I'm just gonna say, in this sport, when it comes to two heels on the rice bales, there is NOBODY better than Wakatakakage. He came back from defeat twice to nail that victory today. It's the same move he used to defeat Takayasu when he took his sole Emperor's Cup. Now, carry that momentum forward, Waka, get your kachi-koshi, and keep climbing to ozeki!
It's so nice to see Kirishma doing his thing. I hope the slip-up against Aonishiki doesn't cost him - he's exceedingly well-placed for a Yusho here, but having 2 in hand over Onosato would be a LOT more comfortable than one. Sumo is better when Kiri is good and fit. Aonishiki continues to impress. Kusano is another who might make waves down the line if he can hold up against the better rishiki. Obviously Onosato is a cheat code when he's on, but it's nice to see a few different guys capable of taking the fight to the upper echelon.
Kirishima's performances in this tournament and the previous one are bringing me a lot of joy. I started Sumo Stomp in 2023, when he looked so amazing, so I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for that handsome devil.
Aonishiki seems made for this. I think these two and a half tournaments are proof enough that he's at least komusubi material.
The only question mark I have left on him is how does he do against top guys once they get used to him. He's such a weird wrestler (in the best possible sense) that I think he has a great advantage against anyone whenever it's a first time match-up. These high level guys are so good at learning what works and what doesn't for a given opponent, so it will be fascinating to see who can figure him out and whether Aonishiki is able to keep pulling out interesting and unexpected techniques.
I agree with all that. Earlier I thought it would be Onosato vs Aonishki for the Cup. It's starting to look more like maybe Kirishima vs Kusano, but either one will need that extra victory lead when they face Big O.
Now starts the second week, when everybody is effectively re-ranked and we separate the men from the boys. I am so pumped!
I'm loving that we have such an interesting pack of contenders this month. It's the first time this year we've had so many in with a shot at winning at this stage of the tournament.
He's still Little Big Beep in this house. I was calling him the Easter Egg for a while, too. Butterball is lovely, though. I hope we get to see him against Bushozan at some point.
That Wakatakakage match was WILD.
Best of the tournament so far, I reckon.
I'm just gonna say, in this sport, when it comes to two heels on the rice bales, there is NOBODY better than Wakatakakage. He came back from defeat twice to nail that victory today. It's the same move he used to defeat Takayasu when he took his sole Emperor's Cup. Now, carry that momentum forward, Waka, get your kachi-koshi, and keep climbing to ozeki!
Man's calves are made of steel. I remember him fighting back from the brink against Onosato, too.
It's so nice to see Kirishma doing his thing. I hope the slip-up against Aonishiki doesn't cost him - he's exceedingly well-placed for a Yusho here, but having 2 in hand over Onosato would be a LOT more comfortable than one. Sumo is better when Kiri is good and fit. Aonishiki continues to impress. Kusano is another who might make waves down the line if he can hold up against the better rishiki. Obviously Onosato is a cheat code when he's on, but it's nice to see a few different guys capable of taking the fight to the upper echelon.
Kirishima's performances in this tournament and the previous one are bringing me a lot of joy. I started Sumo Stomp in 2023, when he looked so amazing, so I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for that handsome devil.
Aonishiki seems made for this. I think these two and a half tournaments are proof enough that he's at least komusubi material.
For sure komusubi at minimum for Aonishiki if he holds up, and I can't see why he wouldn't. He's already had to face most of the meat of the sanyaku.
The only question mark I have left on him is how does he do against top guys once they get used to him. He's such a weird wrestler (in the best possible sense) that I think he has a great advantage against anyone whenever it's a first time match-up. These high level guys are so good at learning what works and what doesn't for a given opponent, so it will be fascinating to see who can figure him out and whether Aonishiki is able to keep pulling out interesting and unexpected techniques.
I agree with all that. Earlier I thought it would be Onosato vs Aonishki for the Cup. It's starting to look more like maybe Kirishima vs Kusano, but either one will need that extra victory lead when they face Big O.
Now starts the second week, when everybody is effectively re-ranked and we separate the men from the boys. I am so pumped!
I'm loving that we have such an interesting pack of contenders this month. It's the first time this year we've had so many in with a shot at winning at this stage of the tournament.
How about Butterball Kayo! He was still doing a lot of sidestepping, but at the end he suddenly remembered, Hey, I can't forget to push this guy out!
Glad to see him get a win. He's gotta run the table from here to get a kachi-koshi, but at least he won't be shut out.
Butterball is such a great nickname... I was hoping The Canary Crusher would catch on, but Butterball is way better.
He's still Little Big Beep in this house. I was calling him the Easter Egg for a while, too. Butterball is lovely, though. I hope we get to see him against Bushozan at some point.