News, results & more from Japanese Pro Wrestling & Sumo
Stardom has announced that two wrestlers are headed to the sidelines again for injuries, this time it’s Mei Seira & Anne Kanaya. Seira-unspecified beyond treatment. Out indefinitely. Kanaya-removal of an inserted metal plate from a prior injury. Out about a month. Announcements regarding returns will be made when appropriate.
More as it becomes available
Here are the quick results from today’s Day 3 of the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita
Makuuchi (top tier):
Onokatsu (J1) beat Fujiryoga (M17)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Ryuden (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Oshoumi (M15)
Roga (M14) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Shishi (M12) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Kinbozan (M11)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Ura (M11)
Asahakuryu (M8) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Oshoma (M8) beat Abi (M9)
Chiyoshoma (M6) beat Asakoryu (M7)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Churanoumi (M6)
Wakamotoharu (M5) beat Shodai (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Daieisho (M4)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Takayasu (K)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Yoshinofuji (M2)
Kotoshoho (K) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Atamifuji (S) beat Oho (M3)
Kirishima (O) beat Fujinokawa (M1)
Kotozakura (O) beat Takanosho (M1)
Of note: A much better day for Sanyaku today as all the losers of the first 2 days got their first wins including both Sekiwake & Kotozakura while Kirishima is off to a 3-0 start. Wakatakakage joins then at 3-0 while Kotoeiho is also in that early leader group. And it’s time to start worrying about Tamawashi’s top tier Iron Man streak-there’s still plenty of time to right the ship but 0-3 at M13 is early trouble for keeping it going into July.
Tomorrow also means, with a return still uncertain, Aonishiki is now halfway to demotion from Ozeki. He will get one chance at quick re-promotion in July if demoted to Sekiwake, he would need at least 10 wins. Keep in mind he is/was expected to be out 3 weeks due to an ankle injury suffered last week so there is a chance he does not compete at all and takes the demotion.
Daiseizan will be the Juryo man up tomorrow, he is 3-0 at J1 in his latest attempt to finally make it up and will face Ryuden who is 0-3.
Juryo:
Enho (J14) beat Takakento (Ms1)
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Okaryu (J13)
Hitoshi (J12) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Midorifuji (J10)
Tohakuryu (J10) beat Kayo (J9)
Shonannoumi (J8) beat Nishinoryu (J9)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Meisei (J6) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Kazuma (J6) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Asasuiryu (J4) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Hatsuyama (J3)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J3)
Of note: That’s 3-0 for Enho after today’s win as he maintains an early share of the lead, he’ll face newcomer Okaryu tomorrow. 7 are currently 3-0 while 6 are 0-3, with Hakuyozan & Nishikigi putting themselves in early demotion danger while Sadanoumi may be seeing a top tier return chance slip away again and Dewanoryu also struggling early.
Fujitensei will be the Makushita man up tomorrow, he is currently 1-1 at Ms1 and will face Tochitaikai.
Lower tier notes: Some former Juryo men are off to good starts in their latest efforts to return-Kiryuko is 2-0 in Sandamne as is Mita, who returned this tournament after an injury last year caused his demotion from upper Juryo and straight down through Makushita. Mita is at Sd21 so promotion should get him back up to Makushita for July if that happens. Meanwhile, Isegahama super-prospect Asahifuji also improved to 2-0 and is now 16-0 to start his career.
UPDATE: According to Hochi Sports, Takayasu has WITHDRAWN. Right leg/foot injury suffered in today’s match (possibly adductor muscle). Status uncertain but hopes to return this tournament. Oho will get the fusen tomorrow as a result.
The United Japan Pro Wrestling group aka Japan Pro Wrestling Federation, made up of several major and independent promotions (excluding All-Japan Pro Wrestling) held its latest event today in Tokyo. Called FACE THE NEXT, it spotlighted younger & less experienced wrestlers while also serving as a de facto farewell to the venue that is closing soon. New Japan was responsible for promoting the event.
Today‘s event was held at Shinjuku Face in Tokyo. There is/was no live or on demand broadcast (at least at this time).
The announced paid attendance was 460, a legit sellout.
Before the event began, a talk show event was held with New Japan wrestler Kosei Fujita & DDT wrestler Takeshi Masada, followed by a speech from Japan Pro Wrestling Federation representative director Sanshiro Takagi.
Match 1: Tatsuya Matsunoto (New Japan) vs. Yuto Koyanagi (Pro Wrestling NOAH) went to a 10 minute time limit draw.
Match 2: Jiro Shinbashi (Dragon Gate), Hinata Kasai (DDT) & Sentaro Motojima (Ganbare Pro) beat Midori Takahashi (Pro Wrestling NOAH), @KEY (Dragon Gate) & Beniyo Ume (Kyushu Pro Wrestling). Motojima pinned Ume.
Match 3: Takama Selishige (Big Japan), Masatora Yasuda (New Japan), Shota Kawakami (Ganbare Pro) & Katsumi Inahata (Pro Wrestling NOAH) beat Taisei Nakahara (New Japan), Reiya Igarashi (Freedoms), Rukiya (DDT) & GuC (Dragon Gate). Yasuda pinned Nakahara.
Match 4: Kazuma Kimura (Dragon Gate), Daichi Sato (DDT) & Kazumasa Yoshida (Big Japan) beat Hiroto Tsuruya (Pro Wrestling NOAH), Koshiro Asakusa (Big Japan) & Yuki Ishida (DDT). Sato pinned Asakura after Mad Splash.
Match 5: Yuya Koroku (DDT) beat Homare (Dragon Gate) by submission.
Main Event: Ryoya Tanaka (Dragon Gate), Munetatsu Nakamura (Ganbare Pro) & Kazuma Sumi (DDT) beat Daiki Odashima (Pro Wrestling NOAH), Daiki Nagai (New Japan) & Illusion (DDT). Tanaka pinned Illusion after Stardust Press Joker Strider.
After the main event, New Japan President Hiroshi Tanahashi appeared to put over all the wrestlers and send the crowd home happy.
No word yet on when the next UJPW event will be held.
DDT took a break from KING OF DDT to run the May house shows starting yesterday in Nagoya.
Yesterday’s event was held at Imaike Gas Hall in Nagoya and will be available on demand on WRESTLE UNIVERSE Thursday. There was no live broadcast.
The paid attendance was not announced.
Match 1: Yuni & Yuki Ishida beat Viente Maligno & Hinata Kasai. Ishida pinned Kasai.
Match 2: Naomi Yoshimura beat Danshoku Dieno & Kazuki Hirata in a 3-way by pinning Hirata
Match 3: Akito, Junta Miyawaki & Yuya Korku beat Hideki Okatani, Daisuke Sasaki & Illusion. Miyawaki pinned Okatani after Sunshine Schoolboy. Afterwards, Miyawaki issued a DDT Extreme Championship challenge to Okatani. That match will happen on 6/21 at Chunichi Hall.
Match 4: MAO & KANON beat Takeshi Masada & Daichi Sato. MAO pinned Sato after a running palm.
Match 5: Kazuma Sumi & Yukio Naya beat Jun Akiyama & Masami Inahata. Naya pinned Inahata.
Main Event: Yuki Ueno, Shunma Katsumata & To-y beat Chris Brookes, HARASHIMA & Antonio Honda. To-y pinned Honda after Kojima Impact. Afterwards, To-y issued a KO-D Tag Team Championship challenge for himself & Ueno. Brookes said no but the fans said yes. And based on that, Acting GM Akito said yes too. That match will happen on 6/21.
The next event is Saturday at Yokohama Radiant Hall in Yokohama. Live streaming on WRESTLE UNIVERSE will begin Friday at 9 PM PT/midnight ET.
Injury Report: It appears Inahata was injured during today’s match. Back. Out at least 1 week.
Here are the quick results from today’s Day 2 of the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (top tier):
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Wakanosho (M16)
Oshoumi (M15) beat Ryuden (M16)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M14)
Roga (M14) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Shishi (M12)
Kinbozan (M11) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Hakunofuji (M10) beat Asanoyama (M10)
Nishikifuji (M9) beat Ura (M11)
Asahakuryu (M8) beat Oshoma (M8)
Asakoryu (M7) beat Abi (M9)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Shodai (M5) beat Fujiseiun (M6)
Daieisho (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Oho (M3) beat Gonoyama (M4)
Takayasu (K) beat Ichiyamamoto (M2)
Hiradoumi (M3) beat Atamifuji (S)
Takanosho (M1) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Kotozakura (O)
Kirishima (O) beat Yoshinofuji (M2)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Hoshoryu (Y) by default/withdrawal
WITHDRAWAL: Hoshoryu (Y). Right thigh/hamstring. Occurred yesterday during loss to Takayasu. Tournament over. Out about 2 weeks. Fujinokawa got the fusen as a result.
Of note: Poor Hakkaku, just can’t catch a break with his Yokozuna. This is also the first time since 2021 that a tournament that began with two Yokozuna will see neither finish. Hoshoryu sounds like a game-time decision for the upcoming France special event in June per stablemaster Tatsunami. There is still a long way to go but the door just got blown wide open for Kirishima in his quest for a second straight title, moreso with Kotozakura and both Sekiwake now 0-2. Should Kirishima triumph again, it has been said that his chances of Yokozuna promotion for July are virtually zero, much like after Aonishiki’s double earlier this year. And Kirishima is also reportedly fighting injured too, but it’s said to be just a mild ear injury only affecting his hearing a little. Starting tomorrow we’ll also have a Juryo man up each day until there is another withdrawal. First up will be just-demoted Onokatsu who is J1.
Juryo:
Tochitaikai (J14) beat Okaryu (J13)
Enho (J14) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Tohakuryu (J10)
Midorifuji (J10) beat Kayo (J9)
Kagayaki (J7) beat Shirokuma (J8)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Kazuma (J6) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Meisei (J6) beat Kitanowaka (J5)
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Hatsuyama (J3) beat Asasuiryu (J4)
Onokatsu (J1) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Takerufuji (J2)
Of note: The good start for Enho’s Juryo return continues as he is off to a quick 2-0 start, with a Makushita man now coming up daily that means tomorrow he’ll face Takakento, one that Enho edged out for the last Juryo spot this tournament. Takakento is Ms1 this time. As noted above, Onokatsu goes back to the top tier for tomorrow due to the Hoshoryu withdrawal.
UPDATE: Hoshoryu injury update-mils muscle tear in the back of his right thigh. IN for France in June. Per Tatsunami he is also probable for retirement events at the end of the month (one of which is for Oyama fka Hokutofuji).
Another longtime legend of New Japan is calling it a career…at a press conference earlier today, Hiroyoshi Tenzan announced his upcoming retirement due to injuries. His retirement match will be at the G1 CLIMAX 36 Finals on 8/15 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, and he will remain with the promotion in a behind-the-scenes position.
More as it becomes available.
Here are the quick results from today’s Day 1-Opening Day-of the May 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo
Makuuchi (top tier):
Fujiryoga (M17) beat Ryuden (M16)
Wakanosho (M16) beat Oshoumi (M`15)
Tobizaru (M15) beat Roga (M14)
Mitakeumi (M14) beat Tamawashi (M13)
Kotoeiho (M13) beat Tokihayate (M12)
Kinbozan (M11) beat Shishi (M12)
Ura (M11) beat Hakunofuji (M10)
Asanoyama (M10) beat Nishikifuji (M9)
Abi (M9) beat Asahakuryu (M8)
Asakoryu (M7) beat Oshoma (M8)
Fujiseiun (M6) beat Chiyoshoma (M7)
Churanoumi (M6) beat Shodai (M5)
Gonoyama (M4) beat Wakamotoharu (M5)
Daieisho (M4) beat Oho (M3)
Wakatakakage (K) beat Hiradoumi (M3)
Yoshinofuji (M2) beat Kotoshoho (S)
Ichiyamamoto (M2) beat Atamifuji (S)
Kirishima (O) beat Takanosho (M1)
Fujinokawa (M1) beat Kotozakura (O)
Takayasu (K) beat Hoshoryu (Y)
WITHDRAWALS (Pre-Tournament), Aonishiki (O), Onosato (Y). Aonishiki-left ankle. Status uncertain. Potentially out 3 weeks according to Hochi Sports. But if he can’t return before halfway or get 8+ wins he will be demoted to Sekiwake. Per stablemaster Ajigawa the earliest possible return is Tuesday for Day 3. Onosato-left shoulder. Will not participate this tournament. This would be the first time he misses an entire tournament. Still no surgery per stablemaster Nishonoseki. According to NHK World Japan’s English language highlights program, rotator cuff. Out at least another month.
Of note: Not a good start for Sanyaku except for Kirishima, going for 2 straight championships, and Takayasu. Everyone else lost, notably Hoshoryu to Takayasu. Both new Sekiwake also started with losses too. Only Day 1 but for Hoshoryu, considering no Aonishiki perhaps and no Onosato, panic already. And…oh no, Hoshoryu may be hurt too. Favoring his right leg/thighas he went down awkwardly in the loss. Updates to hopefully follow later today.
Juryo:
Enho (J14) beat Tochitaikai (J14)
Okaryu (J13) beat Hakuyozan (J13)
Tamashoho (J12) beat Hitoshi (J12)
Kazekeno (J11) beat Nishikigi (J11)
Tohakuryu (M10) beat Midorifuji (J10)
Nishinoryu (J9) beat Kayo (J9)
Shirokuma (J8) beat Shonannoumi (J8)
Toshinofuji (J7) beat Kagayaki (J7)
Kazuma (J6) beat Meisei (J6)
Kitanowaka (J5) beat Tomokaze (J5)
Kyokukaiyu (J4) beat Asasuiryu (J4)
Hatsuyama (J3) beat Dewanoryu (J3)
Takerufuji (J2) beat Sadanoumi (J2)
Daiseizan (J1) beat Onokatsu (J1)
Of note: Enho’s return to the top 2 tiers after 3 years was triumphant as he won his return match against fellow Juryo return Tochitaikai. He also set a new record for a former top tier wrestler falling all the way down the rankings then returning to Juryo-the first man to be demoted down to Jonokuchi and make his way back up. For those thinking “What about Terunofuji?”, he fell from Ozeki to Jonidan before climbing back up to Yokozuna but Enho broke his prior record. For those curious or unfamiliar, Enho’s highest career rank is M4 and he has spent 9 tournaments in the top tier. Tomorrow he’ll face Hakuyozan. Newcomer Okaryu was victorious in his Juryo debut today as well. And despite a loss today it’s good to see Midorifuji back in action after sitting out March due to heart failure, his condition reportedly is much better with medications and diet changes (namely not drinking as much).
Lower tier notes: The unbeaten career start for Isegahama super-prospect Asahifuji continues as he won his first Sandanme match, with promotion to Makushita likely if he finishes with a winning record. Also setting a record this tournament was the man he beat for the Jonidan championship in a March playoff-Kiryuko. The former Juryo man, demoted to Jonokuchi after an extended injury absence, made-in terms of total rankings improved-the biggest jump ever up the charts this time as he went from Jonidan 100 (the bottom) to Sandanme 77. His first match this time is tomorrow.
UPDATE: Hoshoryu has WITHDRAWN. Fujinokawa will get the fusen tomorrow as a result.
UPDATE 2: More on Hoshoryu…if I read a Hochi Sports article translation correct, tournament over. Questionable for the Paris, France event in June.
UPDATE 3: New Hoshoryu update via Hochi Sports…right hamstring. Out about 2 weeks.
DDT continued the KING OF DDT 2026 Tournament today with the Quarterfinals.
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.
Match 1: Daisuke Sasaki, MJ Paul & Illusion beat O-MENZ Kumadori, Masami Inahata & Hinata Kasai. Sasaki beat Kasai with a crossface.
Match 2: Yuya Koroku, Daichi Sato & Yuki Ishida beat Kazuki Hirata, Antonio Honda & Yuni. Koroku pinned Hirata.
Match 3: Yuki Ueno, Shunma Katsumata & To-y beat Kazuma Sumi, Junta Miyawaki & Rukiya and KANON, Yukio Naya & Viente Maligno in a 3way when Katsumata pinned Maligno.
KING OF DDT Quarterfinals:
Match 4: MAO beat Hideki Okatani.
Match 5: Danshoku Dieno beat Takeshi Masada.
Match 6: Minoru Suzuki beat Chris Brookes by submission.
Main Event: Shinya Aoki beat HARASHIMA.
As a result, the Semifinals will be Aoki vs. Suzuki and Dieno vs. MAO.
The Semifinals & Finals are 5/31 at Korakuen Hall.
The next event is tomorrow at Imaike Gas Hall in Nagoya. There will be no live broadcast. On demand Thursday
As is tradition before each Grand Sumo Tournament, a ring-purifying ceremony will be held 24 hours before the matches begin. This is open to the public to attend at the venue (since this is May it will be at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo) for free but it is also streamed FOR FREE on YouTube. You can watch the livestream below beginning at 6 PM PT/9 PM ET (it typically runs about 25 minutes), replays will also be available a few minutes after it ends:
If the above embedded video does not work, click the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/live/J7hzYNTlmnE?si=07cxq2Y-XrzMHPdG
(Video courtesy of the Japan Sumo Association official YouTube channel)
It won’t be for some time but it’s possible because Sendai Girls has announced that DASH Chisako, about to celebrate her 20th Anniversary, will be out long-term because they’ve learned she is pregnant. The decision was made that she will not compete any more for now to protect her and the baby’s health. A 20th Anniversary event planned on 7/20 will now be a promotion 20th Anniversary event, for now New Japan wrestler El Desperado-who was previously announced for the event-will still participate but this is subject to change. The promotion will also offer refunds to ticket holders for events.
Sendai Girls also offers their heartfelt congratulations to Chisako and will fully support her during this time. It’s safe to say she won’t return to the ring until at least 2027. Chisako posted a photo of her ultrasound on social media showing the baby holding a chair, which clearly has to be fake (the chair), and many top wrestlers including Desperado, Naomichi Marufuji, Yuji Nagata and former wrestler Saki Akai have posted congratulatory messages. I join in congratulating Chisako and sending best wishes for good health for mother and baby in the future.
(As a reminder, Sendai Girls events can be watched on demand, and sometimes live, on WRESTLE UNIVERSE)