News, results & more from Japanese Pro Wrestling & Sumo
Per a notice from my site hosting service, there may be unplanned downtime on the site on Thursday, July 16, 2026 for up to 3 hours due to host-side maintenance. The planned window is from 10 AM-1 PM GMT/UTC, or 3 AM PT-6 AM PT. If it runs long there is a chance of slight delays of some posts tomorrow morning.
Apologies in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.
DDT kicked off a Beer Garden Pro Wrestling doubleheader in Tokyo today, perhaps their last one in Shinjuku.
Today’s event was held at Shinjuku Face in Tokyo and can be watched on demand on WRESTLE UNIVERSE.
The paid attendance was not announced but it was a legit advance sellout.
Before the event began during the NwA Jr live…
Shunna Katsumata beat DDT Iron Man Heavymetalweight Champion Kazuma Sumi to win the title. Katsumata becomes the 1841st Champion.
Match 1: Jun Akiyama & Takao Soma beat Naomi Yoshimura & Rukiya. Akiyama pinned Rukiya after a knee strike.
Match 2: Invisible Kazuki Hirata won a 8 man/invisible man battle royal, last eliminating Kazuki Hirata.
Match 3: Hidrki Okatani & Illusion beat Yuni & O-MENZ Kumadori. Okatani pinned Yuni.
Match 4: 2 Danshoku Dienos (one the real thing, one not) beat Junta Miyawaki (as Antonio Honda) & Antonio Honda. One of the Dienos pinned Honda.
Match 5: Yuki Ueno, Shinya Aoki, To-y & Kaisei Takechi beat KANON, Yuki Iino, Yukio Naya & Viento Levante. Takechi pinned Levante after Break It Down.
Match 6: Takeshi Masada, Yuya Koroku & Daichi Sato beat HARASHIMA, Yuki Ishida & Hinata Kasai. Sato pinned Kasai after Fire Thunder.
Main Event: In a King Of Drunk match, Shunma Katsumata beat Daisuke Sasaki, Kazuma Sumi, Chris Brookes & MAO in a 5-way by KO. As a result, Katsumata earns a “Money In The Bank” title shot right for the KO-D Openweight Championship over the next couple months. The post-match celebration was crashed by Illusion, who created his own version and got it approved by GM Imabayashi and can use it starting tomorrow.
The next event is tomorrow. It is also a legit advance sellout. Live streaming on WRESTLE UNIVERSE will begin at 3 AM PT/6 AM ET.
Here are the quick results from today’s Day 4 of the July 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (top tier):
Sadanoumi (J2) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Shishi (M14) beat Kazuma (M15)
Nishikifuji (M13) beat Asakoryu (M16?
Takerufuji (M13) beat Daiseizan (M16)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Abi (M12)
Wakanosho (M11) beat Mitakeumi (M11)
Asahakuryu (M12) beat Chiyoshoma (M10)
Fujiryoga (M9) beat Tobizaru (M9)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Roga (M8)
Kotoeiho (M7) beat Takayasu (M7)
Wakamotoharu (M8) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Ura (M5) beat Oshoma (M5)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Shodai (M6)
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Yoshinofuji (K) beat Aonishiki (S)
Oho (K) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Daieisho (M4) beat Atamifuji (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Takanosho (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Gonoyama (M2) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Gonoyama!
Leader: Shishi, Wakanosho, Kirishima (4-0)
Of note: It was a judgement call that went against Onosato and the referee’s call for the Yokozuna was overturned after a Mono-ii (judges conference). It was very close as Onosato was in the air but outside the ring as Gonoyama hit the dohyo. The Japanese sumo media online are suggesting the initial call was clearly wrong, I’d need to see different angles than what I can see in the video on the official Grand Sumo app to be sure. Still, we can’t overlook that Onosato is now 1-3. Doesn’t appear injury-related but bad luck and performances. Most of Sanyaku fell off the lead pace today as several took their first loss including Aonishiki, but it’s not a big blow to his re-promotion hopes as he still needs 7 wins and is 3-1. Kirishima is one of 3 at 4-0 and in the lead, remaining in early Yokozuna contention. Gonoyama gets his second Kinboshi chance tomorrow against Hoshoryu while Churanoumi also gets his second chance against Onosato. Aonishiki faces Kotozakura (both 3-1) while Kirishima has 0-4 Hiradoumi.
Juryo:
Nishikigi (J14) beat Tohakuryu (J12)
Arashifuji (J13) beat Kayo (J12)
Enho (J11) beat Toxhitaikai (J14)
Hitoshi (J10) beat Kagayaki (J11)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Tamashoho (J10)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Midorifuji (J8)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Meisei (J7)
Tamawashi (J7) beat Shonannoumi (J6)
Kazekeno (J6) beat Oshoumi (J5)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Tomokaze (J4)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Toshinofuji (J4)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Asasuiryu (J1)
Kyokukaiyu (J1) beat Ryuden (J3)
Leader: Shirokuma, Arashifuji (4-0)
Of note: Enho got back to 2-2 today with a winning streak following losing his first 2, and will go for 3 straight tomorrow against Nishikigi. A number of 3-0 co-leaders lost today leaving just 2 tied for the lead now, and Tamawashi also got back to 2-2 with a win. The Iron Man has another former top tier mainstay tomorrow in Meisei, who is struggling at 0-4 and reportedly was dealing with more injury/illness issues right before the tournament, reportedly dizziness.
Lower tier notes: There likely won’t be an Asahifuji-Kiryuko Playoff 3 in Makushita as Kiryuko took the first non-playoff loss of his post-injury comeback today, ending his winning streak at 15. No matches for Asahifuji & Mita tomorrow so it looks like they’ll be back Friday on Day 6. And while we’re down there…RARE KIMARITE ALERT!! Ryuho, who is at Ms17, beat Asonoyama at Ms15 with a new-to-me technique: sabaori, forward force down-to use both hands to wrap around the opponent’s hips and pull him forward, and lean over from above forcing the opponent to lower his stance and get down on his knees. (Description via the Grand Sumo app)
Here is a video example of the move from NHK World Japan (via YouTube):
https://youtu.be/yg03NP5Q7fI?is=pj8TfbR_V3s4CRxQ
Stardom has announced a major change for the upcoming 5STAR GP Tournament: Bea Priestley, who was to have been in the Blue A Block, is now out. Unspecified injury. That was revealed at a presser with all participants over the weekend. Today it was announced that Julia Hart of All Elite Wrestling will be the replacement. While I no longer follow AEW Hart is someone I’ve always been a fan of so I’m excited for her to get this opportunity.
The tournament begins Saturday with this month’s PPV.
New Japan has announced a major injury update for the G1 CLIMAX 36-as you can probably guess from the reference above, the injured wrestler is Shota Umino. Concussion. Out of the tournament. Occurred Saturday, he was showing symptoms post-match. All his remaining matches will be forfeits and all wrestlers in his block except Zack Sabre Jr., who beat Umino Saturday, get 2 points as a result. It’s not yet known how long Umino will be out except the tournament duration which means at least a month.
More as it becomes available.
Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 of the July 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (top tier):
Kazuma (M15) beat Tokihayate (J2)
Asakoryu (M16) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Shishi (M14) beat Daiseizan (M16)
Nishikifuji (M13) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Takerufuji (M13) beat Abi (M12)
Wakanosho (M11) beat Asahakuryu (M12)
Chiyoshoma (M10) beat Mitakeumi (M11)
Fujiryoga (M9) beat Asanoyama (M10)
Roga (M8) beat Tobizaru (M9)
Kotoeiho (M7) beat Wakamotoharu (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Shodai (M6) beat Ura (M5)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Oshoma (M5)
Daisieho (M4) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Yoshinofuji (K)
Atamifuji (S) beat Oho (K)
Aonishiki (S) beat Hakunofuji (M3)
Churanoumi (M2) beat Kotozakura (O)
Kirishima (O) beat Gonoyama (M3)
Onosato (Y) beat Takanosho (M1)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Hoshoryu (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The 4th career Gold Star Victory for Fujinokawa!
Of note: Does Fujinokawa mean Yokozuna Killer in some language? In the last 3 tournaments he has 4 matches against the Yokozuna…and has won them all. The only reason he doesn’t have 5 Kinboshi already is his May win over Hoshoryu was a fusen due to the post-Day 1 withdrawal. Nikkan Sports reported that between prize money and the kinboshi Fujinokawa earned over 6 million yen for yesterday’s win, or over $35,000 US. Which works out to hundreds, if not thousands, per second. Wish I could make that kind of money! Onosato snapped his active 6-match losing streak (7 if a fusen is included) today with his first win since January Day 14, which has to be a huge relief. Kirishima & Aonishiki kept their good starts going as both go to 3-0, meaning Aonishiki now needs 7 more wins for Ozeki re-promotion. Kirishima needs at least 9 more wins for Yokozuna consideration.
Juryo:
Arashifuji (J13) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Nishikigi (J14) beat Kayo (J12)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Tohakuryu (J12)
Enho (J11) beat Tamashoho (J10)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Hitoshi (J10)
Hatsuyama (J8) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Midorifuji (J6) beat Tamawashi (J7)
Kazekeno (J6) beat Meisei (J7)
Shonannoumi (J6) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Toshinofuji (J4) beat Oshoumi (J5)
Tomokaze (J4) beat Ryuden (J3)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Asasuiryu (J1) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Of note: Enho snapped his opening losing streak with his first win today, a big relief. He’ll face Tochitaikai tomorrow as both try to get to 2-2. A battle of former top tier mainstays ended with Midorifuji going to 3-0 by beating Tamawashi, dropping the Iron Man to 1-2. He has another former top tier opponent tomorrow in Shonannoumi who is currently 3-0. Sadanoumi goes back up to the top tier tomorrow as the Juryo Man, he is currently 0-3 and struggling to try and make it back up.
Lower tier notes: 23-0 for Asahifuji as he won his second Makushita match in consecutive days today. That means no match tomorrow. Mita also went to 2-0 with a win while Kiryuko didn’t have a match today so he’ll compete tomorrow. And Moriurara is halfway to 41 in Jonokuchi, 0-2 after 3 days puts him halfway to 7 consecutive years of losing records/demotions.
In a good way, and on stage…Stardom announced today that Syuri will be featured in an upcoming stage performance in Tokyo at the end of summer. The play is called “BAD END”, here is a translated synopsis of the play: “After successfully robbing a bank, the group gathers in an abandoned warehouse to distribute the stolen cash.
However, of the 200 million yen stolen, 40 million yen had disappeared.
Did one of the comrades steal it?—
Amid swirling suspicions, the secrets and desires each of them had been hiding begin to surface.
Eventually, the life-or-death plan begins to spiral into a “BAD END” that no one can stop.”
Syuri will play a former police officer (name translates as Flower) who is part of the group. Here are translated comments from her and about her character: “How do I see myself?
Having continued wrestling, they often come across as stoic.
But actually, I’m a person who is easily moved by emotions.
That’s why I love theater.
Flower is a former police officer who appears cool but lives with loneliness and conflict, carrying feelings of unfulfillment in her life.
While layering her emotional turmoil and pain with her own emotions, she carefully builds each piece to deliver a memorable work.
I would be delighted if you could see it in theaters.”
Syuri joins other current/former wrestlers, most notably Saki Akai & Nao Kakuta, who also are/were actresses on stage during or after their careers (Akai has appeared in several major video game-based plays, including some based on the “Final Fantasy” franchise). The play is scheduled to run for 7 performances between 8/28-9/1 at Atelier Fanfare Koenji in Tokyo. Ticket sales begin Friday. Below is a poster for the show:
Syuri is the one on the left in the middle row. It’s not yet known if she will miss any Stardom events as a result but it looks like she will not as there are no events scheduled that week. I hope this may show up online someday so I can watch it and I send best wishes to Syuri for this exciting opportunity.
Here are the quick results from today’s Day 2 of the July 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (top tier):
Asasuiryu (J1) beat Daiseizan (M16)
Kazuma (M15) beat Asakoryu (M16)
Kinbozan (M14) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Shishi (M14) beat Takerufuji (M13)
Nishikifuji (M13) beat Asahakuryu (M12)
Abi (M12) beat Mitakeumi (M11)
Wakanosho (M11) beat Asanoyama (M10)
Tobizaru (M9) beat Chiyoshoma (M10)
Wakamotoharu (M8) beat Fujiryoga (M9)
Takayasu (M7) beat Roga (M8)
Kotoeiho (M7) beat Shodai (M6)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Oshoma (M5)
Daieisho (M4) beat Ura (M3)
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Ichiyamamoto (M4)
Atamifuji (S) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Aonishiki (S) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Kirishima (O) beat Oho (K)
Kotozakura (O) beat Yoshinofuji (K)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Takanosho (M1)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Onosato (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The third career Gold Star Victory for Fujinokawa!
Of note: Ono, not again…another 0-2 Onosato start already puts him almost out of it already given Hoshoryu, both Ozeki and all 3 active Sekiwake are 2-0. Does he try and turn it around or will Nishonoseki come up with an excuse to pull him out again? As noted above, the 2-0 starts mean Aonishiki is now 8 wins away from Ozeki re-promotion and Kirishima is off to a good early start in this attempt at Yokozuna promotion while Kotozakura now needs 6 wins to keep his Ozeki rank. Onosato has Takanosho tomorrow while Hoshoryu faces Fujinokaea. At the bottom, Kazuma picked up his first top tier win today after losing to Daiseizan yesterday when Daiseizan got an impressive top tier debut win over Kaxuma with a nifty spin move and push out at the edge, at first it made it look like Kazuma only got a handful of sagari but when different camera angles were shown that caught the move at a better angle.
Juryo:
Arashifuji (J13) beat Nishikigi (J14)
Kayo (J12) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Tobakuryu (J12) beat Enho (J11)
Kagayaki (J11) beat Tamashoho (J10)
Hitoshi (J10) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Midorifuji (J8) beat Meisei (J7)
Kazekeno (J6) beat Tamawashi (J7)
Shonannoumi (J6) beat Oshoumi (J5)
Toshinofuji (J4) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Dewanoryu (J3) beat Tomokaze (J4)
Ryuden (J3) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Kyokukaiyu (J1) beat Tokihayate (J2)
Of note: I think Enho was looking too forward to a potential Kagayaki match as he’s off to an 0-2 start. Said match won’t happen at least until Fay 4 as he has Tamashoho tomorrow, also 0-2. Tamawashi sits at 1-1 after a loss today.
Lower tier notes: 22-0 for Asahifuji as he won bis Makushita debut today, while farther down Kiryuko also won his Makushita return match to potentially start the path to a third consecutive playoff between them if they both go 7-0 again. Asahifuji has his second match tomorrow as does Mita while Kiryuko will not compete again but will be back on Day 4. Down in Jonokuchi, it looks like the start of 41 straight for Moriurara with a loss and potentially 0-2 tomorrow.
Dragon Gate said their final farewell to Shinjuku Face today with their last event as the closing Tokyo venue.
Today’s event was held at Shinjuku Face in Tokyo and can be watched on demand on DRAGONGATE NETWORK. You can also watch the first match FOR FREE on YouTube.
The paid attendance bas not yet been announced. (UPDATE: The announced paid attendance was 486, a legit sellout. Just 14 short of full capacity)
Match 1: Hyo vs. Gianni Valetta went to a 10 minute time limit draw.
Match 2: Kikutaro beat Jiro Shinbashi.
Match 3: GuC won a 10 man battle royal, last eliminating Mochizuki Junior.
Match 4: Punch Tominaga 15th anniversary Match: Kendo Ka Shin & Masaaki Movhizuki beat YAMATO & Punch Tominaga. Ka Shin beat Tominaga.
Match 5: Yuki Yoshioka & Kota Minoura beat Susumu Yokosuka & KAGETORA. Minoura pinned KAGETORA after Endgame.
Main Event: Shun Skywalker, Dragon Kid, Strong Machine J, Flamita & Diamante (Luis Mante, back in his old masked persona for one day only) beat Madoka Kikuta, KAI, ISHIN, Jason Lee & Yoshiki Kato. Slywalker pinned Lee after SSW.
The next event is Saturday at Kyoto KBS Hall in Kyoto. Live streaming on DRAGONGATE NETWORK will begin at 1 AM PT/4 AM ET.
Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the July 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Nagoya:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (top tier):
Asakoryu (M16) beat Kyokukaiyu (J1)
Daiseizan (M16) beat Kazuma (M15)
Shishi (M14) beat Onokatsu (M15)
Takerufuji (M13) beat Kinbozan (M14)
Abi (M12) beat Nishikifuji (M13)
Asahakuryu (M12) beat Mitakeumi (M11)
Wakanosho (M11) beat Chiyoshoma (M12)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Tobizaru (M9)
Fujiryoga (M9) beat Roga (M8)
Takayasu (M7) beat Wakamotoharu (M8)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Kotoeiho (M7)
Oshoma (M5) beat Shodai (M6)
Ichiyamamoto (M4) beat Ura (M5)
Hakunofuji (M3) beat Daieisho (M4)
Aonishiki (S) beat hiradoumi (M3)
Kotoshoho (S) beat Churanoumi (M2)
Atamifuji (S) beat Gonoyama (M2)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takanosho (M1)
Kirishima (O) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Yoshinofuji (K) beat Onosato (Y)
Hoshoryu (Y) beat Oho (K)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Wakatakakage (S). Left thigh (compartment syndrome). Will not compete this tournament.
Of note: There were reports the Wakatakakage injury was almost career-threatening and possibly life-threatening had he waited a few more hours than he did to go to the hospital. He was in intensive care for several days but is out although he remains hospitalized. The injury apparently happened in practice earlier in the month when visiting Sadogatake Beya. How long he’s out is uncertain but some internet rumors suggest 4-6 months, which would put him out of November and, if he misses January, possibly back down to Makushita when he returns. Hochi Sports reported yesterday he will be out at least 2 months, so he is questionable at best for September. This will be the first time in 2 years the prior tournament’s champion does not compete in the following tournament (Terunofuji, who of course after making Yokozuna either won the championship or did not finish the tournament/did not even enter). If he misses September he will probably be demoted to Juryo.
As for in-ring today, Snayaku generally got off to a good start except for Onosato, who was exposed for his continued over-pulling weakness and easily dispatched by Yoshinofuji, who is now 4-0 against the Yokozuna (with one withdrawal). Hoshoryu easily beat Oho while Kirishima nicely pushed down Fujinokawa to begin his Yokozuna bid, and Aonishiki’s efffort to return to Ozeki saw him quickly throw down Hiradoumi. Aonishiki now needs 9 more wins to be promoted to Ozeki.
Juryo:
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Nishikigi (J14))
Arashifuji (J13) beat Tohakuryu (J12)
Kayo (J12) beat Kagayaki (J11)
Hitoshi (J10) beat Enho (J11)
Shirokuma (J9) beat Tamashoho (J10)
Midorifuji (J8) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Tamawashi (J7) beat Hatsuyama (J8)
Shonannoumi (J6) beat Meisei (J7)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Kazekeno (J6)
Tomokaze (J4) beat Oshoumi (J5)
Toshinofuji (J4) beat Ryuden (J3)
Tokihayate (J2) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Asasuiryu (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
WITHDRAWAL (Pre-Tournament): Hakuyozan (J13). Right achilles tendon. Will not compete this tournament. Out about 6 months dating back to surgery about a month ago so his year is over. Will be demoted from Juryo as a result.
Of note: Not the best start for Enho with a loss to Hitoshi, but one good sign was Midorifuji winning with his signature katasukashi for the first time in a couple tournaments. But the real story of course is Tamawashi, who is a Juryo man for the first time in 13 years after being demoted from the top tier after May when he went 2-13, largely due to injury. No signs of that injury now, and after Hatsuyama came out quickly the Iron Man got his signature nodowa locked in for an easy win after that.
Lower tier notes: Whether or not Asahifuji can continue his unbeaten rise to Juryo and make it happen this time is the big story in Makushita, but it is on hold because of no match today. His first match is tomorrow, he is at Ms11 and probably will reach Juryo with a championship or 7-0. Mita picked up a win in his Makushita return at Ms41 as he also tries to climb back up to Juryo. Kiryuko, who lost the last 2 tournaments to Asahifuji in playoffs after also going 7-0, did not have a match today and will start his effort tomorrow. Tomorrow also marks the start of the tournament for everyone’s favorite lovable loser Moriurara in Jonokuchi as he tries to stop a 40-tournament demotion/losing record streak that now dates back 7 years to his last winning effort in July 2019 (the May 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic).