Aonishiki July 2025, 11-4, All Bouts

Finally, finally, we'll see this man in Sanyaku. He's one of those guys you watch just make mincemeat of Makushita where you say to yourself, "just throw him in Makuuchi already, we all know he's gonna get there anyway!" Aonishiki has one of the most effective fighting styles currently on display, the low, flat stance appears akin to western wrestling, and combined with his superb balance it grants him inherent defense, allowing him to concentrate on pure aggression in each bout. Very little waiting around before making a move, it makes for extremely entertaining sumo! His variety of kimarite alongside that low stance really reminds me of a less bulky Ura- speaking of, I strongly feel that if he can just gain some weight he will absolutely be in contention for the highest ranks of the sport. With a bit more mass and muscle he’ll be unstoppable.

Funnily enough, he’s come just short of the respective division titles since Sandanme, and I must admit I was certainly rooting for him this time around. Kotoshoho had a great tourney, to be sure, but I think 9 times out of 10 Aonishiki wins that last bout. If Takayasu had touched the clay on day 6 (look how close that was! 4:44), if Onosato had taken Kotoshoho out on day 13 (I mean c’mon Yokozuna!) …ahhh well. The stars will line up in time, assuredly. Just as a final note, who else thinks we could see a future with 4 Yokozuna in the coming years? Hoshoryu and Onosato can certainly keep things going, and Kusano and Aonishiki are just oozing talent. I for one have my fingers crossed, cheers and enjoy!

Day 1 vs O Kotozakura 0:00
Day 2 vs Y Onosato 0:41
Day 3 vs Y Hoshoryu 1:05
Day 4 vs S Wakatakakage 2:01
Day 5 vs S Kirishima 2:35
Day 6 vs K Takayasu 3:46
Day 7 vs K Oshoma 5:07
Day 8 vs M2 Oho 5:56
Day 9 vs M1 Wakamotoharu 6:40
Day 10 vs M3 Kinbozan 7:11
Day 11 vs M2 Abi 7:41
Day 12 vs M4 Tamawashi 8:22
Day 13 vs M8 Ichiyamamoto 9:43
Day 14 vs M14 Kusano 10:30
Day 15 vs M17 Kotoshoho 11:02