Great stories, Hakuho Sho rise and utter dominance of all Sumo. Remember The GOAT had knee surgery several times and still fought and still carried on. His last match made Tero look utterly dominated and what a way to go out. He saved Sumo. Hakuho is the greatest individual sports figure of all time The Sumo elders hate him for his greatness which makes all of them seem pale in comparison. The public love and support him. No one will ever match his records, that is true greatness.
@@zworm2 I think you're very right on saving sumo. The Mongolians in general injected so much energy back into the sport. Im so interested to see if anyone in my lifetime can ever challenge any of his big records because they're just stunning. And he did benefit from Asashoryu exiting the picture but he definitely got the better of shoryu his fair share.
If I had to compare Hakuho to something, it would be the race horse, Secrectariat. Similar to Hakuho, that horse set so many records that will either not be broken or take a while to be broken.
And the fact that we are even having yokozuna talks at all right now is a huge breath of life in sumo that hasnt really been a thing since teru's promo. I hope we arent left disappointed 🤞
Agreed, its always tough when someone falls short, most recently thinking of Takakeisho's yokozuna attempt. But I guess thats what we need. Gotta keep the yokozuna standards high so that the chase is worth it.
My first basho was the amazing 2021 Nagoya basho. I've been hooked ever since and have converted my brother and my wife into diehard sumo fans since. Love the show guys, youre awesome.
Maaaan what a place to start! Dare I say, maybe the perfect place to start with a transition between yokozunas! And yaaaas love spreading the good word of sumo and thank you for watching we're so glad you like it! We just love having another way and another place to meet new people and talk about sumo!
I'm really glad this channel has ramped up the content output. I like hearing your guy's opinions and analysis of the state of sumo. Also, please keep doing guest commentary on smss! I hope to see you on that show for Hatsu
Thanks for saying so, glad you like it! We all just love having another outlet to meet new people and talk about sumo! And yes I love Goose and JJ on SMSS, hoping to get back on with them at least one day this basho if they'll have me haha.
Nice pick up on the stable drama Hakuoho has had to deal with on top of shoulder surgery. A slow recovery from that is to be expected, and not pushing it at his age is smart. I hope he can still find his previous potential.
Yea I mean honestly I'm still holding out hope that the JSA allows Hakuho to reinstate Miyagino Stable this year and bring all his boys back. There's just too many wrestlers in Isegahama right now, how are they all supposed to get appropriate training and coaching time? I hope the Hakuho Cup coming back is a sign of the JSA thawing toward Hakuho.
Welcome to the Doyo gave me a video after making g the same 2 Yusho argument, and it documents several cases where the criteria was Ozeki with 26 wins and at least one Yusho in B2B tournaments.
One that's really interesting to me (that I personally don't think will happen) is Onosato's case. Like, I know the answer is no... but would there be rumblings to make him Yokozuna if he went 15-0 and won this thing, beating Teru and both his fellow Ozeki? Like I'm talking a true jaw dropping sort of "What else am I supposed to do, are you not entertained?"
@ I had thought the same thing. That would be 6 top tier tournaments, 3 championships, and at least 5 prizes. If that does not cut it then The Doyo’s research may be the best breakdown of the modern Yoko requirements.
Hoshoryu’s 8 and 9 win bashos are around more serious injuries . The fact that injuries have only slowed him down as he has developed really says something about him. He is also hitting his physical prime AND is using the power game much more, which led to the 13-2. To be going for Yoko right when you are hitting your stride is perfect!
Thats an awesome point about injuries slowing him down rather than stopping him dead in his tracks. Its both a good sign that his body has that resilience to keep going, and that he has the will to do it. Again, something like Wakatakakage's injury wasn't his fault or anything but its great to see Hosh dodging bullets and powering through the grazes.
I totally hear that. I mean that's the thing right, those two guys are amazing and its great to simplify the storylines down to a race between them... but that completely ignores the fact that Teru is probably coming back, Onosato is STILL there and still a monster, Takerufuji has never not had double digit wins in the top, Wakatakakage has been on a mission, Hakuoho is hopefully back... like... if either of those guys DOES get it done, its way more impressive than just them overcoming the other.
It looks like we are going to have at least one new Yokozuna but don't be surprised if at the end of the year we don't. There is a random factor in sumo. Luck is a part of advancement.
And the biggest part of luck, the injuries. They're the worst thing about sumo, but I'm hoping that new modern training and recovery techniques slowly roll them back in sumo and we get to see the best of this new generation.
@@ARMY-ep6fz I know! The number of contenders is wild this time! I really do hope they get it done though. They're both so good but I do get wanting them to put on a clinic like 2021 Teru before crowning them
Takerufuji and Hakuoho feel like the obvious dark horses but I also wanna give a mention to Onokatsu, lest we forget he started 7-1 in November, he feels like he's maybe a step behind Takerufuji and Hakuoho in terms of proven success but I think he's for sure gonna get a Kachi Koshi and keep climbing this January. If he can iron out a few wrinkles and maybe get a few lucky breaks I feel like 11 wins is in his range, maybe even 12, could be enough to be in contention on the last weekend. I'll be rooting for him. Also I would say your comment about sumo being top heavy right now definitely feels true and not just with our big 3 Ozeki and Yokozuna. The lower sanyaku is filled with guys right now who have proven success and the joi maegashira feels a bit weak by comparison for this tournament. I'll really be rooting for guys like Oho, Gonoyama, and Atamifuji to finally take the next step forward and get into the sanyaku but it doesn't really feel at all likely.
Very true, his November start absolutely shocked me after the slow start from September! (I was so high on him in September and had him on my fantasy team but alas haha). Still though, like you say he's such an exciting prospect I'd love to see him take another step forward and start piling up double digit bashos! Definitely agreed on the young guys stuck in joi-ish area. Like, I'm so high on Atamifuji, Gonoyama, Oho but maaaan... its just that next step forward to break into what is a very good san'yaku these days. Hopefully all of them get their breakouts this year!
I started watching sumo in the tournament after Daieisho yusho, just in time to watch Teru's final push to yokozuna and hakuho's last tournament. honestly I couldn't have picked a better time
Such a good time! The glimpse into Teru's dominance we all got in 2021, and even the wild wild west years through his injuries when we saw all those surprise winners like Tamawashi!
My top pick is Hoshoryo. He was so close to winning and would have if not for the slip. Coming out on that match just blazing and Koto was absolutely thrown off. I see Onosato as runner up. I have two dark horses, Takerufuji aaaaand Takanosho! He's big, moves well and seems to handle well enough when he goes for the miwashi even with bing a pusher/ thruster. But I feel he's going to make that breakthrough soon. Someone suggested Abi but I don't see it. He's had a decent couple basho but he also side steps way more than anyone else, especially against the larger more technical opponents.
Honestly the more I look back at Hoshoryu's stats (and after seeing that recent Chris Sumo video about him housing everybody in his way including Kotozakura in practice matches) the more I think he really could do this. I think it'd be an absolute dream to see him reel off a zensho yusho and go to yokozuna !
I personally give the edge to Hoshoryu in the mental game. He was not happy with his 13-2 runner up performance and has something to prove. He’s going to be giving everything he has in every bout! January basho is going to be so 🔥
I feel like a grandparent whose brain refuses to believe their grandkid is growing up! Haha. All that aside, I feel like this is crunchtime in most sports. Depending on what physicals your sport requires, most athletes are considered at their peak between 25 and 28. Really hope that means this is a steamroller year for Hoshoryu
Kisenosato was mentioned as somebody who was promoted with only 1 win as Ozeki. Kisenosato had Junyusho in 4 of the previous 5 tournaments and 11 Junyusho in the previous 4 years, while competing against Hakuo and several other strong yokuzuna during that time. Seems like a much more impressive record than Hoshoryu if he wins this time, or Kotozakura if he finishes 2nd with a very strong record.
Oh for sure the lack of yushos was actually the outlier on Kisenosato's resume. Both his 2013 and his 2016 were yokozuna level performances for 12 straight months.
Also, small correction on Hakuoho. He was in contention until Day 15 in July 2023 and lost to Hoshoryu, who went on to beat Hokutofuji in a playoff. I don’t think he’s quite back to that level yet, when he was fresh off a 14-1 in Juryo, but I’d be thrilled if he can get double digits again!
Thanks! I didn't remember that it was final day, my brain clearly rewrote the history! Agreed on double digits! Same way I talked about my brain telling me Takerufuji's 11 wins in November was a "disappointment" its all about recalibration. A slow smoulder of consistent double digit wins is so much better than an up and down 12 wins, 3 wins situation. I just hope he can recapture and surpass the level that drove him up the first time because it just feels so cruel to see guys like Onosato and Takerufuji surpass what he was building when he was the og. Stupid injuries...
Yeah exactly. And he’s still getting 9s and 10s whenever he manages to stay healthy. It could be a slower climb but he’ll get up there I feel. Hakuoho’s first Juryo tournament was my first time watching sumo, so he kinda became My Guy after that. He’s still only 20, so there’s time but you’re right that he’s been overshadowed by several other hot prospects. Hopefully as he keeps rising, he’ll start getting more focus again from the Isegahama coaches. Going from the second highest guy in his stable to like number 8 I’m sure didn’t help. (And definitely didn’t help Tenshoho either who hasn’t come back up from 3rd division yet)
HOSHORYU GOES ON A TERROR AND WINS JANUARY!!!! KOTOZAKURA GETS HIT WITH YUSHO HANGOVER!!!! ONOSATO GETS DOUBLE DIGITS BUT DOESN’T WIN!!!! 13-0 TERUNOFUJI VS 13-0 HOSHORYU FOR THE YUSHO!!!! HOSHORYU HASN’T FACED TERUNOFUJI SINCE HE WAS SEKIWAKE!!!! HOSHORYU SURPRISES TERUNOFUJI AND THROWS HIM LIKE HAKUHO DID IN JULY 2021!!!! HOSHORYU MAKES YOKOZUNA WITH A ON TOP OF A ZENSHO YUSHO!!!!
@@quackkuryu4680 Maaaan I hope so. I was so hyped after September and then November about broke me. I still think the Ozeki is in there, but it's a tough road forward. I hope this year is back to 2023 form!
Is there a reason why Sumo can't or shouldn't have an active Yokozuna at any time? Has it ever happened before? It would make the title even more distinguished and acclaimed if the back-to-back Ozeki basho win requirement was a stringent absolute. I.e. if it doesn't happen for years, then there is no Yokozuna (shudder through the room, I dare say 😂).
Ha! Yea so as far as I know there is no requirement that there be a yokozuna at all times, but at this point in history the JSA seem to have made it kindof a "soft rule" that they don't want to breach. That said there have definitely been periods with no yokozuna! I might be wrong about this but I think the early 90s was the last time it happened. (Admittedly before my time following sumo). But at that time Yokozunas Asahifuji (the current Isegahama Oyakata) and Hokutoumi (the current Chairman Hakkaku both retired in quick succession but then came the era of the Polynesians! Konishiki really led it off at Ozeki but then Akebono showed up quickly thereafter! So anyway all that to say I agree with you that just not having a yokozuna doesn't hurt the sport and the excitement of the chase for the next one is still there!
I think I agree because like.... the guy hasn't had a losing record since November of 2021! And even that was a 7-8! And honestly I should have made a bigger deal about this on the episode but Hoshoryu's 2024 was so good he just had a hard time in July (9) and September (8) because he got hurt in the middle of July. Other than that it was double digit wins all year!
Agreed with both of you. I'm hoping we get one last dominant hurrah from him even though I know is unlikely. But his story is just so amazing and that 2021 Teru was just so spectacular to watch, I'd just love one last glimpse.
Nice pick up on the stable drama Hakuoho has had to deal with on top of shoulder surgery. A slow recovery from that is to be expected, and not pushing it at his age is smart. I hope he can still find his previous potential.
Yea I mean honestly I'm still holding out hope that the JSA allows Hakuho to reinstate Miyagino Stable this year and bring all his boys back. There's just too many wrestlers in Isegahama right now, how are they all supposed to get appropriate training and coaching time? I hope the Hakuho Cup coming back is a sign of the JSA thawing toward Hakuho.
Meanwhile, we're all ignoring the rogue Abi stalking up behind them while the jaws theme is playing
Abi is my dark horse. Not that I'm a fan, but he's performed well lately and is the perfect anti-hero, forgotten about in all the hype, as you say.
This is the truth!
Those long arms are reaching from the Shadows!
Great stories, Hakuho Sho rise and utter dominance of all Sumo. Remember The GOAT had knee surgery several times and still fought and still carried on. His last match made Tero look utterly dominated and what a way to go out. He saved Sumo. Hakuho is the greatest individual sports figure of all time The Sumo elders hate him for his greatness which makes all of them seem pale in comparison. The public love and support him. No one will ever match his records, that is true greatness.
@@zworm2 I think you're very right on saving sumo. The Mongolians in general injected so much energy back into the sport. Im so interested to see if anyone in my lifetime can ever challenge any of his big records because they're just stunning. And he did benefit from Asashoryu exiting the picture but he definitely got the better of shoryu his fair share.
If I had to compare Hakuho to something, it would be the race horse, Secrectariat. Similar to Hakuho, that horse set so many records that will either not be broken or take a while to be broken.
And the fact that we are even having yokozuna talks at all right now is a huge breath of life in sumo that hasnt really been a thing since teru's promo. I hope we arent left disappointed 🤞
Agreed, its always tough when someone falls short, most recently thinking of Takakeisho's yokozuna attempt. But I guess thats what we need. Gotta keep the yokozuna standards high so that the chase is worth it.
My first basho was the amazing 2021 Nagoya basho. I've been hooked ever since and have converted my brother and my wife into diehard sumo fans since. Love the show guys, youre awesome.
Maaaan what a place to start! Dare I say, maybe the perfect place to start with a transition between yokozunas! And yaaaas love spreading the good word of sumo and thank you for watching we're so glad you like it! We just love having another way and another place to meet new people and talk about sumo!
I'm really glad this channel has ramped up the content output. I like hearing your guy's opinions and analysis of the state of sumo. Also, please keep doing guest commentary on smss! I hope to see you on that show for Hatsu
Thanks for saying so, glad you like it! We all just love having another outlet to meet new people and talk about sumo! And yes I love Goose and JJ on SMSS, hoping to get back on with them at least one day this basho if they'll have me haha.
Nice pick up on the stable drama Hakuoho has had to deal with on top of shoulder surgery. A slow recovery from that is to be expected, and not pushing it at his age is smart. I hope he can still find his previous potential.
Agree. I think he should just aim for kachi koshi. That would be a solid result.
@ I was referring to his slow progress through Juryo. If he has made his move to the top division again, I hope he is ready to roll again.
Yea I mean honestly I'm still holding out hope that the JSA allows Hakuho to reinstate Miyagino Stable this year and bring all his boys back. There's just too many wrestlers in Isegahama right now, how are they all supposed to get appropriate training and coaching time? I hope the Hakuho Cup coming back is a sign of the JSA thawing toward Hakuho.
Welcome to the Doyo gave me a video after making g the same 2 Yusho argument, and it documents several cases where the criteria was Ozeki with 26 wins and at least one Yusho in B2B tournaments.
One that's really interesting to me (that I personally don't think will happen) is Onosato's case. Like, I know the answer is no... but would there be rumblings to make him Yokozuna if he went 15-0 and won this thing, beating Teru and both his fellow Ozeki? Like I'm talking a true jaw dropping sort of "What else am I supposed to do, are you not entertained?"
@ I had thought the same thing. That would be 6 top tier tournaments, 3 championships, and at least 5 prizes. If that does not cut it then The Doyo’s research may be the best breakdown of the modern Yoko requirements.
Hoshoryu’s 8 and 9 win bashos are around more serious injuries . The fact that injuries have only slowed him down as he has developed really says something about him. He is also hitting his physical prime AND is using the power game much more, which led to the 13-2. To be going for Yoko right when you are hitting your stride is perfect!
Thats an awesome point about injuries slowing him down rather than stopping him dead in his tracks. Its both a good sign that his body has that resilience to keep going, and that he has the will to do it. Again, something like Wakatakakage's injury wasn't his fault or anything but its great to see Hosh dodging bullets and powering through the grazes.
@ I am a big Waka fan too, and I would love to see him get to Ozeki.
i feel like we'll get dissapointed by both koto and hosh, especially if the other big guys show up(teru,onosato,takeru,kiri)
I totally hear that. I mean that's the thing right, those two guys are amazing and its great to simplify the storylines down to a race between them... but that completely ignores the fact that Teru is probably coming back, Onosato is STILL there and still a monster, Takerufuji has never not had double digit wins in the top, Wakatakakage has been on a mission, Hakuoho is hopefully back... like... if either of those guys DOES get it done, its way more impressive than just them overcoming the other.
It looks like we are going to have at least one new Yokozuna but don't be surprised if at the end of the year we don't. There is a random factor in sumo. Luck is a part of advancement.
And the biggest part of luck, the injuries. They're the worst thing about sumo, but I'm hoping that new modern training and recovery techniques slowly roll them back in sumo and we get to see the best of this new generation.
@kinboshisumo you got that right. I think that's why Shodai is so unpredictable, he's ultra keen on not getting injured. I don't blame him.
Let's hope 🤞 to see a new yokozuna crowned. But we have Onasato and possibly Teru to play spoiler. But I'm sticking with Hoshoryu . 🎉
@@ARMY-ep6fz I know! The number of contenders is wild this time! I really do hope they get it done though. They're both so good but I do get wanting them to put on a clinic like 2021 Teru before crowning them
@kinboshisumo great show 👍
Takerufuji and Hakuoho feel like the obvious dark horses but I also wanna give a mention to Onokatsu, lest we forget he started 7-1 in November, he feels like he's maybe a step behind Takerufuji and Hakuoho in terms of proven success but I think he's for sure gonna get a Kachi Koshi and keep climbing this January. If he can iron out a few wrinkles and maybe get a few lucky breaks I feel like 11 wins is in his range, maybe even 12, could be enough to be in contention on the last weekend. I'll be rooting for him.
Also I would say your comment about sumo being top heavy right now definitely feels true and not just with our big 3 Ozeki and Yokozuna. The lower sanyaku is filled with guys right now who have proven success and the joi maegashira feels a bit weak by comparison for this tournament. I'll really be rooting for guys like Oho, Gonoyama, and Atamifuji to finally take the next step forward and get into the sanyaku but it doesn't really feel at all likely.
Very true, his November start absolutely shocked me after the slow start from September! (I was so high on him in September and had him on my fantasy team but alas haha). Still though, like you say he's such an exciting prospect I'd love to see him take another step forward and start piling up double digit bashos!
Definitely agreed on the young guys stuck in joi-ish area. Like, I'm so high on Atamifuji, Gonoyama, Oho but maaaan... its just that next step forward to break into what is a very good san'yaku these days. Hopefully all of them get their breakouts this year!
I started watching sumo in the tournament after Daieisho yusho, just in time to watch Teru's final push to yokozuna and hakuho's last tournament. honestly I couldn't have picked a better time
Such a good time! The glimpse into Teru's dominance we all got in 2021, and even the wild wild west years through his injuries when we saw all those surprise winners like Tamawashi!
My top pick is Hoshoryo. He was so close to winning and would have if not for the slip. Coming out on that match just blazing and Koto was absolutely thrown off. I see Onosato as runner up. I have two dark horses, Takerufuji aaaaand Takanosho! He's big, moves well and seems to handle well enough when he goes for the miwashi even with bing a pusher/ thruster. But I feel he's going to make that breakthrough soon. Someone suggested Abi but I don't see it. He's had a decent couple basho but he also side steps way more than anyone else, especially against the larger more technical opponents.
Honestly the more I look back at Hoshoryu's stats (and after seeing that recent Chris Sumo video about him housing everybody in his way including Kotozakura in practice matches) the more I think he really could do this. I think it'd be an absolute dream to see him reel off a zensho yusho and go to yokozuna !
I personally give the edge to Hoshoryu in the mental game. He was not happy with his 13-2 runner up performance and has something to prove. He’s going to be giving everything he has in every bout!
January basho is going to be so 🔥
Yaaas I hope so! I really do think you might be right, he seems like a guy whose mental game can really impact his physical sumo in a positive way.
You say Hoshoryu is 24 a few times. He's 25 and will be 26 in 4 months.
I feel like a grandparent whose brain refuses to believe their grandkid is growing up! Haha. All that aside, I feel like this is crunchtime in most sports. Depending on what physicals your sport requires, most athletes are considered at their peak between 25 and 28. Really hope that means this is a steamroller year for Hoshoryu
Kisenosato was mentioned as somebody who was promoted with only 1 win as Ozeki. Kisenosato had Junyusho in 4 of the previous 5 tournaments and 11 Junyusho in the previous 4 years, while competing against Hakuo and several other strong yokuzuna during that time. Seems like a much more impressive record than Hoshoryu if he wins this time, or Kotozakura if he finishes 2nd with a very strong record.
Oh for sure the lack of yushos was actually the outlier on Kisenosato's resume. Both his 2013 and his 2016 were yokozuna level performances for 12 straight months.
My heart says Wakamotoharu. I wouldn't let my wallet say that, though. 😄
That'd be wild!
Ura let’s go ❤
Yaaaaas! I hope he can capture that 2021 form but its tough up here at the top of Makuuchi! Always rooting for our boy though!
Also, small correction on Hakuoho. He was in contention until Day 15 in July 2023 and lost to Hoshoryu, who went on to beat Hokutofuji in a playoff.
I don’t think he’s quite back to that level yet, when he was fresh off a 14-1 in Juryo, but I’d be thrilled if he can get double digits again!
Thanks! I didn't remember that it was final day, my brain clearly rewrote the history! Agreed on double digits! Same way I talked about my brain telling me Takerufuji's 11 wins in November was a "disappointment" its all about recalibration. A slow smoulder of consistent double digit wins is so much better than an up and down 12 wins, 3 wins situation. I just hope he can recapture and surpass the level that drove him up the first time because it just feels so cruel to see guys like Onosato and Takerufuji surpass what he was building when he was the og. Stupid injuries...
Yeah exactly. And he’s still getting 9s and 10s whenever he manages to stay healthy. It could be a slower climb but he’ll get up there I feel.
Hakuoho’s first Juryo tournament was my first time watching sumo, so he kinda became My Guy after that. He’s still only 20, so there’s time but you’re right that he’s been overshadowed by several other hot prospects. Hopefully as he keeps rising, he’ll start getting more focus again from the Isegahama coaches. Going from the second highest guy in his stable to like number 8 I’m sure didn’t help. (And definitely didn’t help Tenshoho either who hasn’t come back up from 3rd division yet)
Jan 2024 first basho
Welcome to year two!! How'd you like your first year of sumo? Anything you're hoping to see from the second?
HOSHORYU GOES ON A TERROR AND WINS JANUARY!!!! KOTOZAKURA GETS HIT WITH YUSHO HANGOVER!!!! ONOSATO GETS DOUBLE DIGITS BUT DOESN’T WIN!!!! 13-0 TERUNOFUJI VS 13-0 HOSHORYU FOR THE YUSHO!!!! HOSHORYU HASN’T FACED TERUNOFUJI SINCE HE WAS SEKIWAKE!!!! HOSHORYU SURPRISES TERUNOFUJI AND THROWS HIM LIKE HAKUHO DID IN JULY 2021!!!! HOSHORYU MAKES YOKOZUNA WITH A ON TOP OF A ZENSHO YUSHO!!!!
Dude I want a zensho yusho so bad! And I love the 13 vs 13 storyline! Man that'd be an INSANE way to open the year!
Exclam overdose
Kirishima will have a comeback
@@quackkuryu4680 Maaaan I hope so. I was so hyped after September and then November about broke me. I still think the Ozeki is in there, but it's a tough road forward. I hope this year is back to 2023 form!
Is there a reason why Sumo can't or shouldn't have an active Yokozuna at any time? Has it ever happened before? It would make the title even more distinguished and acclaimed if the back-to-back Ozeki basho win requirement was a stringent absolute. I.e. if it doesn't happen for years, then there is no Yokozuna (shudder through the room, I dare say 😂).
Ha! Yea so as far as I know there is no requirement that there be a yokozuna at all times, but at this point in history the JSA seem to have made it kindof a "soft rule" that they don't want to breach. That said there have definitely been periods with no yokozuna! I might be wrong about this but I think the early 90s was the last time it happened. (Admittedly before my time following sumo). But at that time Yokozunas Asahifuji (the current Isegahama Oyakata) and Hokutoumi (the current Chairman Hakkaku both retired in quick succession but then came the era of the Polynesians! Konishiki really led it off at Ozeki but then Akebono showed up quickly thereafter!
So anyway all that to say I agree with you that just not having a yokozuna doesn't hurt the sport and the excitement of the chase for the next one is still there!
I think Hoshoryu is more consistent
I think I agree because like.... the guy hasn't had a losing record since November of 2021! And even that was a 7-8! And honestly I should have made a bigger deal about this on the episode but Hoshoryu's 2024 was so good he just had a hard time in July (9) and September (8) because he got hurt in the middle of July. Other than that it was double digit wins all year!
If Terun shows up he will be gone by the third day. I truly hate to say it but his body isn't up to it anymore and he should retire.
That seems probable, though many people said the same thing before his yusho in July
Agreed with both of you. I'm hoping we get one last dominant hurrah from him even though I know is unlikely. But his story is just so amazing and that 2021 Teru was just so spectacular to watch, I'd just love one last glimpse.
Nice pick up on the stable drama Hakuoho has had to deal with on top of shoulder surgery. A slow recovery from that is to be expected, and not pushing it at his age is smart. I hope he can still find his previous potential.
Yea I mean honestly I'm still holding out hope that the JSA allows Hakuho to reinstate Miyagino Stable this year and bring all his boys back. There's just too many wrestlers in Isegahama right now, how are they all supposed to get appropriate training and coaching time? I hope the Hakuho Cup coming back is a sign of the JSA thawing toward Hakuho.
@ Hakuho needs to learn to shut his mouth until he has support on the Sumo board, then maybe he can modernize things.