, New York. It was the first pay-per-view of the In Your House series.Ten professional wrestling matches were featured on the event's card. The main event that was shown on pay-per-view was a standard wrestling match. WWF Champion Diesel faced challenger Sycho Sid. Two of the most hyped matches on the undercard were standard matches both involving Bret Hart. He fought Hakushi and Jerry Lawler. The other featured match on the undercard was a Handicap match, where one wrestler faces a combination of two or more wrestlers.
WWE WrestleMania XI
Yokozuna
WWF’s biggest night looms even larger with NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor battles Bam Bam Bigelow in the main event. WWF Champion Diesel faces Shawn Michaels. Bret "Hit Man" Hart takes on Bob Backlund in an "I Quit" match. The Undertaker and much more.
WWF Off the Top Rope
Yokozuna
Awesome high-flying maneuvers and the best action from the WWF!
WWE SlamFest
Yokozuna
See the brightest superstars of WWE battle it out with their toughest contenders!
WWE WrestleFest '95
Yokozuna
The WWE Coliseum Video Event!
WWE Paul Bearer's Hits from the Crypt
Yokozuna
Join the ghastly Paul Bearer for a chilling journey through some Hits from the Crypt. From Earthquake going one-on-one with Adam Bomb, to The Undertaker facing off against Crush, this Coliseum Home Video Classic features some of the best action from WWE's New Generation!
WWE Survivor Series 1994
Yokozuna
Survivor Series took place on Thanksgiving Eve, November 23, 1994 at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas. It was also the last Survivor Series to take place on the traditional Thanksgiving/Thanksgiving Eve date the show had always occupied since its inception. Two main event matches were held; in the first, Bob Backlund faced Bret Hart for the WWF Championship in a submission match. In the other main event, The Undertaker went up against Yokozuna in a casket match. The event also featured three elimination matches and two singles matches. Razor Ramon led The Bad Guys against Diesel's team of The Teamsters. Doink the Clown teamed with three midgets to form Clowns R' Us in a match against The Royal Family, composed of Jerry Lawler and three midgets. Lex Luger led Guts and Glory against the Million Dollar Corporation team, which was managed by Ted DiBiase.
WWE Survivor Series Showdown 1994
Yokozuna
Its's a brawl in the family as Brothers-in-law battle it out in the lead-up to WWE's annual Thanksgiving tradition!
Razor Ramon
Yokozuna
From the top of Titan Tower, Gorilla Monsoon and Stan Lane take the WWE Universe on a tour that is oozing machismo in this look at Razor Ramon. Witness The Bad Guy in action against Bam Bam Bigelow, 'Double J' Jeff Jarrett, Yokozuna, and many more!
WWE Bloopers Bleeps and Bodyslams
Yokozuna
See the wild and wacky world of WWE with your hosts Gorilla Monsoon, Johnny Polo, Stan Lane and "Lord" Alfred Hayes!
WWF WrestleFest '94
Yokozuna
An Explosion Of Exclusive, Non-Stop, Hard-Hitting, World Wrestling Federation Matches!
WWE King of the Ring 1994
Yokozuna
King of the Ring (1994) was the second annual King of the Ring. It took place on June 19, 1994 at the Baltimore Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. "King of the Ring" is also the name of the tournament that was the focus of this pay-per-view event. Tournament to crown King of the Ring includes Bam Bam Bigelow, Owen Hart, Razor Ramon, Tatanka, 1-2-3 Kid and more. WWF Champion Bret "Hit Man" Hart defends against Intercontinental Champion Diesel. The Headshrinkers battle Yokozuna & Crush for WWF Tag Team Championship. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper takes on Jerry "The King" Lawler.
Inside the WWF
Yokozuna
Our cameras follow the superstars backstage to the locker room where they prepare to do battle!
WWE WrestleMania X
Yokozuna
WrestleMania returns to the World's Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden! The WWE Championship is up for grabs as Yokozuna defends against Lex Luger and Bret Hart. Razor Ramon defends the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Shawn Michaels in an epic Ladder Match. "Macho Man" Randy Savage battles Crush in a Falls Count Anywhere Match.
WWE March to WrestleMania X
Yokozuna
The biggest stars in sports entertainment are in action on The March to WrestleMania X!
WWE Royal Rumble 1994
Yokozuna
Thirty Superstars compete in the annual Royal Rumble Match with the winner advancing to WrestleMania for an opportunity at the WWE Championship. The Undertaker battles Yokozuna in a Casket Match with the WWE Championship on the line. Plus, Razor Ramon, Bam Bam Bigelow, and much more!
WWE Survivor Series 1993
Yokozuna
The 1993 WWE Survivor Series took place on Thanksgiving Eve, November 24, 1993 at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The event featured four tag-team elimination matches and a bout for the Smoky Mountain Wrestling Tag Team Championship. The main event match saw the All-Americans, a team of face wrestlers from the United States, competing against the Foreign Fanatics, a team of heels that represented other countries. In an undercard match, four members of the Hart family competed against Shawn Michaels and a group of masked men. The original plan was for the Harts to face Jerry Lawler, with whom they were feuding, but Lawler was not able to appear at the event.
WWE Survivor Series Showdown 1993
Yokozuna
The competition heats up as WWE's Thanksgiving tradition draws near!
WWE SummerSlam 1993
Yokozuna
WWE SummerSlam '93 was the sixth annual SummerSlam. It took place on August 30, 1993 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. All three championships were defended at SummerSlam. The Steiner Brothers defended the WWF Tag Team Championship against The Heavenly Bodies, and Shawn Michaels defended the WWF Intercontinental Championship against Mr. Perfect. The main event saw Lex Luger challenge Yokozuna for the WWF Championship. In addition to the title matches, Bret Hart and Jerry Lawler were scheduled to wrestle to settle their feud and determine who would be named "Undisputed King of the World Wrestling Federation."
WWE SummerSlam Spectacular 1993
Yokozuna
The Steel Cage stands as the ultimate battleground as Money Inc. and The Steiner Brothers try and settle the score before the biggest party of the summer!
WWE Global Warfare
Yokozuna
Join Jimmy Hart as he brings his musical knowledge with him to host a journey through some exciting in-ring battles in WWE's Global Warfare. This Coliseum Home Video Classic features Crush challenging Shawn Michaels for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, Yokozuna going one-on-one with The Undertaker, and much more action!
WWF Stars and Stripes Challenge
Yokozuna
Stars and Stripes Challenge was a challenge by Mr. Fuji and Yokozuna against the USA to bodyslam the big man on the U.S.S. Intrepid.
WWE Invasion of the Bodyslammers
Yokozuna
While Slick teaches Kamala a lesson in bowling, Lord Alfred Hayes takes the WWE Universe on a journey to witness some exciting and exclusive matches with Invasion of the Bodyslammers. Witness several rarely seen battles, including Mr. Perfect and Ric Flair facing off in singles action, Bam Bam Bigelow going one-on-one with Typhoon, and many more!
WWF Bashed in the USA
Yokozuna
While Mr. Perfect goes on search for the 'perfect' stamp, enjoy some exciting matches filmed exclusively for the WWE Universe, including Virgil challenging Shawn Michaels for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, The Undertaker going one-on-one with Yokozuna, and more. Plus, witness an exciting 40-Man Battle Royale!
WWE King of the Ring 1993
Yokozuna
This was the first of 10 King of The Ring events that was produced as a pay-per-view. It took place on June 13, 1993 at The Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio. The inaugural King of the Ring tournament features Bret "Hit Man" Hart, Bam Bam Bigelow, Lex Luger, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, Mr. Perfect, Razor Ramon and other Superstars competing for the crown. Hulk Hogan defends the WWE Championship against Yokozuna. Shawn Michaels defends the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Crush.
WWE WrestleMania IX
Yokozuna
WWE WrestleMania IX was the ninth annual WrestleMania.. The event took place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 4, 1993 and was the first WrestleMania event held outdoors. WrestleMania IX was built around two main storylines. The first was the seemingly unstoppable Yokozuna challenging Bret Hart for the WWF Championship, a right he earned by winning the 1993 Royal Rumble. The other major storyline was the return of Hulk Hogan, who had departed the WWF following WrestleMania VIII but returned to team with Brutus Beefcake against the WWF Tag Team Champions, Money Inc. Several reviewers have been critical of the event. The most frequent criticism has been related to the match between The Undertaker and Giant Gonzalez, Hulk Hogan's win, and the Roman togas worn by announcers. Both the pay-per-view buyrate and the attendance for the event dropped from the previous year's WrestleMania.
WWE March to WrestleMania IX
Yokozuna
WWE The March to WrestleMania IX aired on USA Network on March 28, 1993, 7 days prior to WrestleMania IX. It was filmed on March 7 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. In March 2019 it was uploaded to the WWE Network as a hidden gem.
WWE Royal Rumble 1993
Yokozuna
Royal Rumble (1993) was the sixth annual Royal Rumble. It took place on January 24, 1993 at the ARCO Arena in Sacramento, California. The main event was a Royal Rumble match, a battle royal in which two wrestlers started the match in the ring; every two minutes, another wrestler joined. In total, thirty wrestlers competed to eliminate their competitors by throwing them over the top rope of the wrestling ring onto the arena floor. Bret Hart defends the WWF Championship against Razor Ramon. Shawn Michaels defends the Intercontinental Championship against former tag team partner Marty Jannetty.
WWE Survivor Series 1992
Yokozuna
The 1992 WWE Survivor Series was the sixth annual Survivor Series. It took place on November 25, 1992 at the Richfield Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio. Unlike previous Survivor Series events, Survivor Series 1992 placed a strong emphasis on one-on-one wrestling matches rather than tag team elimination matches. In the main event, Bret Hart defends his WWF Championship in a match against Shawn Michaels. The event also featured a highly-promoted match between the team of Randy Savage and Mr. Perfect and the team of Ric Flair and Razor Ramon. Two specialty matches also took place, with The Big Boss Man vs. Nailz in a nightstick on a pole match, and The Undertaker vs. Kamala in a Casket Match. Some of the matches were changed after they were first announced, as several wrestlers left the WWF shortly before the event.
AWA SuperClash IV
Kokina Maximus
SuperClash IV was the fourth and final SuperClash professional wrestling Supercard event promoted by the American Wrestling Association (AWA) and was held at the Saint Paul Civic Center in St. Paul, Minnesota on April 8, 1990. In September 2019 the event was added to the WWE Network as a hidden gem.
L'homme au masque d'or
In San Luis de la Paz, a small and and very poor town in northern Mexico, the priest Father Victorio manages an orphanage with nearly 50 children. He does wrestling, disguised with a golden mask, to get some money for the children. His dream of reconstruct the town begins to see a light when he is invited to become a professional wrestler