Well, the primary story-line of the basho has concluded - Kisenosato has retired. Everyone seemed to have very strong opinions about his situation. Should he have retired sooner? Should he have not retired altogether? Did he deserve yokozuna status? Did he not? Is he overrated? Is he underrated? Personally, I was one of the few... Continue Reading →
Mid-Kyushu Basho Review – Wakaichiro and Other Lower-Division Sumo Wrestlers
Almost halfway done with the Kyushu Basho 2018! Of course, the biggest story has been Kisenosato. After starting 0-4, the yokozuna pulled out of the basho. Will he return in 2019? Most signs seem to point towards yes, but only time will tell. I think the more interesting story, however, is that seven days have... Continue Reading →
Mid-Aki Basho 2018 Review – Musashikuni, Wakaichiro, and Other Lower-Division Sumo Wrestlers
We are now seven days through the Aki Basho 2018! This means that we are almost halfway done and starting to see how things are shaking out. In the Makuuchi division, most of the top rikishi (sumo wrestlers) are putting up stellar records, including Hakuho (yokozuna, 7-0), Kakuryu (yokozuna, 7-0), Kisenosato (yokozuna, 6-1), Goeido (ozeki,... Continue Reading →