Shikona

Told what to do for promotion, and did it. You could say Onosato got that level of "help." Some people are expecting more for Aonishiki, I guess.

I don't think he hit his head, so no worries there. It looked like his left leg buckled as he was falling, so my guess would be something pulled or torn in the knee or hip. He looked to be in a lot of pain, which may explain why it took so long and why they put him on a stretcher instead of making him stand up to get in the chair.

I expect Shishi to dig in and perform better. Since the actual difference between Juryo and Makuuchi is just the number of ranks between spots, same as if you were still in Juryo, but most guys seem to take a couple or a few basho to get used to the added pressure, more fans, more media interest.

A bit surprised to see the enormous Oonosato resorting to a pull against the old man. Perhaps he isn't feeling his best?

Your line of thinking was clearly followed in the Futahaguro days, but I think I am happier to see promotion given on the basis of present achievement rather than perception of the future.

In the past he would run up a long undefeated streak before crumbling, so perhaps getting the early loss will let him run up a longer one-loss streak and bring it home.

I agree with you, but there were certainly a ton of arguments in this very forum when Hoshoryu was promoted, despite his 13-2 having already been judged a yusho equivalent by the YDC in declaring his yusho run. The pundits here wanted to re-examine that after the 12-3 yusho, contending that a 12-3 yusho is somehow not equivalent to a yusho (some quoting Kisenosato, who famously, in his own case, accepted that while a 12-3 yusho is not a yusho, a 12-3J is a yusho equivalent).

Sounds like a 5-way playoff among the 10-5 guys.

Odd that they have the guys face off and stare at each other several times before tachiai and the fans seem to love it, especially in the important bouts, isn't it? I haven't noticed any of the rikishi blowing kisses during the preliminaries, but maybe that's just me.

I have seen these. You need to watch them slowly and especially the feet. A big step to the left, leaving only the opposite shoulder behind to take a marginal amount of contact. Move, then meet. If he was "fully taking the tachiai head on" people would not go flying past him, unless you believe he is made of air. I'm not saying this isn't skillful or that his wins aren't fully deserved. I just think credit should be given where due to the best henka artist of all time. I understand but won't go along with the cognitive dissonance affecting those who believe that they can't stand a henka, but love Ama, and therefore have to make up a new category for his henka. Just accept it for what it is. Perfectly legal and often effective. And he made it look cool. The only reason I like the move but not the artist is his hypocrisy, as noted above.

Strange comment, forgetting about the henka machine Harumafuji, who would would rant about how a henka attempt against HIM was an insult to ozeki dignity, then go out and pull henka on Asashoryu.

They are all henka; the ridiculous distinction for the former yokozuna in this forum is just a fanboi thing, nothing you can rationally analyze.

Does a yusho-doten call for a round of parties with the supporters? Oho and Kinbozan both looking hung over.

Looking forward to some intensive travel reporting. Especially love the restaurant features and recipes.

I know the fans are always impressed by shiko, but isn't this getting a little too up-close and personal?