Wednesdaymania 314

In Which Wrestling Of Many Kinds Has Happened

The Haru Basho in Japan has come to a close. How was it? Really, really good. People got thrown into the cheap seats, Chiyomaru came back (despite having had to be tested for the Human Malware - he just had the flu, which... uh... maybe he should've sat the rest of the basho out regardless?!), and there were some very scary Hakuho matches. It's one of the few bashos I've seen with the Mongolian Yokozuna where he lost a match or two. Takayasu had to leave the basho due to a severe muscle tear, and I hope that's not the last we've seen of him.

So yeah, Haru Basho, the Ghost Basho (due to mandated lack of attendance) was certainly strange.

But how is pro-wrestling doing without a live crowd?

In my opinion... not great.

I've seen stuff from the WWE shows, and they have no idea how to wrestle without a crowd. It's an "advantage" that the New Generation (and earlier) era guys have which the modern wrestlers do not, since new guys have not really wrestled in empty arenas before, and the writers have never prepared for this.

Kinda like how sitcoms wouldn't fly right now because there can't be a live studio audience.

So much of wrestling is reactionary, and it's silly to watch people waiting for the crowd that isn't there to pop. Their cadence is thrown off. It's a trainwreck.

As for AEW, since most of them are more fluid talkers than the WWE anyway, it's not that hard to imagine them holding their own with promos (especially since Jake Roberts is working with them). Brodie Lee has arrived as the Exalted One, which is a fantastic idea. Broken Matt Hardy working with the Bucks against the Inner Circle is great. I am loving what I'm seeing from BTE and Dark (Sunny Kiss vibes surprisingly well with Joey Janela, which I never would have guessed as it seems like a non-trademarked styles clash on paper). They still miss the crowd and it's obvious.

The crowds miss them, too.

As for the indies, it's going to be a hard fight, but they're doing their best. Wrestlers are spending this time to send out feelers into other forms of media, to do work (Wheeler Yuta is apparently a professional steel drummer and I guess WARHORSE runs a... soft rock show on the radio?! What?!), and to load their merch shops up so they can make it another 1-8 weeks. I hope it doesn't come to that.

If you have a wrestler you like, definitely follow their social media. If they have a YouTube channel, turn off your adblocker and watch all of their videos on repeat. It's a good time to support people in any way we can.

Oh, and if you're in the mood to have some horror in your life, VICE has put out a documentary on the Chris Benoit incident.

I think that about covers it for wrestling today.

I'm going to go disinfect some stuff and throw on a wrestling tee and pants.

Go Enjoy Something (preferably from your home)
FC

Wednesdaymania 312: Haru Ghost Basho

In Which I discuss the strangest sumo I've ever seen

It's March, which means it's Haru Basho season over in Japan. Rikishi from all over the world have gathered to test their strength and skill against one another, and Hakuho has prepared his Fool Wrecking hand.

But as you've likely heard by now, COVID-19/novel coronavirus has tightened its grip around Japan, and public events are essentially a no-no.

Yet Japan is a nation which places a great deal of weight on tradition. It's not like the US, where even the biggest Nerd Convention, E3, has been cancelled in face of the pandemic. The Haru Basho goes on. The sumo wrestlers have assembled, the press is on hand, and the cameras are rolling.

And they're all alone.

Because these are officially closed events - the public may not attend.

And there are rules.

1. All Rikishi must arrive privately - no public transportation usage is permitted for this Basho.
2. All Rikishi (and other attendees) must have their temperatures taken. The Rikishi must submit to this testing twice a day, and if they have a high enough temperature (37.5℃/99.5℉) twice in a row, they will be booted from the tournament to self-quarantine.
3. If two Rikishi show signs of fever, the entire Basho will be completely abandoned.
4. If even one Rikishi contracts COVID-19, the basho will be cancelled
5. Everyone has their hands spritzed with sanitizer on entry to the building
6. The ceremonial water drinking after matches? They're faking it.
7. Press do not have access to the dressing rooms - only the specially designated interview area
8. Literally everyone is wearing masks outside of the matches themselves.

Have you ever been in a place you know is supposed to be filled with people (a stadium, a public building, a park, etc), but it's completely devoid of anyone else? This basho feels like that. It's a huge, empty arena with a dohyo in the middle and some sumo wrestlers and officials. A couple of camera men dot the surrounding areas, but there's nobody in the stands.

It's so quiet you can hear the wrestlers' heavy breathing, their footsteps, the rustling of the gyoji's robes, the whistling of the bow during the bow-twirling ceremony.

It's eerie.

The silence and empty air are what have earned it the nickname "Ghost Basho". I don't know if that's what the media is calling it, though. I just thought it sounded accurate.

If you want a posterchild for hope within adversity, however, and how strange life can be in the face of a pandemic (which, guys, a pandemic is, by its very definition, global, stop saying "global pandemic"), then definitely watch this basho.

I hope that it's not a sign of sports to come this year, and I hope this disease burns itself out as quickly as it appeared, but the curse of the 20s lives on, I guess.

Yes, I am aware that the Spanish Flu was in 1918, but that counts. It's like a period - sometimes it's a little early, sometimes it's a little late, but it sucks and there's a lot of mess.

You can watch the Haru Basho here.

Go Enjoy Something! (And stop buying so much toilet paper - if you cause a global shortage now, then who will restock it when you inevitably run out?)

FC

Wednesdaymania 304: Brief Updates

In Which I Talk About Wrestling

I've been enjoying what wrestling has to offer in 2020 so far. New Japan is doing interesting things, AEW got renewed through 2023, WWE is trying to make things interesting (and it's working, though maybe not always in a good way), ROH basically stole Marty, and just... wrestling in general is pretty cool right now.

I've been following a bunch of wrestlers on Twitter, and I strongly recommend finding whoever you like in the ring and following them on Twitter. It can be either a delight or a head trip. Except for Cena. He just gives inspirational quotes and crap. It's kinda boring. Good for him.

The big news this week, I think, is that the latest Sumo basho wound up with Hakuho, one of the most active and successful Yokozunae I've seen since I started watching, pulling out of the tournament after suffering two losses in a row!

I've only ever seen him lose two or three matches since I started watching Sumo!

Holy cow!

But yeah, the only other news regarding wrestling that I have for now is that I'm actively writing my wrestling novel!

The novella I wrote was 12k words or so and has become Part 1 of a three-part book. I'm working on Part 2 now, and I've gotten 1600 words already! I'm super excited for this to keep growing and to finish Part 2 so I can see if the mechanics of the book really do work together. Then I can work on Part 3! And after the three parts of the story are done, then I can edit it - add in things that are missing, take out things that don't belong, tighten up language, loosen up action, etc. Then... look for publishers!

I'm so nervous. I haven't finished anything written in years. I haven't sent any manuscripts out in years.

But I'm super excited and I can't wait to share this story with the world!

Go Enjoy Something!
FC

Wednesdaymania 239: Aki Basho Final!

Day 8 - FINAL

What a weird basho, guys! And a long one! Here's how the last week went:

Day 8

• Ishiura (6-1) vs Tokoshouryuu (3-4) [5-3]
  • Fast and simple
  • Tokoshouryuu wins by hatakikomi
  • I(6-2), T(4-4) [5-4]
• Tsurugishou (5-2) vs Tochiouzan (3-4) [0]
  • Another very quick bout with Tochiouzan basically crumpling
  • Tsurugishou wins by hatakikomi
  • Tsu(6-2), Tochi(3-5) [1-0]
• Kagayaki (3-4) vs Toyonoshima (1-6) [1-1]
  • Oof – Toyonoshima hit the dohyo and the floor very hard
  • Kagayaki wins by oshitaoshi
  • K(4-4), T(1-7)[2-1]
• Shouhouzan (4-3) vs Takagenji (2-5) [1-0]
  • Rapid, violent sumo
  • Takagenji tumbled out hard and fast
  • Shouhouzan won by tsukiotoshi
  • S(5-3), T(2-6) [2-0]
• Azumaryuu (4-3) vs Daishouhou (1-6) [1-3]
  • Deliberate sumo
  • Daishouhou bumps Azumaryuu out by yorikiri
  • A(4-4), D(2-6) [1-4]
• Nishikigi (3-4) vs Enhou (5-2) [0-1]
  • Matta
  • Enhou is so tiny by comparison
  • Nishikigi sent Enhou flying and won by oshitaoshi
  • N(4-4), E(5-3) [1-1]
• Yutakayama (3-4) vs Kotoyuuki (3-4) [3-1]
  • Big slappy sumo
  • Yutakayama slammed down Kotoyuuki with a big tsukiotoshi win
  • Y(4-4), K(3-5) [4-1]
• Okinoumi (7-0) vs Ounoshou (3-4) [2-5]
  • Strong, shovey sumo
  • Okinoumi remains undefeated, beating Ounoshou by yorikiri
  • Okinoumi gets his kachikoshi (overall greater wins than losses in a particular basho)
  • Oki(8-0), Ou(3-5) [3-5]
• Kotoshougiku (4-3) vs Sadanoumi (3-4) [5-1]
  • Kotoshougiku went low, but it worked against him
  • Sadanoumi wins by a cakewalk of a yorikiri
  • K(4-4), S(4-4) [5-2]
• Meisei (6-1) vs Kotoekou (3-4) [4-6]
  • As good as Kotoekou is, and he’s really good, Meisei is just on fire this basho
  • Meisei wins by oshidashi
  • M(7-1), K(3-5) [5-6]
• Shimanoumi (2-5) vs Terutsuyoshi (2-5) [2-4]
  • Terutsuyoshi went low and was spun out by Shimanoumi
  • Shimanoumi won by tsukiotoshi
  • S(3-5), T(2-6) [3-4]
• Takarafuji (4-3) vs Miyougiryuu (5-2) [5-1-13]
  • Myougiryuu out with injury
  • Takarafuji gets a fusen victory
  • T(5-3), M(5-3) [6-1-13]
• Daieishou (3-4) vs Ryuuden (2-5) [5-3]
  • These guys started so fast the video missed their tachiai (the moment the match begins)
  • Ryuuden tries to put up a fight
  • Ryuuden remembered his conservation of motion and used Daieishou’s inertia against him to win by yorikiri
  • D(3-5), R(3-5) [5-4]
• Asanoyama (5-2) vs Aoiyama (1-6) [3-3]
  • Aoiyama looks beaten before the match begins
  • Lots of strong strikes and rapid pushing!
  • Asanoyama fights to win by yorikiri
  • Asa(6-2), Aoi(1-7)[4-3]
• Abi (5-2) vs Hokutofuji (1-6) [2-1]
  • I love Abi
  • Sadly, Hokutofuji overpowers Abi to win by yorikiri
  • A(5-3), H(2-6) [2-2]
• Chiyotairyuu (2-5) vs Endou (5-2) [8-7]
  • Endou!
  • Rapid, forceful and violent bout
  • Endou wins via hatakikomi
  • C(2-6), E(6-2) [8-8]
• Mitakeumi (6-1) vs Takakeishou (5-2) [7-4]
  • Both men are Sekiwake rank
  • Takakeishou was like a cannon
  • Takakeishou won by oshidashi
  • M(6-2), T(6-2) [7-5]
• Tomokaze (4-3) vs Goueidou (5-2) [0]
  • Goueidou tries to use his strength against Tomokaze, but it’s not enough
  • Tomokaze uses superior maneuverability and wins by hatakikomi
  • T(5-3), G(5-3) [1-0]
• Tochinoshin (2-5) vs Shoudai (2-5) [6-8]
  • Poor Tochinoshin. He looks wiped.
  • And yet! He managed to beat Shoudai via tsukiotoshi!
  • T(3-5), S(2-6) [7-8]
• Kakuryuu (4-3) vs Tamawashi (4-3) [10-5]
  • Kakuryuu, a Yokozuna (highest rank), is out with an injury
  • Tamawashi wins a fusen victory
  • K(4-4), T(5-3) [10-6]

Day 9

• Wakatakakage (2-6) vs Toyonoshima (1-7) [0-4]
  • I love to say Wakatakekage’s name
  • Wakatakakage won by oshidashi
  • Toyonoshima is now makekoshi (overall losing record for the basho)
  • W(3-6), T(1-8) [1-4]
• Tsurugishou (6-2) vs Takagenji (2-6) [1-4]
  • Tsurugishou was convinced it was a matta and paid the price for his hesitation.
  • Takagenji won by a very confusing yorikiri.
  • I thought it was a matta, too, Tsurugishou.
  • Tsu(6-3), Taka(3-6) [1-5]
• Tochiouzan (3-5) vs Nishikigi (4-4) [2-3]
  • Solid tachiai with good sumo
  • Tochiouzan won by uwatedashinage
  • T(4-5), N(4-5) [3-3]
• Shouhouzan (5-3) vs Ishiura (6-2) [2-1]
  • Ishiura beat himself
  • Shouhouzan won by hatakikomi
  • It seems that going low is the last thing you want these days
  • S(6-3), I(6-3) [3-1]
• Azumaryuu (4-4) vs Enhou (5-3) [3-1]
  • Weak tachiai
  • Enhou looks like a child wrestling Azumaryuu…
  • After a strong bout, the gyoji (referee) points to Enhou, but of course there’s a monoii (juried replay) called.
  • The judges reverse the decision and Azumaryuu wins by abisetaoshi
  • A(5-4), E(5-4) [4-1]
• Sadanoumi (4-4) vs Yutakayama (4-4) [4-2]
  • A short match
  • Yutakayama wins by tsukiotoshi
  • S(4-5), Y(5-4) [4-3]
• Kagayaki (4-4) vs Kotoyuuki (3-5) [1-6]
  • Kagayaki’s relatively long body did him no favors against apple-on-legs Kotoyuuki
  • Kotoyuuki won by tsukidashi
  • Ka(4-5), Ko(4-5) [1-7]
• Yoshikaze retired
• Terutsuyoshi (2-6) vs Daishouhou (2-6) [4-4]
  • a bout that begins with a lean
  • Daishouhou beats Terutsuyoshi by oshidashi
  • T(2-7), D(3-6) [4-5]
• Ounoshou (3-5) vs Kotoekou (3-5) [4-4]
  • very bumpy sumo
  • Kotoekou won by sukuinage
  • O(3-6), K(4-5) [4-5]
• Kotoshougiku (4-4) vs Meisei (7-1) [2-1]
  • Meisei just… powers through Kotoshougiku, winning by sukuinage
  • Meisei is officially Kachikoshi (more than 50% wins) for the rest of the basho
  • M(8-1), K(4-5) [2-2]
• Shimanoumi (3-5) vs Takarafuji (5-3) [1-1]
  • Very strong sumo here
  • Takarafuji beats Shimanoumi by yorikiri
  • S(3-6), T(6-3) [1-2]
• Okinoumi (8-0) vs Ryuuden (3-5) [4-2]
  • fast, violent start to this bout ending with Okinoumi losing by hikiotoshi
  • O(8-1), R(4-5) [4-3]
• Chiyotairyuu (2-6) vs Aoiyama (1-7) [5-7]
  • Aoiyama, barely held together by wishes and dreams, wins by a rapid tsukidashi!
  • C(2-7), A(2-7) [5-8]
• Hokutofuji (2-6) vs Daieishou (3-5) [2-2]
  • Hokutofuji beats Daieishou by oshidashi quickly and efficiently
  • H(3-6), D(3-6) [3-2]
• Abi (5-3) vs Asanoyama (6-2) [3-4]
  • A messy, frenetic bout that, by all rights, should have been Abi’s except that Asanoyama somehow pulled out a sneaky yorikiri win.
  • Abi(5-4), Asa(7-2) [3-5]
• Tamawashi (5-3) vs Takakeishou (6-2) [4-1-6]
  • Takakeishou battles it out with Tamawashi for an oshidashi win
  • Takakeishou only needs 3 more wins to return to his old Ozeki rank
  • Tama (5-4), Taka (7-2) [4-1-7]
• Mitakeumi (6-2) vs Tomokaze (5-3) [0]
  • A pair of violent plums (both with mauve/purple mawashi belts) duke it out.
  • Mitakeumi wins by oshidashi
  • M(7-2), T(5-4) [1-0]
• Tochinoshin (3-5) vs Endou (6-2) [4-1-6]
  • Somehow, Tochinoshi pulled off a win against Endou by hatakikomi
  • It really was a great henka
  • T(4-5), E(6-3)[5-1-6]
• Shoudai (2-6) vs Goueidou (5-3) [5-11]
  • Goueidou just… mauled Shoudai. Guy had no chance.
  • Goueidou wins by oshidashi
  • S(2-7), G(6-3) [5-12]

Day10

• Takagenji (3-6) vs Daiamami (3-6) [3-2]
  • Very impactful tachiai
  • Daiamami wins by hatakikomi
  • T(3-7), D(4-6) [3-3]
• Tochiouzan (4-5) vs Azumaryuu (5-4) [0]
  • matta (Azumaryuu runs in first)
  • Didn’t pay off for Azumaryuu because Tochiouzan wins by katasukasih
  • T(5-5), A(5-5) [1-0]
• Toyonoshima (1-8) vs Nishikigi (4-5) [1-1-1]
  • Toyonoshima is out with a leg injury, poor guy
  • Nishikigi wins by fusen
  • T(1-9), N(5-5) [1-2-1]
• Yutakayama (5-4) vs Daishouhou (3-6) [2-0]
  • Yutakayama methodically wins by tsukidashi
  • Y(6-4), D(3-7) [3-0]
• Tsurugishou(6-3) vs Meisei (8-1) [5-1]
  • Rapid tachiai moves almost straight into some leaning
  • Meisei tried to basically armdrag Tsurugishou out of the dohyo, but Tsurugishou held on, letting Meisei fall!
  • Tsurugishou wins by uwatenage
  • T(7-3), M(8-2) [6-1]
• Terutsuyoshi (2-7) vs Kagayaki (4-5) [0-3]
  • Terutsuyoshi simply has no defense against Kagayaki.
  • Terutsuyoshi’s loss gives him a makekoshi
  • Kagayaki wins by a very easy yorikiri
  • T(2-8), K(5-5) [0-4]
• Ishiura (6-3) vs Kotoyuuki (4-5) [5-3]
  • Kotoyuuki hit Ishiura so hard at the tachiai that the man flew straight up
  • Kotoyuuki wins by tsukidashi
  • I(6-4), K(5-5) [5-4]
• Okinoumi (8-1) vs Sadanoumi (4-5) [10-4]
  • Okinoumi rushes in with great energy, but his strength does not quite match Sadanoumi’s
  • Sadanoumi wins by yoritaoshi
  • O(8-2), S(5-5) [10-5]
• Shouhouzan (6-3) vs Takarafuji (6-3) [11-4]
  • Shouhouzan put a lot of energy into his fight, but Takarafuji had more power behind him
  • Takarafuji wins by oshidashi
  • T(7-3), S(6-4) [11-5]
• Kotoshougiku (4-5) vs Ounoshou (3-6) [6-1]
  • Ounoshou is a guy who is almost always a better sumo than his record might indicate.
  • After a very good fight, Ounoshou wins by oshidashi
  • K(4-6), O(4-6) [6-2]
• Enhou (5-4) vs Kotoekou (4-5) [1-3]
  • Dude, Enhou is one of the best guys to watch
  • This is a very odd bout, very hesitant
  • Enhou takes pity on Kotoekou, who seems lost, and ends the match
  • Enhou wins by yorikiri
  • E(6-4), K(4-6) [2-3]
• Ryuuden (4-5) vs Tomokaze (5-4) [1-0]
  • These two are fantastically well-matched
  • After some fantastic sumo, Ryuuden wins by uwatenage
  • R(5-5), T(5-5) [2-0]
• Shimanoumi (3-6) vs Asanoyama (7-2) [0]
  • Good charge by Asanoyama allowing him to overpower Shimanoumi
  • Asanoyama is kachikoshi and wins by yorikiri
  • S(3-7), A(8-3) [0-1]
• Daieishou (3-6) vs Aoiyama (2-7) [2-6]
  • Look, he has his moments, but Aoiyama might need to retire soon. He’s literally falling apart.
  • While Aoiyama has a size advantage, he cannot muster enough power to push Daieishou off of him
  • Daieishou wins by oshidashi and keeps Aoiyama from falling off the dohyo and injuring himself further
  • D(4-6), A(2-8) [3-6]
• Hokutofuji (3-6) vs Endou (6-3) [2-6]
  • Lightning fast tachiai that seems to favor Endou
  • Hokutofuji quickly turns that around to win by oshidashi, breaking his six-loss streak
  • H(4-6), E(6-4) [3-6]
• Mitakeumi (7-2) vs Tamawashi (5-4) [18-2]
  • You know, I usually find Mitakeumi kind of bland, but he’s really spiced things up this basho
  • Sometimes you just know how a match will go. This is one of those times. I mean, a 9:1 ratio of wins to losses is kind of a strong trend.
  • Tamawashi gave his all, but lands hard
  • Monoii, but there was no hairpull
  • Mitakeumi wins by hatakikomi and is kachikoshi
  • M(8-2), T(5-5) [19-2]
• Shoudai (2-7) vs Takakeishou (7-2) [1-7]
  • Takakeishou is on a six win streak against Shoudai, so it sounds like he’s really figured Shoudai out
  • Yeah, Shoudai has 0 defense against Takakeishou
  • Takakeishou is kachikoshi and wins by oshitaoshi against Shoudai who is makekoshi
  • S(2-8), T(8-2) [1-8]
• Abi (5-4) vs Goueidou (6-3) [1-4]
  • These two are always a pleasure to watch
  • Abi is so hungry for those wins, and Goueidou has that veteran air around him, so it’s always very dynamic, and today was no exception
  • Abi bursts forward with a flurry of blows, defeating a defensive Goueidou by oshidashi
  • A(6-4), G(6-4) [2-4]
• Tochinoshin (4-5) vs Chiyotairyuu (2-7) [7-2]
  • Oh Tochinoshin. I worry about you, dude.
  • This match definitely feels more like the Tochinoshin I’m used to – strong and methodical
  • Tochinoshin heaves Chiyotairyuu out by yorikiri, leaving Chiyotairyuu makekoshi
  • T(5-5), C(2-8) [8-2]

Day 11

• Chiyomaru (6-4) vs Tochiouzan (5-5) [1-4]
  • Chiyomaru is a green-belted wall of flesh, but Tochiouzan finds a chink in his defense!
  • Tochiouzan wins by hatakikomi and gives us some great facial expressions
  • C(6-5), T(6-5) [1-5]
• Yutakayama (6-4) vs Nishikigi (5-5) [2-2]
  • Battle of dark green mawashi
  • This was totally a matta, but the gyoji let it go
  • Yutakayama wins by yorikiri
  • Y(7-4), N(5-6) [3-2]
• Ounoshou (4-6) vs Takagenji (3-7) [0]
  • First meetings are always interesting
  • Ounoshou seems to instinctively know how to wreck Takagenji and wins by yorikiri, dropping Takagenji to makekoshi
  • O(5-6), T(3-8) [1-0]
• Ishiura (6-4) vs Meisei (8-2) [1-2]
  • Oh Ishiura, I wish this would go in your favor
  • But Meisei is a freight train
  • Meisei just mauls Ishiura and wins by yorikiri
  • I(6-5), M(9-2) [1-3]
• Sadanoumi (5-5) vs Kagayaki (5-5) [6-5]
  • Really dynamic sumo
  • Sadanoumi gets his 200^th victory in the Makuuchi division by oshidashi
  • S(6-5), K(5-6) [7-5]
• Azumaryuu (5-5) vs Kotoyuuki (5-5) [4-3]
  • Azumaryuu watches as Kotoyuuki’s momentum carries him off the dohyo
  • Azumaryuu wins by tsukiotoshi
  • A(6-5), K(5-6) [5-3]
• Daishouhou (3-7) vs Takarafuji (7-3) [0-1]
  • very traditional sumo
  • Takarafuji is kachikoshi and wins by uwatedashinage against a makekoshi Daishouhou
  • D(3-8), T(8-3) [0-2]
• Okinoumi (8-2) vs Tsurugishou (7-3) [0]
  • I love how many first meetings there have been in this tournament!
  • Also, I like both of these guys
  • Battle of black mawashi is over in moments
  • Tsurugishou gets his kachikoshi over Okinoumi by katasukashi
  • O(8-3), T(8-3) [0-1]
• Shouhouzan (6-4) vs Kotoekou (4-6) [1-0]
  • Shouhouzan hits like a cannon
  • Leaning match ends with Shouhouzan winning by yorikiri
  • S(7-5), K(4-7) [2-0]
• Kotoshougiku (4-6), Enhou (6-4) [0]
  • Enhou is so much better than his records, but he’s also roughly 1/6 the size of most opponents
  • I’d holler about the submariner style Enhou employs, but he’s so much shorter than everyone that there would be no point. He’s always going to attack low because that’s where he can reach!
  • Enhou wins by yorikiri!
  • K(4-7), E(7-4) [0-1]
• Terutsuyoshi (2-8) vs Myougiryuu (5-3-2) [1-0]
  • Instant match, just add sumo…
  • Myougiryuu wins by tsukiotoshi
  • T(2-9), M(6-3-2) [1-1]
• Daieishou (4-6) vs Shimanoumi (3-7) [0]
  • A very slappy match
  • Shimanoumi wins by tsukiotoshi
  • D(4-7), S(4-7) [0-1]
• Tomokaze (5-5) vs Aoiyama (2-8) [0-1]
  • Tomokaze wins via oshidashi in a fairly nothing match
  • T(6-5), A(2-9) [1-1]
• Hokutofuji (4-6) vs Asanoyama (8-2) [1-2]
  • Good, dynamic sumo!
  • Hokutofuji wins by a very celebratory oshidashi
  • H(5-6), A(8-3) [2-2]
• Shoudai (2-8) vs Endou (6-4) [4-1]
  • Cue pro-wrestling “both these guys!” chant…
  • Slow tachiai
  • Endou shows his strength by beating Shoudai by uwatedashinage
  • S(2-9), E(7-4) [4-2]
• Abi (6-4) vs Tamawashi (5-5) [2-0]
  • Abi continues his trend of kind of falling apart in the second half of a basho
  • His sumo is still good, but almost ginger.
  • Tamawashi wins by tsukiotoshi
  • A(6-5), T(6-5) [2-1]
• Mitakeumi (8-2) vs Ryuuden (5-5) [1-2]
  • Ryuuden continues his “topple the winners” routine by dispatching Mitakeumi via oshidashi
  • M(8-3), R(6-5) [1-3]
• Tochinoshin (5-5) vs Takakeishou (8-2) [2-1-6]
  • It’s a purple mawashi war
  • Takakeishou obliterates not only Tochinoshin but the Gyoji as well, possibly concussing the official!
  • Takakeishou wins by okuritaoshi. Ouch.
  • Tochi(5-6), Taka(9-2) [2-1-7]
• Chiyotairyuu (2-8) vs Goueidou (6-4) [7-8]
  • Man, this just isn’t Chiyotairyuu’s basho…
  • matta (Chiyotairyuu’s nerves got the better of him)
  • Matta (Goueidou might be messing with Chiyotairyuu)
  • Goueidou shows Chiyotairyuu to his seat in the crowd via oshidashi
  • C(2-9), G(7-4) [7-9]

Day 12

• Yutakayama (7-4) vs Chiyoshouma (5-6) [6-3]
  • Battle of black mawashi
  • Good, good match!
  • Very surprising ending, too, with Yutakayama barely staying in and winning by hikkake!
  • Y(8-4), C(5-7) [7-3]
• Takagenji (3-8) vs Nishikigi (5-6) [0-1]
  • Very solid sumo here
  • Takagenji is headed back down to Juryo now
  • Nishikigi wins by yorikiri
  • T(3-9), N(6-6) [0-2]
• Tochiouzan (6-5) vs Daishouhou (3-8) [0-2]
  • Very quick battle of blue mawashi
  • Daishouhou wins by a quick yorikiri. Sometimes you just know your opponent
  • T(6-6), D(4-8) [0-3]
• Ounoshou (5-6) vs Kagayaki (5-6) [4-5]
  • Ounoshou overwhelms Kagayaki by yorikiri for his 100^th top-division win
  • O(6-6), K(5-7) [5-5]
• Sadanoumi (6-5) vs Tsurugishou (8-3) [2-1]
  • Tsurugishou immediately beats Sadanoumi via hatakikomi
  • S(6-6), T(9-3) [2-2]
• Terutsuyoshi (2-9) vs Azumaryuu (6-5) [1-2]
  • Terutsuyoshi does a beautiful henka and beats Azumaryuu by hatakikomi
  • T(3-9), A(6-6) [2-2]
• Shouhouzan (7-4) vs Kotoyuuki (6-5) [3-4]
  • Very feisty sumo! Kotoyuuki is having one of the best bashos I’ve ever seen from him.
  • Kotoyuuki wins by okuridashi
  • S(7-5), K(7-5) [3-5]
• Okinoumi (8-3) vs Meisei (9-2) [2-0]
  • Okinoumi wins by a very tricky oshidashi
  • O(9-3), M(9-3) [3-0]
• Enhou (7-4) vs Takarafuji (8-3) [0]
  • Enhou is 169cm tall and weighs 95kg – that’s 5’6” or 5’7” and 209lbs. Takarafuji, meanwhile, is 186cm and 161.1kg (6’1”, 355lbs)
  • Takarafuji is far closer to the average sumo in height and weight than Enhou
  • While Enhou lost by uwatehineri, it’s actually a fairly close bout
  • I look up to Enhou – no matter how big the foe or how unlikely a victory may be, he gives everything his all. He’s super inspiring!
  • E(7-5), T(9-3) [0-1]
• Ishiura (6-5) vs Kotoekou (4-7) [4-2]
  • A very cool match!
  • Kotoekou wins by yorikiri
  • I(6-6), K(5-7) [4-3]
• Kotoshougiku (4-7) vs Tomokaze (6-5) [0-1]
  • Kotoshougiku came out like a missile and won by yorikiri
  • K(5-7), T(6-6) [1-1]
• Daieishou (4-7) vs Asanoyama (8-3) [6-1]
  • Daieishou fights hard and beats Asanoyama by tsukiotoshi
  • Did Asanoyama hurt his leg?
  • D(5-7), A(8-4) [7-1]
• Hokutofuji (5-6) vs Chiyotairyuu (2-9) [6-2]
  • A flaily, almost scary match!
  • Hokutofuji gets his 5^th straight win by oshidashi
  • H(6-6), C(2-10) [7-2]
• Shimanoumi (4-7) vs Aoiyama (2-9) [1-0]
  • Shimanoumi has no defense against Aoiyama, who finally gets his third win by tsukidashi and gives Shimanoumi his makekoshi
  • S(4-8), A(3-9) [1-1]
• Abi (6-5) vs Shoudai (2-9) [3-4]
  • Abi mows Shoudai down, thrusting him into oblivion by oshidashi
  • A(7-5), S(2-10) [4-4]
• Tamawashi (6-5) vs Endou (7-4) [11-7]
  • With such a long history between these two, you might think you can skip this match.
  • And you’d be wrong, but… Tamawashi still handily won by tsukidashi
  • T(7-5), E(7-5) [12-7]
• Myougiryuu (6-3-2) vs Takakeishou (9-2) [0-6]
  • With as much rest as Myougiryuu has gotten this basho because of sick or inured opponents, I’d expect more stability from him.
  • Takakeishou wins by tsukiotoshi and is again the sole leader this basho!
  • Takakeishou also wins back his Ozeki rank!
  • M(6-4-2), T(10-2) [0-7]
• Ryuuden (6-5) vs Goueidou (7-4) [1-3]
  • I like both these guys, though Ryuuden has been faltering more than I like to see.
  • A very, very late matta. Is that the same ref who took a tumble?
  • Another matta, this one from Ryuuden being a little overeager
  • Again?!
  • Finally a tachiai, and both men are furious
  • Ryuuden’s long legs betray him, giving Goueidou the perfect leverage to beat him by uwatenage for his kachikoshi.
  • Goueidou’s rank has been in danger, but now he’s quite safe and will not lose rank.
  • R(6-6), G(8-4) [1-4]
• Tochinoshin (5-6) vs Mitakeumi (8-3) [8-3]
  • It is the same gyoji who fell yesterday (Inosuke is his name), and he calls a matta here, too
  • Mitakeumi demands they reset again – headgame city
  • Mitakeumi carries Tochinoshin to the edge but prevents him from falling and damaging himself further.
  • Mitakeumi wins by yorikiri – Tochinoshin cannot lose tomorrow or he will lose his Ozeki rank and come down to Sekiwake rank again.
  • T(5-7), M(9-3) [8-4]

Day 13

• Takanoshou (8-4) vs Azumaryuu (6-6) [2-3]
  • Takanoshou may have just returned to the Makuuchi division with this rapid oshidashi win!
  • T(9-4), A(6-7) [3-3]
• Yutakayama (8-4) vs Enhou (7-5) [0]
  • Yutakayama has won his last 5 bouts
  • Enhou fights like mad but falls on Yutakayama’s legs like in his last bout
  • Y(9-4), E(7-6) [1-0]
• Ounoshou (6-6) vs Nishikigi (6-6) [2-2]
  • Two evenly matched men
  • Ounoshou wins by oshidashi
  • O(7-6), N(6-7) [3-2]
• Shouhouzan (7-5) vs Meisei (9-3) [1-1]
  • matta
  • Matta
  • MATTA – and they might be reprimanded for it? I can’t tell if that was a joke
  • Shouhouzan explodes into action and wins by oshitaoshi
  • Shouhouzan is now kachikoshi
  • S(8-5), M(9-4) [2-1]
• Sadanoumi (6-6) vs Takagenji (3-9) [2-0]
  • Christmas mawashi match
  • Takagenji basically slept through that loss
  • Sadanoumi wins by a very easy yorikiri
  • S(7-6), T(3-10) [3-0]
• Tochiouzan (6-6) vs Kotoyuuki (6-6) [5-2]
  • Tochiouzan really does look like he’s in The Godfather
  • Is he going to be the new Takayasu (facially)?
  • He does not have a defense against Kotoyuuki, unfortunately, and loses by tsukidashi, which puts his rank in jeopardy.
  • T(6-7), K(7-6) [5-3]
• Terutsuyoshi (3-9) vs Ishiura (6-6) [2-3]
  • Ishiura needs a win, he’s lost his last 5 bouts
  • Beautiful henka from Ishiura, who wins by hatakikomi
  • T(3-10), I(7-6) [2-4]
• Tsurugishou (9-3) vs Takarafuji (9-3) [0]
  • Takarafuji is on a 7-win streak!
  • Trust Tsurugishou to bust a streak – he wins by sukuinage!
  • Tsu(10-3), Taka(9-4) [1-0]
• Okinoumi (9-3) vs Kagayaki (5-7) [2-0]
  • Okinoumi looks quite pleased with himself…
  • Okinoumi wins by hatakikomi, handing Kagayaki a makekoshi
  • O(10-3), K(5-8) [3-0]
• Daishouhou (4-8) vs Kotoekou (5-7) [6-6]
  • very strong sumo here!
  • Lots of belt maneuvering
  • Eventually, all good things come to an end, and Kotoekou wins by yorikiri, possibly sending Daishouhou back to Juryo next basho
  • D(4-9), K(6-7) [6-7]
• Daieishou (5-7) vs Chiyotairyuu (2-10) [2-9]
  • Chiyotairyuu has lost 5 in a row so far
  • And gets a sixth loss via yorikiri
  • D(6-7), C(2-11) [3-9]
• Tamawashi (7-5) vs Asanoyama (8-4) [3-0]
  • Two good sumo fighting each other
  • lots of thrusting and shoving
  • Asanoyama wins by tsukiotoshi
  • T(7-6), A(9-4) [3-1]
• Shoudai (2-10) vs Aoiyama (3-9) [4-2]
  • Shoudai is on an 8-bout losing streak
  • Both of these men are having a very bad time
  • Somehow, Aoiyama manages to beat Shoudai by tsukiotoshi
  • S(2-11), A(4-9) [4-3]
• Hokutofuji (6-6) vs Tomokaze (6-6) [0]
  • Hokutofuji is on fire, since he’s won the last 5 bouts he’s had
  • What a rough match!
  • Hokutofuji blazes through Tomokaze for an oshidashi victory
  • Tomokaze is in danger of his first career makekoshi
  • H(7-6), T(6-7) [1-0]
• Kotoshougiku (5-7) vs Endou (7-5) [7-4]
  • Explosive tachiai!
  • Endou somehow pulls out an uwatenage win!
  • K(5-8), E(8-5, kachikoshi) [7-5]
• Abi (7-5) vs Shimanoumi (4-8) [1-0]
  • Come on Abi!
  • Abi goes for the throat and lets Shimanoumi run himself out of the dohyo for a hikiotoshi victory
  • A(8-5, kachikoshi), S(4-9) [2-0]
• Mitakeumi (9-3) vs Myougiryuu (6-4-2) [2-3]
  • While the gyoji points to Mitakeumi, a monoii is called, and rightfully so. That was very close!
  • On further review, Mitakeumi was very much the winner via oshidashi!
  • Mitake(10-3), Myou(6-5-2) [3-3]
• Tochinoshin (5-7) vs Ryuuden (6-6) [1-1]
  • It’s quite the battle, and Tochinoshin remains Ozeki. Today.
  • Tochinoshin wins via yorikiri
  • T(6-7), R(6-7) [2-1]
• Takakeishou (10-2) vs Goueidou (8-4) [3-7]
  • Takakeishou is having a good 5-win streak here
  • But Goueidou SMASH
  • Goueidou wins by uwatenage
  • T(10-3), G(9-4) [3-8]

Day 14

• Ishiura (7-6) vs Wakatakakage (7-5) [2-2]
  • The winner of this bout is Kachikoshi for the basho
  • Wakatakakage is actually a visitor up from Juryo division, since two of the other people in the tournament had to bow out of the Makuuchi division.
  • Rough sumo, but Wakatakakage wins by oshidashi!
  • I(7-7), W(8-5) [2-3]
• Shouhouzan (8-5) vs Azumaryuu (6-7) [0]
  • Black Mawashi Melee
  • What a confusing oshidashi victory for Shouhouzan. Azumaryuu is now makekoshi
  • S(9-5), A(6-8) [1-0]
• Ounoshou (7-6) vs Yutakayama (9-4) [4-3]
  • A fast, fun bout with Ounoshou getting his kachikoshi over Yutakayama by oshidashi
  • O(8-6), Y(9-5) [5-3]
• Tochiouzan (6-7) vs Enhou (7-6) [1-1]
  • Enhou wins this spirited bout by oshidashi and gets his kachikoshi!
  • Unfortunately for Tochiouzan, this likely means he’s back down to the Juryo division for the first time in 12.5 years :(
  • T(6-8), E(8-6) [1-2]
• Terutsuyoshi (3-10) vs Takagenji (3-10) [5-4]
  • What a bad basho for these two
  • The dohyo is also super slippery
  • Very cool match!
  • Their sumo is much better than their records
  • Takagenji finally beats Terutsuyoshi by yorikiri – but also gives him a bloody nose.
  • Teru(3-11), Taka(4-10) [5-5]
• Tsurugishou (10-3) vs Kotoyuuki (7-6) [2-0]
  • Kotoyuuki did not want Tsurugishou to be 11-3, so he beats him by violent tsukidashi
  • Kotoyuuki is now kachikoshi
  • T(10-4), K(8-6) [2-1]
• Kagayaki (5-8) vs Kotoekou (6-7) [7-2]
  • Kotoekou pulls a bullfighter and lets Kagayaki soar into the stands with a hikiotoshi
  • Kaga(5-9), Koto(7-7) [7-3]
• Shimanoumi (4-9) vs Sadanoumi (7-6) [0-1]
  • Skull collision on tachiai
  • Sadanoumi wins the noumi battle with an okurdashi victory
  • Shima(4-10), Sada(8-6) [0-2]
• Chiyotairyuu (2-11) vs Daishouhou (4-9) [0-1]
  • Chiyotairyuu is up, and then he’s down and out by hatakikomi.
  • Daishouhou wins.
  • C(2-12), D(5-9) [0-2]
• Nishikigi (6-7) vs Shoudai (2-11) [2-4]
  • Shoudai reads Nishikigi like a book and guides him safely out of the dohyo
  • Shoudai wins by yorikiri
  • N(6-8), S(3-11) [2-5]
• Daieishou (6-7) vs Meisei (9-4) [2-0]
  • Daieishou wins by oshidashi
  • D(7-7), M(9-5), [3-0]
• Tomokaze (6-7) vs Asanoyama (8-5) [1-1]
  • Strong start, but Tomokaze stumbles soon after
  • The two have a staggering finish
  • Asanoyama wins by uwatenage, handing Tomokaze his first career makekoshi
  • T(6-8), A(8-5) [1-2]
• Hokutofuji (7-6) vs Tamawashi (7-6) [3-5]
  • Winner of this match is kachikoshi
  • Hokutofuji wins by oshidashi and is kachikoshi
  • H(8-6), T(7-7) [4-5]
• Kotoshougiku (5-8) vs Aoiyama (4-9) [14-8]
  • I think I know how this is going to go…
  • But NO! Aoiyama wins by hatakikomi after a lovely little henka
  • K(5-9), A(5-9) [14-9]
• Abi (8-5) vs Takarafuji (9-4) [3-3]
  • Abi quickly overpowers Takarafuji by tsukidashi!
  • A(9-5), T(9-5) [4-3]
• Okinoumi (10-3) vs Endou (8-5) [4-8]
  • I don’t know that this is a proper match, and I feel there should have been a monoii
  • Somehow, Okinoumi is the winner by yorikiri?
  • O(11-3), E(8-6) [5-8]
• Ryuuden (6-7) vs Takakeishou (10-3) [0-2]
  • Takakeishou easily beats Ryuuden and hands him his makekoshi
  • Takakeishou wins by oshidashi
  • R(6-8), T(11-3) [0-3]
• Mitakeiumi (10-3) vs Goueidou (9-4) [6-9]
  • Mitakeumi give Goueidou the ol’ henka and wins by hatakikomi
  • M(11-3), G(9-5) [7-9]
• Tochinoshin (6-7) vs Myougiryuu (6-5-2) [12-9]
  • By all rights, Tochinoshin should smoke Myougiryuu like a kipper…
  • But he steps out almost immediately and doesn’t notice until the gyoji stops him
  • Tochinoshin loses his Ozeki rank (again) by yorikiri.
  • T(6-8, makekoshi), M(7-5-2) [12-10]

Day 15

• Takagenji (4-10) vs Chiyoshouma (6-8) [0]
  • Chiyoshouma was watching all the henkas yesterday and follows suit, beating Takagenji by hatakikomi
  • T(4-11), C(7-8) [0-1]
• Kagayaki (5-9) vs Azumaryuu (6-8) [3-3]
  • very impactful tachiai
  • Kagayaki handily beats Azumaryuu by oshidashi and may have sent him back to the Juryo division.
  • K(6-9), A(6-9) [4-3]
• Shouhouzan (9-5) vs Yutakayama (9-5) [2-0]
  • Yutakayama has an uncharacteristic belt-based victory today by yorikiri!
  • S(9-6), Y(10-5) [2-1]
• Ounoshou (8-6) vs Tsurugishou (10-4) [5-3]
  • Tsurugishou has been awarded the fighting spirit prize, or kanto-sho
  • But Ounoshou cannot let anyone enjoy their victories and continues his winning streak with an oshitaoshi win (his sixth win in a row)
  • O(9-6), T(10-5) [6-3]
• Sadanoumi (8-6) vs Enhou (8-6) [1-1]
  • Evenly matched in stats, and nearly in size
  • Enhou also gets a belt-based victory today by spinning Sadanoumi out via shitatenage
  • S(8-7), E(9-6) [1-2]
• Terutsuyoshi (3-11) vs Nishikigi (6-8) [1-1]
  • Terutsuyoshi pulled off a rare finishing move – sakatottari – and won!
  • T(4-11), N(6-9) [2-1]
• Kotoshougiku (5-9) vs Tochiouzan (6-8) [19-20]
  • Such a long history between these two, and Tochiouzan still looks like an out-of-place extra from The Godfather…
  • Sadly, Tochiouzan cannot win and is sent back to Juryo by oshidashi.
  • K(6-9), T(6-9) [20-20]
• Shimanoumi (4-10) vs Daishouhou (5-9) [1-9]
  • Daishouhou thought he’d won early on, but failed
  • Shimanoumi wins by uwatedashinage
  • S(5-10), D(5-10) [2-9]
• Kotoyuuki (8-6) vs Shoudai (3-11) [1-2]
  • Very good sumo here!
  • Kotoyuuki puts Shoudai to bed by kotenage
  • K(9-6), S(3-12) [2-2]
• Tamawashi (7-7) vs Ishiura (7-7) [0]
  • A first meeting and a make/kachi match (winner is kachikoshi, loser is makekoshi)? Awesome!
  • Aaaand it’s a matta
  • Ishiura flails his way to a befuddled yorikiri win!
  • T(7-8), I(8-7) [0-1]
• Chiyotairyuu (2-12) vs Tomokaze (6-8) [1-0]
  • Tomokaze wins by hatakikomi in this nearly non-match
  • C(2-13), T(7-8) [1-1]
• Daieishou (7-7), Kotoekou (7-7) [3-1]
  • Another make/kachi match
  • Good sumo!
  • Daieishou wins by oshidashi!
  • D(8-7), K(7-8) [4-1]
• Meisei (9-5), Asanoyama (10-4) [0-2]
  • Asanoyama won the outstanding performance prize, or shukun-sho
  • So of course Meisei has to spoil his good mood by winning via yorikiri.
  • M(10-5), A(10-5) [1-2]
• Ryuuden (6-8) vs Aoiyama (5-9) [1-4]
  • If you’d asked me at the beginning of this basho whether I believed Aoiyama would have 5 wins, I’d have laughed, but here we are.
  • Thankfully, Ryuuden remembers to use Aoiyama’s bulk against him and wins by hikkake
  • R(7-8), A(5-10) [2-4]
• Hokutofuji (8-6) vs Takarafuji (9-5) [2-3]
  • Hokutofuji wins the fuji fight via a very slippery oshidashi
  • H(9-6), T(9-6) [3-3]
• Abi (9-5) vs Myougiryuu (7-5-2) [2-1]
  • Abi beats himself, but the gyoji points to him… monoii
  • It turns into a torinaoshi redo. Did Abi injure his foot?
  • Matta
  • Feels like highway robbery when Myougiryuu gets his kachikoshi and wins by yorikiri.
  • A(9-6), M(7-6-2) [2-2]
• Okinoumi (11-3) vs Takakeishou (11-3) [1-3]
  • What a pairing
  • Takakeishou overpowers Okinoumi for an oshidashi victory
  • O(11-4), T(12-3) [1-4]
• Mitakeumi (11-3) vs Endou (8-6) [5-4]
  • Mitakeumi easily slides Endou out of the ring by oshidashi!
  • We have a playoff!
  • M(12-3), E(8-7) [6-4]
• Tochinoshin (6-8) vs Goueidou (9-5) [10-17]
  • oof.
  • See you next basho, Tochinoshin. You’ll be Sekiwake instead of Ozeki :(
  • Goueidou wins by yorikiri.
  • T(6-9), G(10-6) [10-18]
• PLAYOFF: Mitakeumi (12-3) vs Takakeishou (12-3) [5-7]
  • Winner gets the yusho! (Tournament win!)
  • Violent start leads to Mitakeumi winning his second yusho!
  • Mitakeumi wins by yorikiri!
  • M(13-3!), T(12-4) [6-7]

What a great basho, though a very bizarre one! Stay tuned, because next week I’m going to post a quick document on all of the Japanese terms I used here as well as next week’s wrestling blog!

Go Enjoy Something!
FC

Wednesdaymania 238: Aki Basho 2019 Wk 1 (completed)

Buckle up, baby, it's a long one, today!

Since I don't have the stamina to run down all 12 days of sumo up to this point, I've compiled the rest of week 1 for you below. Feel free to skip to names if you're interested, and I hope this is informative for you!

Day 2

• Kaisei (1-0) vs Gagamaru (0-1) [7-6]
  • battered sumo, very exhausted. Gagamaru won by yorikiri
  • k1-1, g1-1[7-7]

• Yutakayama (1-0) vs Takagenji (0-1) [0-1]
  • good sumo! Lots of tottering. Yutakayama won by yorikiri
  • y2-0, t0-2[1-1]
• Daiamami (0-1) vs Tochiouzan (0-1) [0-2]
  • very rough sumo! Lots of pushing and nearly choking.
  • Daiamami won by yorikiri
  • d1-1, t0-2[1-2]
• Tsurugishou (1-0) vs Ishiura (0-1) [3-1]
  • Ishiura’s henka (dodge) is as golden as his belt. Beats Tsurugishou by okuridashi.
  • T1-1, i1-1[3-2]
• Azumaryuu (1-0) vs Toyonoshima (0-1) [3-1]
  • Battle of black mawashi (belts). Slow, deliberate struggle.
  • Azumaryuu wins by a rolling-uwatedashinage, sendingToyonoshima tumbling.
  • A2-0, T0-2 [4-1]
• Shouhouzan (1-0) vs Kagayaki (0-1) [5-7]
  • Flaily sumo on Kagayaki’s part, very tricky. Kagayaki wins by yorikiri.
  • S1-1, K1-1 [5-8]
• Nishikigi (1-0) vs Daishouhou (0-1) [2-0]
  • Looks like it’ll be short, but then they lean forever, ending with Nishikigi physically lifting Daishouhou and pushing him out by yorikiri.
  • N2-0, D0-2 [3-0]
• Sadanoumi (0-1) vs Ounoushou (0-1) [0-3]
  • Christmas! S-green, O-red. Confusing, but Sadanoumi wins by watashikomi.
  • S1-1, O0-2 [1-3]
• Enhou (1-0) vs Meisei (1-0) [0-1]
  • Enhou is scary, but somehow takes it by shitatenage. It looks like a pro-wrestling move!
  • E2-1, M1-1 [1-1]
• Okinoumi (1-0) vs Terutsuyoshi (1-0) [0]
  • Terutsuyoshi throws salt like it killed his mama.
  • Messy sumo. Okinoumi wins by tsukitaoshi
  • o(2-0), t(1-1) [1-0]
• Kotoyuuki (0-1) vs Takarafuji (1-0) [5-8]
  • pink v purple.
  • Fast sumo! Done in seconds.
  • Kotoyuuki wins by oshidashi
  • k1-1, t1-1 [6-8]
• Shimanoumi (0-1) vs Kotoshougiku (0-1) [1-0]
  • More fast sumo!
  • Shimanoumi wins by yorikiri
  • s(1-1), k(0-2) [2-0]
• Kotoekou (0-1) vs Myougiryuu (1-0) [1-2]
  • Nigh instantaneous win for Myougiryuu.
  • Wins via oshidashi.
  • K(0-2), M(2-0) [1-3]
• Tamawashi (1-0) vs Chiyotairyuu (0-1) [7-10]
  • More instant sumo! Tamawashi blasts Chiyotairyuu away!
  • Wins via oshidashi.
  • T(2-0), C(0-2) [8-10]
• Ryuuden (1-0) vs Shoudai (0-1) [1-3]
  • Ryuuden’s long limbs betray him early on, allowing Shoudai to throw him out by shitatenage.
  • R(1-1), S(1-1) [1-4]
• Tomokaze (1-0) vs Endou (0-1) [0]
  • Violent sumo! Endou wins by Oshidashi.
  • T(1-1), E(1-1) [0-1]
• Mitakeumi (0-1) vs Daieishou (0-1) [5-2]
  • Violent here, too. Big slap fight.
  • Mitakeumi barely hangs in there and wins by tsukiotoshi.
  • M(1-1), D(0-2) [6-2]
• Aoiyama (0-1) vs Takakeishou (1-0) [1-3]
  • Aoiyama had no real chance here, sadly.
  • Takakeishou wins via oshidashi
  • a(0-2), t(2-0) [1-4]
• Ichinojou (1-0) vs Goueidou (1-0) [10-8]
  • I like Goueidou. He fights like crazy. Ichinojou is defenseless against him!
  • Goueidou wins via yorikiri.
  • I(1-1), g(2-0) [10-9]
• Abi (0-1) vs Hakuhou (0-1) [1-1]
  • Hakuhou is now out with a broken finger.
  • Abi wins by default. Boo. “fusen”
  • A1-1, h0-2 [2/1/1]
• Tochinoshin (0-1) vs Asanoyama (1-0) [1-2]
  • I wish Tochinoshin would take some time off for that knee of his…
  • Asanoyama wins via yorikiri.
  • T(0-2), A(2-0) [1-3]
• Kakuryuu (1-0) vs Hokutofjuji (1-0) [4-2]
  • Kakuryuu just… ends Hokutofuji. He gives him no quarter and nearly takes out the gyoji (referee).
  • Kakuryuu wins by hatakikomi
  • K(2-0), H(1-1) [5-2]

Day 3

• Takagenji (0-2) vs Tochiouzan (0-2) [0-1]
  • Solid sumo. Tochiouzan wins by oshidashi.
  • Taka(0-3), Tochi(1-2) [0-2]
• Yutakayama (2-0) vs Azumaryuu (2-0) [3-1]
  • Battle of Black Mawashi (belts)
  • A bit messy but fun.
  • Azumaryuu wins by okuridashi
  • Y(2-1), A(3-0) [3-2]
• Ishiura (1-1) vs Toyonoshima (0-2) [2-2]
  • Ishiura makes short work of Toyonoshima by tsukiotoshi.
  • Toyonoshima has a leg injury.
  • I(2-1), T(0-3) [3-2]
• Tsurugishou (1-1) vs Nishikigi (2-0) [1-3]
  • Battle of guys whose names are really fun to say.
  • Two second fight. Tsurugishou wins by hatakikomi.
  • T(2-1), n(2-1) [2-3]
• Kagayaki (1-1) vs Daishouhou (0-2) [1-1]
  • Another 2 second match with Kagayaki dumping Daishouhou by hikiotoshi.
  • K(2-1), d(0-3) [2-1]
• Ounoushou (0-2) vs Shouhouzan (1-1) [3-5]
  • Matta (false start)
  • Ounoushou blaaaaaaasted Shouhouzan into the stands by oshidashi.
  • O(1-2), s(1-2) [4-5]
• Endou (2-0) vs Kotoyuuki (1-1) [2-1]
  • Matta
  • David and Goliath match, but Endou just… wrecks Kotoyuuki. It should have been another matta, but who’s counting?
  • Endou wins by yorikiri
  • E(3-0), k(1-2) [3-1]
• Terutsuyoshi (1-1) vs Meisei (1-1) [4-2]
  • Very standard sumo at first, then gets wily and tricky.
  • Meisei dominates Terutsuyoshi with an okuridashi win.
  • T(1-2), m(2-1) [3-2]
• Sadanoumi (1-1) vs Takarafuji (1-1) [5-11]
  • Messy, hard to understand, but the judges want to review, or “monoii”.
  • Review shows that Takarafuji won by hatakikomi, but it was a very close thing.
  • S(1-2), t(2-1) [5-12]
• Okinoumi (2-0) vs Kotoekou (0-2) [3-0]
  • Very urgent match.
  • Okinoumi wins via uwatenage.
  • O(3-0), k(0-3) [4-0]
• Kotoshougiku (0-2) vs Myougiryuu (2-0) [11-12]
  • Old foes clash here.
  • Kotoshougiku bumps his way to a yorikiri win.
  • K(1-2), m(2-1) [12-12]
• Shimanoumi (1-1) vs Ryuuden (1-1) [2-1]
  • Black vs white mawashi (belts)
  • Grapple-heavy bout
  • Ryuuden deploys his limbs to win by yorikiri
  • s(1-2), r(2-1) [2-2]
• Chiyotairyuu (0-2) vs Shoudai (1-1) [4-4]
  • A very shovey match with good sportsmanship.
  • Chiyotairyuu wins by oshidashi
  • c(1-2), s(1-2) [5-4]
• Tamawashi (2-0) vs Tomokaze (1-1) [0]
  • Short but violent bout.
  • Tomokaze wins by hatakikomi, sending Tamawashi onto a judge’s lap.
  • Tama(2-1), Tomo (3-1) [0-1]
• Abi (1-1) vs Daieishou (0-2) [4-4]
  • Double red mawashi
  • Gyoji points to Abi, but it’s very confusing, so the judges call a monoii.
  • Decision upheld. Abi won by hatakikomi.
  • A(2-1), D(0-3) [5-4]
• Asanoyama (2-0) vs Takakeishou (2-0) [1-2]
  • Very fast match
  • Takakeishou won by hatakikomi.
  • A(2-1), T(3-0) [1-3]
• Mitakeumi (1-1) vs Ichinojou (1-1) [8-4]
  • Very strong match.
  • Mitakeumi won by yorikiri.
  • M(2-1), I(1-2) [9-4]
• Tochinoshin (0-2) vs Hokutofuji (1-1) [3-3]
  • This is sad. Tochinoshin should be resting.
  • Matta. Tochinoshin tried to henka (dodge)
  • Matta again.
  • Hokutofuji plants his feet hard, but both end up falling into the crowd. Tochinoshin crushes Hokutofuji with a yoritaoshi win.
  • T(1-2), h(1-2) [4-3]
• Endou (1-1) vs Goueidou (2-0) [6-6]
  • Exciting match with Endou winning by yorikiri
  • e(2-1), g(2-1) [7-6]
• Kakuryuu (2-0) vs Aoiyama (0-2) [19-1]
  • Aoiyama tried so hard he fell over.
  • The Gyoji did a little dance before deciding.
  • Kakuryuuu wins by hatakikomi
  • k(3-0), a(0-3) [20-1]

Day 4

• Takagenji (0-3) vs Azumaryuu (3-0) [2-1]
  • Matta
  • Quick match with Takagenji stopping his losing streak at 14. Ouch.
  • Takagenji wins by oshidashi
  • t(1-3), a(3-2) [3-1]
• Tsurugishou (2-1) vs Yutakayama (2-1) [1-3]
  • Yutakayama leaped at Tsurugishou and beat him by tsukiotoshi
  • T(2-2), Y(3-1) [1-4]
• Kagayaki (2-1) vs Tochiouzan (1-2) [3-3]
  • Very classic sumo here
  • Kagayaki lost the rhythm near the end, resulting in Tochiouzan winning by oshidashi
  • K(2-2), T(2-2) [3-4]
• Ishiura (2-1) vs Nishikigi (2-1) [7-6]
  • Ishiura just blasts Nishikigi like the man’s not nearly twice his size.
  • Ishiura is a beast.
  • You can tell he trains with Hakuhou
  • Ishiura wins by oshidashi
  • I(3-1), N(2-2) [8-6]
• Toyonoshima (0-3) vs Daishouhou (0-3) [1-1]
  • Gyoji is wearing a fabric printed with a bunch of cursive D’s and it’s really Distracting
  • Toyonoshima wins by katasukashi
  • T(1-3), D(0-3) [2-1]
• Shouhouzan (1-2) vs Enhou (3-0) [2-0]
  • I really want Enhou to blow the doors off of this basho
  • EXCITING match even with a hefty lean
  • Enhou’s squats are stupid powerful
  • Unfortunately Shouhouzan still beats him by abisetaoshi
  • best match of the basho so far!
  • S(2-2), E(3-1) [3-0]
• Ounoshou (1-2) vs Meisei (2-1) [0-4]
  • Two solid sumo, but not always the wildest
  • Who then go on to prove me wrong by injecting a lot of energy into their match
  • Meisei wins via oshidashi
  • O(1-3), M(3-1) [0-5]
• Sadanoumi (1-2) vs Kotoyuuki (1-2) [4-5]
  • Very good match
  • Kotoyuuki wins by tsukidashi
  • S(1-3), K(2-2) [4-6]
• Okinoumi (3-0) vs Takarafuji (2-1) [7-11]
  • Very good, solid sumo
  • Okinoumi keeps up his winning streak by kotenage
  • O(4-0), T(2-2) [8-11]
• Terutsuyoshi (1-2) vs Kotoekou (0-3) [7-5]
  • Throat based offense, this match
  • lots of slapping
  • Kotoekou overwhelmed Terutsuyoshi by oshidashi, sending him hinto the stands
  • K(1-3), T(3-1) [7-6]
• Chiyotairyuu (1-2) vs Kotoshougiku (1-2) [2-13]
  • Matta
  • Rapid bumping occurs
  • Kotoshougiku rumbles his way to a win by yorikiri
  • C(1-3), K(2-2) [2-2]
• Myougiryuu (2-1) vs Ryuuden (2-1) [2-1]
  • I like Ryuuden, but he has to learn to better control his lengthy limbs
  • Very grapply match
  • Both in black mawashi
  • Myougiryuu won by yorikiri
  • M(3-1), R(2-2) [3-1]
• Shimanoumi (1-2) vs Shoudai (1-2) [0]
  • No contest – Shoudai walks Shimanoumi out like he’s an unwelcome party guest.
  • Shoudai won by yorikiri
  • Shima(1-3), Shou(2-2) [0-1]
• Daieishou (0-3) vs Tamawashi (2-1) [3-6]
  • Fast head based offense on Daieishou’s part
  • Daieishou won by tsukidashi
  • D(1-3), T(2-2) [4-6]
• Asanoyama (2-1) vs Endou (2-1) [2-3]
  • Still love Endou
  • Dude completely reversed his fortunes during this match.
  • Endou wins by truly impressive Yorikiri
  • Best Endou match so far!
  • A(2-2), E(3-1) [2-4]
• Mitakeumi (2-1) vs Aoiyama (0-3) [2-3]
  • Look, my Nick Cage Brigade (Kaisei, Tochinoshin, and Aoiyama) are not doing well. They’re all beat-up and exhausted.
  • Mitakeumi beats Aoiyama with embarrassing ease by oshidashi.
  • M(3-1), A(0-4) [3-3]
• Tomokaze (2-1) vs Takakeishou (3-0) [0]
  • Very fast match
  • Takakeisho wins almost instantly by oshidashi. He needs 6 more wins to regain his Ozeki rank.
  • Tomo(2-2), Taka(4-0) [0-1]
• Hokutofuji (1-2) vs Goueidou (2-1) [3-6]
  • Goueidou runs over Hokutofuji like he’s not even there.
  • Goueidou wins by oshidashi
  • H(1-3), G(3-1) [3-7]
• Tochinoshin (1-2) vs Abi (2-1) [3-2]
  • Matches like this are hard because I want Abi to do well as a younger opponent, but I want Tochinoshin to stop embarrassing himself, too…
  • Abi moves so rapidly it almost feels like desperation
  • Tochinoshin (barely) gets a win… except that there’s a monoii that I don’t agree with.
  • The judges claim there was a hairpull.
  • Abi wins by an unfortunate hansoku.
  • There really was a hairpull. It doesn’t look intentional. Poor Tochinoshin.
  • T(1-3), A(3-1) [3-3]
• Kakuryuu (3-0) vs Ichinojou (1-2) [12-3]
  • I mean, look at their record. Out of 15 bouts, Kakuryuu has won 12.
  • It’s a narrow victory, but Kakuryuu wins by katasukashi.
  • K(4-0), I(1-3) [13-3]

Day 5

I have very limited info on this. I guess Kintamayama didn’t have access?

• Ishiura (4-1) vs Takagenji (1-4) [2-3]
  • Ishiura won via Okuridashi
• Tochiozan (3-2) vs Toyonoshima (1-4) [17-10]
  • Tochiozan won by oshidashi
• Tsurugishou (3-2) vs Azumaryu (3-2) [11-3]
  • Tsurugishou won by yorikiri
• Kagayaki (3-2) vs Yutakayama (3-2) [3-3]
  • Kagayaki won by Yorikiri
• Shouhouzan (3-2) vs Nishikigi (2-3) [5-3]
  • Shouhouzan won by yorikiri
• Daishouhou (0-5) vs Enhou (4-1) [1-5]
  • Enhou won by tsukiotoshi
• Terutsuyoshi (1-4) vs Onoushou (2-3) [1-1]
  • Onoushou won by hatakikomi
• Meisei (4-1) vs Takarafuji (2-3) [3-0]
  • Meisei won by katasukashi
• Okinoumi (5-0) vs Kotoyuuki (2-3) [9-5]
  • Okinoumi won by hatakikomi
• Sadanoumi (2-3) vs Kotoekou (1-4) [3-3]
  • Sadanoumi won by Yorikiri
• Kotoshougiku (3-2) vs Ryuuden (2-3) [2-2]
  • Kotoshougiku won by yorikiri
• Chiyotairyuu (1-4) vs Shimanoumi (2-3) [0-2]
  • Shimanoumi won by oshidashi
• Myougiryuu (4-1) vs Shoudai (2-3) [5-6]
  • Myougiryuu won by yorikiri
• Ichinojou (1-4) vs Tamawashi (3-2) [7-8]
  • Ichinojou is out
  • Tamawashi gets a fusen victory
• Aoiyama (0-5) vs Endou (4-1) [8-5]
  • Endou wins by oshidashi
• Hokutofuji (1-4) vs Takakeishou (5-0) [3-8]
  • Takakeishou wins by tsukiotoshi
• Mitakeumi (4-1) vs Abi (3-2) [4-1]
  • Mitakeumi won by tsukiotoshi
• Tochinoshin (2-3) vs Tomokaze (2-3) [1-0]
  • Tochinoshin won his first meeting with Tomokaze by hatakikomi
• Daieishou (1-4) vs Goueidou (4-1) [3-2]
  • Goueidou wins with hikiotoshi
• Kakuryuu (4-1) vs Asanoyama (3-2) [1-1]
  • Asanoyama won by yorikiri

Day 6

• Yuutakayama (3-2) vs Takanoshou (4-1) [1-1]
  • Takanoshou bullied Yuutakayama out by oshidashi
  • Y(3-3), T(5-1) [1-2]
• Ishiura (4-1) vs Tochiouzan (3-2) [2-2]
  • Ishiura completely obliterated Tochouzan by hatakikomi
  • I(5-1), T(2-3) [3-2]
• Takagenji (1-4) vs Toyonoshima (1-4) [3-1-3]
  • An exciting bout
  • Takagenji forces Toyonoshima out by yorikiri
  • Taka(2-4), Toyo(1-5) [4-1-3]
• Azumaryuu (1-4) vs Nishikigi (3-2) [1-4]
  • Two more guys with incredibly fun-to-say names
  • Very pushy match
  • Nishikigi easily forces Azumaryuu out by kimedashi
  • A(3-3), N(3-3) [2-4]
• Shohouzan (3-2) vs Tsurugishou (3-2) [0]
  • More fun names!
  • VERY high-impact
  • Tsurugishou won via oshidashi
  • S(4-3), T(3-3) [0-1]
• Onoushou (2-3) vs Daishouhou (0-5) [4-1]
  • a match of many Ou’s
  • Very physical match
  • Onoushou won by a scary oshitaoshi
  • O(3-3), D(0-6) [5-1]
• Kagayaki (3-2), Enhou (4-1) [1-0]
  • Come on Enhou, the little sumo who could!
  • What a flaily match!
  • Enhou somehow won by oshidashi!
  • K(3-3), E(5-1) [1-1]
• Terutsuyoshi (1-4) vs Sadanoumi (2-3) [0-2]
  • Totally one-sided match!
  • Terutsuyoshi easily wins by oshidashi
  • T(2-4), S(2-4) [1-2]
• Meisei (4-1) vs Kotoyuuki (2-3) [0-3]
  • Meisei wins by tsukiotoshi
  • M(5-1), K(2-4) [1-3]
• Kotoshougiku (3-2) vs Takarafuji (2-3) [16-8]
  • Takarafuji won by tsukiotoshi
  • K(3-3), T(3-3) [16-9]
• Shimanoumi (3-2) vs Okinoumi (5-0) [1-0]
  • Okinoumi won by oshidashi
  • S(2-4), O(6-0) [1-1]
• Chiyotairyuu (1-4) vs Myougiryuu (4-1) [8-7]
  • Myougiryuu won by hatakikomi
  • C(1-5), M(5-1) [8-8]
• Kotoekou (1-4) vs Ryuuden (2-3) [1-4]
  • Kotoekou won by Isamiashi
  • K(2-4), R(2-4) [2-4]
• Shoudai (2-3) vs Tomokaze (2-3) [1-0]
  • Tomokaze won by hatakikomi
  • S(2-4), T(3-3) [1-1]
• Abi (3-2) vs Aoiyama (0-5) [2-2]
  • Abi won by hikiotoshi
  • Abi(4-2), Aoi(0-6) [3-2]
• Mitakeumi (4-1) vs Hokutofuji (1-4) [6-5-1]
  • Mitakeumi won by oshidashi
  • M(5-1), H(1-5) [7-5-1]
• Endou (4-1) vs Takakeisho (5-0) [1-2]
  • Endou won by tsukihiza
  • E(5-1), T(5-1) [2-2]
• Asanoyama (3-2) vs Goueidou (4-1) [2-1]
  • Asanoyama won by uwatenage
  • A(4-2), G(4-2) [3-1]
• Tochinoshin (2-3) vs Tamawashi (3-2) [18-10]
  • Go home, Tochinoshin, please…
  • Tamawashi won by oshidashi
  • Tochi(2-4) vs Tama (4-2) [18-11]
• Kakuryuu (4-1) vs Daieishou (1-4) [4-0]
  • Daieishou with the upset victory
  • Daieishou won by oshidashi
  • K(4-2), D(2-4) [4-1]

Day 7

• Chiyoshouma (4-2) vs Azumaryuu (3-3) [1-1-2]
  • Azumaryuu handles Chiyoshouma easily
  • Azumaryuu wins by yorikiri
  • C(4-3), A(4-3) [1-1-3]
• Ishiura (5-1) vs Yutakayama (3-3) [4-2]
  • Very slappy match
  • Great match!
  • Ishiura wins by oshidashi
  • I(6-1), Y(3-4) [5-2]
• Takagenji (2-4) vs Daishouhou (0-6) [7-4]
  • pushy match
  • Daishouhou wins by yorikiri
  • T(2-5), D(1-6) [7-5]
• Shouhouzan (3-3) vs Tochiouzan (3-3) [12-13]
  • Shouhouzan wins by yorikiri!
  • Good match
  • S(4-3), T(3-4) [13-13]
• Tsurugishou (4-2) vs Enhou (5-1) [3-0]
  • This was a longer match
  • A long lean meant that Tsurugishou could win by yorikiri
  • T(5-2), E(5-2) [4-0]
• Kagayaki (3-3) vs Meisei (5-1) [0-2]
  • Good match, but confusing
  • Meisei wins by a messy shitatedashinage
  • K(3-4), M(6-1) [0-3]
• Sadanoumi (2-4) vs Nishikigi (3-3) [6-9]
  • A fairly normal match
  • Sadanoumi wins by yorikiri
  • S(3-4), N(3-4) [7-9]
• Toyonoshima (1-5) vs Kotoyuuki (2-4) [5-3]
  • Fast match ending with Kotoyuuki winning by tsukidashi
  • T(1-6), K(3-4) [5-4]
• Onoushou (3-3) vs Takarafuji (3-3) [4-3]
  • Strong match, but Onoushou loses by his own overextension.
  • Takarafuji wins by tsukiotoshi (or slippiotoshi as some call it)
  • O(3-4), T(4-3) [4-4]
• Kotoshougiku (3-3) vs Terutsuyoshi (2-4) [0]
  • Another messy match with a monoii after the gyoji points to Kotoshougiku
  • The apparent yorikiri is a bit confusing when Kotoshougiku falls
  • The decision is upheld
  • Kotoshougiku won by yoritaoshi (not yorikiri)
  • K(4-3), T(2-5) [1-0]
• Okinoumi (6-0) vs Myougiryuu (5-1) [11-10]
  • Strong fight! Very good sumo!
  • Okinoumi maintains winning streak with kotenage
  • O(7-0), M(5-2) [12-10]
• Shimanoumi (2-4) vs Kotoekou (2-4) [1-5]
  • Messy, messy match with Kotoekou breaking free
  • Kotoekou turned his initial confusion into a win by yorikiri
  • S(3-4), K(2-5) [2-5]
• Ryuuden (2-4) vs Asanoyama (4-2) [5-4]
  • Ryuuden is slipping :(
  • Asanoyama won by yorikiri
  • R(2-5), A(5-2) [5-5]
• Hokutofuji (1-5) vs Aoiyama (0-5) [8-1]
  • Aoiyama finally gets a win by tsukidashi!
  • H(1-6), A(1-6) [8-2]
• Abi (4-2) vs Endou (5-1) [4-2]
  • Impossible to pick here
  • Abi just barely wins by a very thrust-y oshidashi
  • A(5-2), E(5-2) [5-2]
• Chiyotairyuu (1-5) vs Takakeisho (5-1) [4-5]
  • Instant win, Chiyotairyuu does a flying henka (dodge), wins by hatakikomi
  • C(2-5), T(5-2) [5-5]
• Mitakeumi (5-1) vs Shoudai (2-4) [8-9]
  • Violent match – Mitakeumi utterly overwhelms Shoudai and wins by oshidashi
  • M(6-1), S(2-5) [9-9]
• Tochinoshin (2-4) vs Daieishou (2-4) [6-2]
  • Daieishou makes quick work of Toshinoshin, winning by oshidashi
  • T(2-5), D(3-4) [6-3]
• Tamawashi (4-2) vs Goueidou (4-2) [9-1-13]
  • Fast, brutal match
  • Goueido wins by a speedy, stylish yorikiri
  • T(4-3), G(5-2) [9-1-14]
• Kakuryuu (4-2) vs Tomokaze (3-3) [0-1]
  • Tomokaze pulls a beautiful win by hatakikomi!
  • K(4-3), T(4-3) [0-2]

Okay, that's the rest of Week 1! Tune in Next Tuesday for days 8-14!

Go Enjoy Something!
FC