Tag: wrestling

AEW Dynamite 5/24/23 Results

Here are the quick results from tonight’s AEW Dynamite in Las Vegas, NV:

AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy beat Kyle Fletcher (New Japan) to retain the title. Afterwards, AEW announced they have signed Aussie Open (Fletcher & Mark Davis).

AEW Trios Champions House Of Black beat AR Fox, Blake Christian & Metalik to retain the titles. Brody King beat Christian with a sleeper hold.

Taya Valkyrie beat Lady Frost.

Adam Cole-Chris Jericho contract signing for Sunday’s Unsanctioned Match. Cole has brought in Sabu as a special enforcer.

Tony Khan announced the Collision premiere on 6/17 will be in Chicago, IL. Not mentioned in any form: CM Punk, who is expected to return to AEW then. Reportedly the hold-up was Ace Steel, who apparently Punk has to have around for creative. We’ll see what happens.

Roderick Strong beat Daniel Garcia.

ROH Tag Team Champions Lucha Bros beat Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta to retain the titles.

It was okay for a PPV go-home. Matches were so-so but promos and video packages were excellent.

Rampage airtime is “check local listings” because it will depend on NHL and NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 4/5 outcomes. As of this post NHL Game 4, with Florida leading Carolina 3-0 in the series, had 15 minutes to go and it was 3-2 Florida. If Carolina wins, Game 5 is Friday at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT. NBA Game 5 between Miami & Boston is Thursday and it’s now 3-1 Miami. If Boston wins, Game 6 would be Saturday at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on TNT with Rampage originally rumored to follow NBA. Spoilers will be posted when available.

News: New Tiger Mask Introduced

Longtime puroresu fans (and New Japan fans in particular) may be familiar with Tiger Mask, the iconic masked wrestler based on classic Japanese comics that partially inspired fellow icon Jushin Liger and eternal nemesis Black Tiger (often portrayed the last two decades by Rocky Romero). Originally created by former wrestler Satoru Sayama, he unveiled the new Tiger Mask 7 today…but it’s not a wrestler. According to a Twitter post by Mark Pickering, who does English-language commentary for some Pro Wrestling NOAH events on WRESTLE UNIVERSE, TM 7 is actually kickboxing star Takeru Segawa, who will not be wrestling as the new Tiger Mask. Pickering indicates it’s a charity project as Sayama wants Segawa to continue his work and spread the TM name worldwide.

The current active Tiger Mask, TM 4, continues to compete in New Japan. Others to have been TM in the past include Sayama, Mitsuharu Misawa (TM 2) and Koji Kanemoto (TM 3).

The original Twitter source post is below.

Sumo-May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament Day 11 Results (5/24/23) (Top 2 Tiers)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 11 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Daishoho (M11) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Kagayaki (M17) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Ryuden (M10) beat Aoiyama (M12)
Onosho (M9) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Takanosho (M8) beat Chiyoshoma (M13)
Oho (M16) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Mitakeumi (M6)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Neisei (M6)
Kotoeko (M13) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Nishikigi (M4) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Ura (M4) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Takayasu (M3) beat Abi (M1)
Shodai (K) beat Tobizaru (M3)
Kiribayama (S) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Hokuseiho (M11)
Takakeisho (O) beat Daieisho (S)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Leader: Terunofuji, Asanoyama (10-1)
Of note: Takayasu was a surprise return today as a thigh injury suffered in morning practice before Day 1 began was expected to keep him out 3 weeks. He looked limited on his mobility but still quickly dispatched Abi. Any wins will reduce the drop he’ll take in July as he’s already got a demotion for missing 8+ days.
Ozeki Watch: It’s all but official for Kiribayama. Of course it’s up to the Japan Sumo Association to decide, but to meet the minimum 33 wins over 3 consecutive tournaments in Sanyaku eligibility criteria Kiribayama now needs just one more win the rest of the way. That or win the championship again. The other Sekiwake have pretty much been mathematically eliminated from consideration this time unless 11-4 winds up winning the championship (or 12-3 if Wakamotoharu wins out). Only Wakamotoharu seems to have any championship chance now.
Key matches tomorrow: Terunofuji-Wakamotoharu, Asanoyama-Daieisho, Kiribayama-Talakeisho. A lot on the line in that last one because Takakeisho needs one more win to get out of kadoban status and remain Ozeki. If he gets it before the final day, anticipate an immediate withdrawal to get his knees some rest and treatment.

Juryo:
Yuma (Ms5) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Tonokaze (J12) beat Tokihayate (J14)
Hidenoumi (J11) beat Fujiseiun (J13)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Tsushimanada (J14)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Shimazuumi (J8)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Hakuyozan (J6)
Akua (J5) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Atamifuji (J8) beat Oshoma (J4)
Roga (J4) beat Bushozan (J3)
Tohakuryu (J2) beat Daiamami (J9)
Takakento (J7) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Churanoumi (J7
Gonoyama (J1) beat Ochiai (J8)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (10-1)
Of note: If Ochiai doesn’t reach the top tier in July, today may be why. For comparison, Asanoyama was at this spot in January, finished 14-1 and won the championship at J12 and was promoted to J1. Ochiai may be in a better place to make the leap at J8 but we’ll have to see what happens over the last 4 days.
Shiden, who has earned promotion back to Juryo in July with a 4-2 record at Makishita 1, gets the Makushita man spot tomorrow although if he loses, he could be in an odd spot as he should have one more Makushita match and could wind up 4-4.
Key matches tomorrow: Ochiai-Tamashoho, Gonoyama-Hakuyozan, Atamifuji-Shonannoumi. If both leaders lose, the Atamifuji-Shonannoumi winner will be in a 3-way tie for the lead.

Lower tier notes:
As is typically the case after Day 12, the Makushita Championship is now set for what should be Day 13: Daishomaru vs. Kiryuko. Daishomaru beat Okinohama and Kiryuko beat Shishi to set it up. Neither will be promoted to Juryo as Daishomart is at Ms42 and Kiryuko is at Ms26. But who will be promoted is Kawazoe, who got his 4th win today at Ms1 so he will be Shin-Juryo in July while despite a loss today Shiden will be Sai-Juryo, getting a second chance after being forced to moss his forst Juryo tournament.
In the Sandanme, the championship match will be Yutakasho vs. Sazanami as the last 2 at 6-0. In the Jonidan, 3 are still at 6-0 so a playoff may be needed. In the Jonokuchi, Reonmaru is the sole leader at 6-0 but 5-0 Haruyama has his 6th match tomorrow, so if Haruyama wins theu probably would face off on Day 14 as usually the lower tier wrestlers won’t conpete 3 days on a row.

New Japan 5/24/23 Results

New Japan ran Day 10 of Best Of The Super Junior today, finishing up Block B and setting the second half of the Semifinals. Whoever came out on top today get Mike Bailey & Titan next.

Today’s event was held at Osaka Prefectural Gym 2 in Osaka and can be watched on demand on New Japan World in Japanese and English.

The announced paid attendance was 819, a full house/near sellout.

Match 1: Oskar Leube & Mike Bailey beat Yuto Nakashima & Lio Rush. Leube pinned Nakashima after a flying body attack.

Match 2: Sho, Yujiro Takahashi & EVIL beat TAKA Michinoku, DOUKI & Taichi. EVIL pinned TAKA after EVIL.

Match 3: Titan & Hiromu Takahashi beat Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA. Titan pinned Taguchi after a swan dive foot stomp.

Best Of The Super Junior Block B:
Match 4: BUSHI beat Francesco Akira.
Match 5: Dan Moloney beat Clark Connors by countout.
Match 6: Master Wato beat Kevin Knight.
Match 7: Yoshinobu Kanemaru beat Yoh by submission. As a result, Wato advances to the Semifinals.
Main Event: El Desperado beat Robbie Eagles by submission. As a result, Desperado advances to the Semifinals.
Because both finished tied at the top, Desperado wins Block B on tiebreaker over Wato, which was head-to-head result. That means the Semifinals will be Wato vs. Bailey and Desperado vs. Titan.

The Semifinals are Friday at Yoyogi National Stadium Gym 2 in Tokyo. Live streaming on New Japan World and ABEMA will begin at 2:30 AM PT/5:30 AM ET, and even better, everyone will be able to watch the entire event FOR FREE! No account or login required!

BREAKING: Saki Akai Retiring

Shocking news from DDT: Just a day after announcing her next 10th Anniversary event, Saki Akai announced she is retiring in November. Her final event will be November 12 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.

More as it becomes available.

Notes from her press conference with Sanshiro Takagi: it’s a personal decision to retire but she also wants to focus more on modeling and her beauty salon, plus she’s managed to stay healthy and doesn’t want to overstay her welcome. Takagi says she’ll always have a place in DDT and could stay on in a non-wrestling role. He did grant one request Akai had-a KO-D 6-Man Tag Team Title match as she has a deep affection for the title. So at WRESTLE PETER PAN on 7/23 it will be Champions Kazusada Higuchi, Yuki Ishida & Ryota Nakatsu vs. Akai, Yukio Sakaguchi & Hideki Okatani for the titles.

Among wrestlers commenting and sending well-wishes on social media is Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestler and SKE48 member Yuki Arai. Saki helped Arai win her first championship last year as they spent several months as Princess Tag Team Champions. Saki made semi-regular appearances in TJPW as both herself and her French-themed alter-ego Sakisama, a darker, sexier version of herself who teamed with independent fan favorite Mei Suruga, who became loyal maid/servant May Saint-Michel as part of Neo-Bishiki-Gun. Sometimes Yukio Sakaguchi joined them in TJPW.

Below is video of the presser in Japanese courtesy of the DDT Official YouTube channel:

Sumo-May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament Day 10 Results (5/23/23) (Top 2 Tiers)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 10 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Kagayaki (M17) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Aoiyama (M12) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Ichiyamamoto (M15)
Oho (M16) beat Ryuden (M10)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Onosho (M9)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Hiradoumi (M9)
Tsurugisho (M10) beat Sadanoumi (M8)
Daishoho (M11) beat Takanosho (M8)
Tamawashi (M7) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Meisei (M6)
Ura (M4) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Nishigiki (M4) beat Mitakeumi (M6)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Abi (M1) beat Shodai (K)
Kirobayama (S) beat Wakamotoharu (S)
Daieisho (S) beat Kotoshoho (M5) by default/withdrawal
Hoshoryu (S) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Kinbozan (M5) beat Takakeisho (O)
Terunofuji (Y) beat Kotonowaka (K)
Leader: Terunofuji, Asanoyama (9-1)
WITHDRAWAL: Kotoshoho (M5). Left knee. Return uncertain. Regardless this officially means another demotion for the January runner-up.
Also, Takayasu (M2), a last-minute Day 1 withdrawal due to a thigh injury, will return tomorrow. He is currently the equivalent of 0-10 and will be demoted, but any wins now mean gaining back rankings spots he would have otherwise lost. If he finishes with 5 straight wins I could see his drop only being to M7 instead of perhaps M11 or M12. He faces Abi tomorrow.
Of note: Almost 2 straight losses for Terunofuji as Kotonowaka had him on the edge of the dohyo early before the yokozuna managed a better position and came back for the victory. In an exciting earlier match, Hokuseiho managed a couple of miracle escapes in a similar position against Meisei, using his height brilliantly to rally and win. Definitely not a post-Kinboshi letdown for Meisei, the effort was certainly there and he just got unlucky. No such issues for Asanoyama as he won easily to stay a co-leader. Takakeisho took a tough loss today against Kinbozan and now needs 2 more wins to get out of kadoban status instead of being on the verge of safety. In his first try against an Ozeki, Kinbozan gets a huge bounceback win after losing to Terunofuji. Hopefully the rikishi from Kazakhstan can use this momentum to get back to a winning record.
Ozeki Watch: The presumptive magic number is now 2 for Kiribayama. He’s clinched his winning record and protected his Sekiwake rank with 8 wins so now the goal is finish better than 2-3 to hopefully earn promotion. Wakamotoharu probably lost any chances at Ozeki this time unless he wins the championship, which he still has a chance at. Daieisho got a freebie today to stay in range at 7-3, with Hoshoryu at the same record.
Key matches tomorrow: Asanoyama-Meisei, Terunofuji-Hoshoryu, Kiribayama-Hiradoumi, Hokuseiho-Wakamotoharu. Hokuseiho clinched promotion today and is also one off the lead

Juryo:
Tokihayate (J14) beat Hayatefuji (Ms3)
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Kitanowaka (J10) beat Chiyosakae (J12)
Daiamami (J9) beat Shimanoumi (J13)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Chiyonokuni (J9) by default/withdrawal
Hakuyozan (J6) beat Oshoma (J4)
Tamashoho (J11) beat Roga (J4)
Ochiai (J8) beat Bushozan (J3)
Akua (J5) beat Enho (J3) by default/withdrawal
Churanoumi (J7) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Shimazuumi (J6) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Atamifuji (J6) beat Gonoyama (J1)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Takakento (J7)
Leader: Ochiai (10-0)
WITHDRAWAL: Enho (J3), Chiyonokuni (J9). Enho-herniated cervical disk. Out at least 3 months. Chiyonokuni-knees (both MCLs and osteoarthritis). Out indefinitely but, based on recent history and using Terunofuji as a comparison, possibly done for the year (Terunofuji missed 8 months with similar). Both details per Nikkan Sports. If Enho can return in September on this timeline, he’ll be a Makushita man.
Of note: Welcome to the show, Shonannoumi! With win #8 at J1 today, he has clinched promotion to the top tier and will make his debut there in July. In the meantime, what would have been an all-unbeaten showdown tomorrow or later was denied when Gonoyama was beaten by Atamifuji, leaving Ochiai as the lone unbeaten left. Also, Azumaryu will not bounce back to the top tier again this time as an 8th loss today means another demotion for the inconsistent Mongolian.
Key match tomorrow: Gonoyama-Ochiai. A day short of the unbeaten showdown after what happened today. This could all but clinch the championship for Ochiai-a win puts him 2 clear of the field with 4 days left although recent history in that situation has not been good to leaders. Atamifuji and Shonannoumi are still in it at 8-2. Also stopping in Juryo tomorrow is the 3:10 To Yuma as Yuma is the Makushita man up tomorrow. At Ms5 this time, he has already clinched promotion at 4-1 and has an outside chance to reach Juryo if he can finish 6-1. He gets Shimanoumi, who at 6-4 has a chance to end his long demotion streak.

New Japan 5/23/23 Results

New Japan ran Day 9 of Best Of The Super Junior today, wrapping up Block A and determining who would advance to the Semifinals.

Today’s event was held at Osaka Prefectural Gym 2 in Osaka and can be watched on demand on New Japan World in Japanese and English.

The announced paid attendance was 831, a full house/near sellout. Osaka remains stricter about capacity limits than most of Japan despite pandemic restrictions being abolished.

Match 1: TJP & Great-O-Khan beat Oskar Leube & Yuto Nakashima. Khan pinned Nakashima after FGO (Fate/Grapple-O-Khan).

Match 2: Ryohei Oiwa & El Desperado beat Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles. Desperado beat Fujita with Numero Dos.

Match 3: Dan Moloney & Francesco Akira beat Gedo & Clark Connors. Akira pinned Gedo after Speedfire.

Match 4: Kevin Knight, Master Wato & Yoh beat TAKA Michinoku, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Taichi. Knight pinned TAKA after a Spike DDT.

Best Of The Super Junior Block A:
TJP beat Taiji Ishimori by forfeit (injury).
Match 5: Ryusuke Taguchi beat KUSHIDA.
Match 6: Sho beat DOUKI.
Match 7: Mike Bailey beat Lio Rush. As a result, Bailey wins Block A and advances to the Semifinals.
Main Event: Titan beat Hiromu Takahashi. As a result, Titan finishes 2nd in Block A and advances to the Semifinals. No 4-peat for Takahashi.

Day 10 is tomorrow with the final day of Block B. Live streaming on New Japan World will begin at 2 AM PT/5 AM ET.

Dragon Gate 5/22/23 Results

Dragon Gate continued the Hopeful Gate 2023 Tour today with another house show in Hokkaido.

Today’s event was held at Hakodate Arena on Hokkaido. There was no live broadcast.

The announced paid attendance was 356. A super full house/very near sellout.

Match 1: Jason Lee & Strong Machine J beat Dragon Dia & La Estrella. Lee pinned Estrella after Maximum Driver.

Match 2: Diamante beat Minorita.

Match 3: Susumu Mochizuki & Yasushi Kanda beat Dragon Kid & U-T. Kanda pinned U-T after Ryu’s.

Match 4: Madoka Kikuta & Yuki Yoshioka beat BIGBOSS Shimizu & JACKY “FUNKY” KAMEI. Kikuta pinned KAMEI after a rolling lariat.

Match 5: Masaaki Mochizuki, Don Fujii & Bonito beat YAMATO, Kzy & Punch Tominaga. Bonito pinned Tominaga after a diving body press.

Main Event: Kota Minoura, BxB Hulk & Ben-K beat Shun Skywalker, KAI & H-Y-O. Hulk pinned H-Y-O after First Flash.

The next event is tomorrow at Morioka Gym in Iwate. There will be no live broadcast.

GLEAT 5/21/23 Results

GLEAT ran their latest G PROWRESTLING event yesterday, headed almost all the way across Japan back to Osaka after visiting Hokkaido recently.

Yesterday’s event was held at Umeda Stellar Hall in Osaka and will be available on demand on YouTube tomorrow beginning at 4:30 AM PT/7:30 AM ET. There was no live broadcast. The video will be posted here tomorrow morning.

The announced paid attendance was 233.

Match 1: Takanori Ito & Yusuke Kodama beat Minoru Tanaka & Keiichi Sato. Kodama pinned Sato after Sky Drop.

Match 2: Oji Shiiba beat Check Shimatani. Shimatani was a replacement for the injured KAZMA SAKAMOTO (thigh inflammation).

Match 3: Mika Iwata (Sendai Girls) & Yurika Oka beat Sayaka Unagi & Yukari Hosokawa. Oka pinned Hosokawa after a swivel type flying body press.

Match 4: Kaito Ishida, Yutani & Hartley Jackson beat T-Hawk, El Lindaman & Yu Iizuka. Ishida pinned Iizuka with a half tiger suplex hold.

Match 5: Issei Onitsuka beat Kaz Hayashi. As a result, Onitsuka joins the Yanzu Family faction.

Match 6: Soma Watanabe beat Ryuichi Kawakami.

Main Event: G INFINITY Champions Hayato Tamura & Check Shimatani beat Tetsuya Izuchi & Jun Tonsho to retain the titles. Shimatani pinned Tonsho after a reverse strike. V6 for the champs. Next up: Jun & Rei Saito from All-Japan Pro Wrestling. That match will happen on 6/7.

The next event is GLEAT Ver EX “FACE OFF” ACCESS 2 TDCH on 6/7 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo which will also feature the finals of the Lidet UWF Championship Tournament to crown the first champion. Broadcast plans TBA but it almost certainly will stream live on YouTube.

Sumo-May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament Day 9 Results (5/22/23) (Top 2 Tiers) (Updated)

Here are the quick results from today’s Day 9 of the May 2023 Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo:
Key: M-Maegashira, K-Komusubi, S-Sekiwake, O-Ozeki, Y-Yokozuna, J-Juryo, Ms-Makushita

Makuuchi (top tier):
Oho (M16) beat Myogiryu (M14)
Kotoeko (M12) beat Mitoryu (M16)
Apiyama (M12) beat Kagayaki (M17)
Daishoho (M11) beat Ichiyamamoto (M16)
Tsurugisho (M15) beat Takarafuji (M10)
Asanoyama (M14) beat Ryuden (M10)
Hokuseiho (M11) beat Onosho (M9)
Chiyoshoma (M13) beat Tamawashi (M7)
Hiradoumi (M9) beat Hokutofuji (M7)
Takanosho (M8) beat Kotoshoho (M5)
Sadanoumi (M8) beat Kinbozan (M5)
Mitakeumi (M6) beat Ura (M4)
Tobizaru (M3) beat Nishikifuji (M3)
Shodai (K) beat Midorifuji (M1)
Kotonowaka (K) beat Abi (M1)
Wakamotoharu (S) beat Hoshoryu (S)
Kiribayama (S) beat Daieisho (S)
Nishikigi (M3) beat Takakeisho (O)
Meisei (M6) beat Terunofuji (Y). KINBOSHI!!! The first career Gold Star Victory for Meisei! (Awarded when a Maegashira beats a Yokozuna in a tournament)
Leader: Terunofuji, Meisei, Asanoyama (8-1)
Of note: It’s a 3-way tie again after Meisei upset Terunofuji and also clinched promotion, as did Asanoyama. But now the letdown must be avoided and it won’t be easy as the giant (killer) Hokuseiho awaits tomorrow for Meisei. On the flip side, Kotoshoho’s post-near January title slump continues as he is the first to what is now a second straight demotion with his 8th loss.
Ozeki Watch: We had 2 of the 3 Sekiwake Showdowns today with Kiribayama beating Daieisho and Wakamotoharu beating Hoshoryu. The trio wraps up tomorrow with Kiribayama-Wakamotoharu. Kiribayama now needs to finish 3-3 or better for likely Ozeki promotion while Wakamotoharu still needs to go 6-0 or win the championship. Kiribayama & Wakamotoharu are both 7-2 with Daieisho & Hoshoryu at 6-3 and both probably needing to win out for promotion chances.
Key matches tomorrow: Terunofuji-Kotonowaka, Meisei-Hokuseiho, Asanoyama-Hiradoumi, Kiribayama-Wakamotoharu (Wakamotoharu probably can’t be promoted to Ozeki this time if he loses).

Juryo:
Tsushimanada (J14) beat Tochimusashi (Ms4)
Tokihayate (J14) beat Tamashoho (J11)
Shimanoumi (J13) beat Kitanowaka (J10)
Fujiseiun (J13) beat Chiyonokuni (J9)
Chiyosakae (J12) beat Daiamami (J9)
Ochiai (J8) beat Hidenoumi (J11)
Tomokaze (J12) beat Atamifuji (J8)
Churanoumi (J7) beat Chiyomaru (J10)
Takakento (J7) beat Enho (J3)
Oshoma (J4) beat Bushozan (J3)
Roga (J4) beat Tohakuryu (J2)
Hakuyozan (J6) beat Azumaryu (J2)
Shonannoumi (J1) beat Shimazuumi (J6)
Gonoyama (J1) beat Akua (J5)
Leader: Gonoyama, Ochiai (9-0)
Of note: No new promotions earned today as the co-leaders are now 2 wins clear of the field and still on a championship collision course. But Shonannoumi is now just one win away from the top tikuahimself with his 7th win today. Alua joined Enho & Chiyonokuni in demotion territory with his 8th loss, both Enho & Chiyonokuni are 0-9.
Key matches tomorrow: Ochiai-Bushozan, Gonoyama-Atamifuji.
Hayatefuji is the Makushita man up tomorrow, at 3-2 so far he’ll be going for a promotion.

Lower tier notes: As expected the 8 Makushita unbeatens are now down to 4, and a potential awkward Juryo July is being set up because Shishi, 5-0 at Ms2, is almost certainly going to Juryo and could be on track to face Roga there. That would mean a Ukraine-Russia sumo match against the backdrop of their ongoing real-life war (Shishi is from Ukraine, Roga is from Russia). In the Sandanme, 5 are at 5-0 so far while the Jonidan has 6 at 5-0. In the Jonokuchi, Reonmaru is the sole leader at 5-0 while Haruyama is 4-0.

UPDATE: 2 Juryo withdrawals ahead of Day 10-Enho and Chiyonokuni are both out. Unknown. Both will finish the equivalent of 0-15 as a result. Chiyonokuni almost certainly will be demoted to Makushita as he was J9 while Enho should stay at Juryo given he was at J3. Tomokaze gets a free win over Chiyonokuni to go to 4-5 while Akua gets the freebie over Enho to go to 2-8.

Subsequent Update: Nikkan Sports reports Enho is out due to a herniated cervical disc. Out at least 3 months, meaning he’ll miss the July tournament and almost certainly be demoted from Juryo to Makushita. As for Chiyonokuni, knees-both meniscus and left knee osteoarthritis (the latter condition is part of what kept Terunofuji out most of the last year). Out indefinitely.