10 times WWE changed a Superstar's nationality

#3 Yokozuna

Yokozuna was actually Samoan

Now, you're probably wondering how we've managed to get so far down the list without mentioning Yokozuna, but the secret of the Sumo wrestler's origins was quite a closely guarded secret for a while.

Yokozuna was billed from the Land of the Rising Sun and his name even referred to the highest rank in the Japanese Sumo wrestling. Given some Sumo-style ring attire and a manager in the form of Mr Fuji, and a world without the Internet were at least partly fooled - or at least willing to suspend their belief to watch a true great at work.

Yokozuna was undoubtedly a WWE Legend, and even a former WWE Champion - but one thing he was not was Japanese. In fact, Yokozuna's real name was Rodney Agatupu Anoaʻi.

Yes, of the great Anoai family of Samoa - a little bit outside Japan - meaning he was related to stars of today like Roman Reigns, The Rock, Rikishi, The Usos, Rosey and a string of other superstars, past and present - including his trainer Afa.

WWE has always remained coy about Yokozuna's true origin until Rikishi and The Usos inducted Yokozuna into the WWE Hall of Fame back in 2012.

The sumo wrestler gimmick did suit the large bodied Yokozuna who established himself as one of the top heels of the time. Mr. Fuji's wily antics as his manager that involved throwing salt into his opponent's eyes more than added up to the ethnicity he was portraying.