Welcome to the middle weekend of the Aki basho. It’s going to be a wild ride all the way to the end. With both Yokozuna out, and no single rikishi dominating the dohyo yet, the race for the cup is wide open. starting day 7, we have 6 competitors at 5-1, and a further 8 at 4-2! That’s a broad field of brutes looking to head home with the hardware, and frankly it’s time to stock the fridge, open a bottle of your favorite stuff, and watch some fine sumo!

What We Are Watching Day 7

Kotoyuki vs Shohozan – Well, this is a bit of a dismal start. A flagging Shohozan fights against sumo’s own penguin, Kotoyuki. I hope that Shohozan can eventually get his first win, but I don’t think its likely to be today, as Kotoyuki is actually fighting well.

Meisei vs Ichinojo – Nearly 70 kg difference between these two is the first thing that comes to mind. They have split the prior 2 matches but Ichinojo looks a bit more genki than normal, and it’s going to be tough for Meisei to move him if he gets his feet planted.

Shimanoumi vs Kaisei – If Shimanoumi can get a grab at the tachiai, he will likely take this match. There is quite a bit of Kaisei to reach around to get to mawashi-land, and if he’s mobile again today, it’s akin to stopping a wildebeest with a soup spoon.

Kotoshoho vs Hoshoryu – Hoshoryu is riding the make/kachi-koshi line, and could really use a spare win to protect him in week 2. He has fairly long odds on day 7, as he has yet to pick up a win against Kotoshoho. Much as I look forward to Hoshoryu’s future in the top division, it may be a bit early for him to stay.

Chiyotairyu vs Tobizaru – Time to narrow the leader board! A pair of 5-1 face off in a tremendous clash of styles. This lighter, fast Chiyotairyu is a real joy to watch, and he’s going to try to obliterate Tobizaru in the first 5 seconds. The task for our flying monkey – keep his feet under the cannon-ball tachiai. This is their first time match, and the winner will keep pace with the leader group.

Enho vs Kotoshogiku – Ok, who thought this was a good idea? Kotoshogiku’s kyujo cert mandates 2 weeks rest. I guess he is trying to rescue his tenure in the top division, and I understand. But maybe it’s time for the Kyusho Bulldozer to call it a day.

Kotoeko vs Wakatakakage – This has all kinds of fun written up and down the sides in highly stylized characters. Kotoeko has a 4-0 career advantage over Wakatakakage. Mitigating that is that both seem to be past the ring-rust stage, and are fighting like fanatics. So let the blows fly, plant your feet and prepare for battle!

Ryuden vs Sadanoumi – I personally think that as Ryuden’s weight went up, his sumo went down. This is far too common in the top division, where it seems the minimal mass to not get tossed like a cork on an angry ocean is above 130kg. I note that Sadanoumi comes in around 130, and has stayed quick, while Ryuden is up around 145 now, and has slowed down.

Onosho vs Kagayaki – I worry. Onosho has proven to be fairly streaky, and I don’t want his day 6 loss to kick off a losing streak he will struggle to overcome. Kagayaki will give him a genuine challenge, as Onosho tends to be “kitchen sink” in his opening move, and Kagayaki is going to keep it simple and effective. It will be a race to see who gets their hands inside in this battle of thrusting rikishi.

Takayasu vs Aoiyama – A 21 match history that is almost even. Both are big, but Aoiyama is the man-moutain, and even Takayasu struggles to defeat him once Big Dan fires up the V-Twin. It’s down to the left hand. If Takayasu can get his left hand hold, he’s going to toss Aoiyama with gusto. But he will have the narrowest of windows to make it happen.

Tokushoryu vs Takarafuji – Tokushoryu; injured? exhausted? out of ideas? I would guess he is headed for make-koshi this September, but he should be safe from a trip back to Juryo.

Hokutofuji vs Kiribayama – I would prefer that Kiribayama help Hokutofuji work towards his 6th award of the “most powerful make-koshi in all of sumo”. Don’t get me wrong, I would love for Hokutofuji to get his sumo together. But it seems he has gone rather one dimensional, and decided to be satisfied with what that can bring him. I have to wonder if his pelvis got a say in that.

Myogiryu vs Takanosho – Hey, Takanosho! Time to return to being serious about your sumo. You are on a 2 match black star run, and you need to get it together. I know you are 2-0 against Myogiryu, but you looked pretty poor days 5 & 6.

Terunofuji vs Endo – Oh yeah! We have a nicely resurgent Terunofuji up against a hit or miss Endo, who has a 4-2 career advantage over the former Ozeki. We know Endo is going to have a sterling plan in that head of his to start the match, but will Terunofuji’s left hand find its mark?

Daieisho vs Tochinoshin – Ugh, Tochinoshin is making me sad these days. Maybe he can find something to throw into this match…

Tamawashi vs Mitakeumi – These two used to be regulars in the East and West named ranks. and they have a 23 prior matches to prove it. But the 21-2 imbalance in Mitakeumi’s favor tells the story. At 2 losses, the original tadpole needs to stay focused day to day, and keep winning. Will he fade going into week 2? Hell, I expect there to be train wrecks galore in the final week. Bring on the carnage!

Shodai vs Okinoumi – Oh look, two big, strong guys who don’t rush their tachiai. I am guessing a chest to chest match with Shodai showing some unexpected forward power, and Okinoumi pulling some fantastic move at the bales. A loss by Shodai would likely knock him off the leader board.

Yutakayama vs Takakeisho – Yutakayama is no more than at 80% of his ideal fighting power. In this condition he is easy meat for Takakeisho, and short of some surprise, I see the Grand Tadpole racking up win number 6.

Asanoyama vs Terutsuyoshi – Will we see more punk attitude out of Terutsuyoshi today? Or will Asanoyama give him a first class swirly in the public loo outside the Kokugikan? “Yes, Asanoyama-zeki! Will that be the sit-down or the squat version please?”

A surprising leg kick, an expanded leader board, and one of the best henka shut-downs in a long time.

Highlight Matches

Shimanoumi defeats Ichinojo – Shimanoumi did a great job of standing up to Ichinojo, and key to that was an ill considered attempt to pull by Ichinojo early in the match that allowed Shimanoumi to get inside and underneath with his right. Thought Ichinojo had a solid left hand grip, Shimanoumi was able to convert that to his advantage and took the big Mongolian on a rough ride to a loss.

Tobizaru defeats Hoshoryu – Hoshoryu took the tachiai, but his foot position was poor and could not move Tobizaru, who seems to have decided to open with defense. Hoshoryu obliged with blistering tsuppari, but still could not move Tobizaru. Tobizaru responded with a double hand shove which lifted Hoshoryu, and set up the thrust down that came a moment later. These two are going to be tossing each other around for the next few years, and that makes me quite happy.

Kotoshoho defeats Shohozan – Shohozan has no sumo. I don’t know where it went, but it’s gone. It was good to see him generate some offensive pressure against Kotoshoho, but Shohozan is not the fearsome force he was even a year ago.

Kaisei defeats Meisei – Kaisei was mobile today, and a tad aggressive for him. I don’t think that Meisei was being passive, but if Kaisei is moving forward, and stays in motion, you are going to need more mass than 1 Meisei Unit (MU) to effect him.

Kotoeko defeats Sadanoumi – I really like Kotoeko’s opening combo today. Sadanoumi applied more force, but Kotoeko got his right hand inside, and his left hand in good position. Sadanoumi quickly found that winning the tachiai left him in Kotoeko’s grip, and there was no chance to escape.

Chiyotairyu defeats Onosho – There was always going to be a first loss for Onosho, and it came at the hands of another power-front rikishi, Chiyotairyu. The two exchanged pre-bout matta, clearly they were trying to figure each other’s opening moves out. When they got underway, Chiyotairyu got his hands inside, and never gave up the inside lane to pushing hard on Onosho’s chest. Unable to get proper defensive footing, Onosho was unable to answer, and quickly exited the dohyo. He drops to 5-1, and the leader board broadens considerably.

Wakatakakage defeats Ryuden – Another matta exchange (this sure does get old fast) as the each tried to figure out the other one’s fight plan. Wakatakakage took control early, but could not finish Ryuden off, and Ryuden rallied. As Ryuden was driving forward, Wakatakakage manage to get to his left side, and the lateral attack proved succesful for Wakatakakage’s 4th win.

Takayasu defeats Tokushoryu – Tokushoryu wanted a thrust down at the tachiai, Takayasu wanted a belt grip. Both men came up empty and had to settle for a chest to chest battle of strength. I had a moment of worry when Tokushoryu took Takayasu’s previously injured left arm and pulled it around his body. Takayasu escaped, and as Tokushoryu moved to re-engaged, he found himself slapped to the clay.

Kagayaki defeats Enho – Enho tachiai attempt to get underneath was only partially successful, and his grab at Kagayaki’s mawashi missed, leaving him low and vulnerable. Kagayaki attacked with gusto, and Enho never had another moment where he could generate any offense.

Aoiyama defeats Takarafuji – Takarafuji wisely closed in to prevent Aoiyama from getting any kind of thrusting or bashing attack set up. Twice Aoiyama tried to twist and pull Takarafuji’s head down, but Takarafuji’s foot placement and balance were excellent. A 3rd pulling attempt from Aoiyama went nowhere, and you really have to be impressed by Takarafuji’s defense. Then came Aoiyama’s attempt at a leg kick, that was a gutsy move! Takarafuji advances, and Aoiyama delivers a sukuinage. Damn, that was impressive sumo from both.

Kiribayama defeats Tamawashi – I would call this the decade mirror match. We have the venerable Tamawashi facing off against his direct replacement Kiribayama. Let’s face it, these are more or less the same rikishi in a number of ways, about a decade apart. Tamawashi got some offensive thrusting in, and Kiribayama answered in kind.

Hokutofuji defeats Takanosho – All I can think of is that Takanosho got distracted. Maybe he was trying to focus on what he wanted to do following the tachiai? Hokutofuji hit hard, moved to his left and thrusted hard. Takanosho did not keep Hokutofuji in front of him, and was left with no defense to Hokutofuji’s lateral attack.

Terunofuji defeats Okinoumi – With Onosho’s loss, we know the yusho winner will have at least 1 loss. Terunofuji is fighting well, and it’s not outside of reasonable consideration that he might be in a position to contend for the yusho in week 2. Okinoumi got his favorite grip at the tachiai, but that left hand outside grip of Terunofuji, it just seems to be unstoppable right now.

Mitakeumi defeats Endo – How the hell did this happen? A clean tachiai, with neither man getting their preferred starting grip. Mitakeumi just reaches up and pulls Endo down? There are days when I just wonder about Endo.

Shodai defeats Tochinoshin – This was a bit painful to watch. Tochinoshin attempts to reach for his favored left hand outside grip at the tachiai, nearly gets it, but finds that Shodai is already moving him back. Shodai never let up the pressure, and Tochinoshin was run out of the dohyo in reverse. Shodai maintains his share of the lead.

Daieisho defeats Yutakayama – Yutakayama continues to struggle, and Daieisho looks to be setting in a bit now that act 1 is done. To my eye, Yutakayama can only apply partial force to the front, and this makes him much easier to move back than would normally be the case.

Asanoyama defeats Myogiryu – Might have been a candidate for a matta call, but Myogiryu’s early start gave him a left hand shallow grip, and stood Asanoyama upright at the tachiai. But both hands were outside, and Asanoyama had what he needed to attack. Realizing he had been stalemated, Myogiryu attempted a pull, and that was the moment the match was lost.

Takakeisho defeats Terutsuyoshi – Oh what a match. Takakeisho’s really crummy and aggressive matta was designed to set Takakeisho up for a henka. The look on Takakeisho’s face is priceless, and easy to read, “Who do you think you are trying to fool here?”. Sure enough, a hit and shift from Terutsuyoshi at the tachiai, but Takakeisho was having none of it, and ejected Terutsuyoshi with prejudice. I counted 4 big shoves to send him flying over the edge. G’bye!

Welcome to the start of act 2 of this wonderful Aki Basho! Act 2 is where we narrow the field to find out who has what it takes to compete for the yusho, and to start sorting the survivors from the damned. With both Yokozuna out, and no clearly dominant rikishi group, there’s a lot of sorting to do. Act 2 includes the middle weekend, when we will start to watch the yusho race and publish the leader board. Though Onosho exited Act 1 as the sole man at the top, I don’t expect that to hold for too long. There are a cadre of 7 rikishi trailing at 4-1, including Ozeki Takakeisho, Ur-Sekiwake Shodai and.. Ichinojo?

What We Are Watching Day 6

Shimanoumi vs Ichinojo – Ichinojo starts act 2 with a surprising 4-1 record, really one of his best starts in the top division in a long time. If he can stay in this groove, and can continue to use his size and strength to his advantage, he could be a contender in act 3. Today he’s up against Shimanoumi, who lost their only prior match. I am going to look for “The Boulder” to continue to over preform.

Tobizaru vs Hoshoryu – I know I have been waiting for this one! Now that Tobizaru has picked up his first loss, he can dodge any odd feelings of pressure about being on top of the leaderboard. He has a 3-1 career record over Hoshoryu, and I expect a lot of rapid action as these two strong, fast young rikishi engage in a battle of the flying hands.

Kotoshoho vs Shohozan – Shohozan has no real defensive power, I have to wonder if he has some back or leg problem that has robbed him of his sumo. So I am guessing that Kotoshoho takes him to the dirt in short order.

Meisei vs Kaisei – It seems like Kaisei’s enormity is not enough to get him him to even a 50% win record right now. So he’s going to have to try some offensive sumo. Forward sir! Meisei is a fraction of your size, make him feel like roadkill today.

Sadanoumi vs Kotoeko – Kotoeko looked really good against Tobizaru day 5, and I think he can try a similar approach with the speedy Sadanoumi. Sadanoumi will present lower mobility, but higher thrust force, in my opinion. Their career record (5-4) show them equally matched. Could be some raging action, or over in a flash.

Chiyotairyu vs Onosho – I love this match. Both are going to rip hard into the tachiai, and given that this is Chiyotairyu’s forte, I am looking for him to have an advantage in the first 2 steps. If he can’t overpower Onosho by that time, I think we will see a massive counter-attack. As the only undefeated rikishi remaining in the basho, everyone will want a piece of him now. For Onosho, its just 3 more wins to his 8.

Ryuden vs Wakatakakage – Question 1 – will Ryuden step onto the dohyo with comically large pieces of bandage tape arranged in an “X” over his crotch? This is a first time meeting between these two, so I would not be surprised to see a few Ryuden matta to try and smoke Wakatakakage out.

Takayasu vs Tokushoryu – It’s clear from his day 5 loss to Tochinoshin that Takayasu is not quite as genki as I had hoped. His 3-3 career record against Tokushoryu is a bit misleading, their last head to head match was in 2016!

Enho vs Kagayaki – I could make Enho vs Ryuden jokes here, but good manners are restraining me. I will say that Kagayaki’s normal post-tachiai stance tends to preclude Enho’s preferred under and to the left attack strategy. I would love to see Enho continue to get high-energy wins. Let’s hope he’s got a new plan for day 6.

Aoiyama vs Takarafuji – Takarafuji, by his nature, will want to try to dodge Aoiyama’s double arm bludgeoning attack. For 20 out of 23 times, it has failed and Takarafuji tosses the man with no neck around before he hits the clay.

Kiribayama vs Tamawashi – Tamawashi missed hard with his opening gambit on day 5, and he lost to Kiribayama in their only prior match. I give good odds he is going to apply maximum sumo offense today against Kiribayama, and it might be glorious to watch.

Hokutofuji vs Takanosho – Another match with huge potential. I am sure Takanosho will want to bounce back from his day 5 loss to Yutakayama, and its been a couple of years since the last time that he faced Hokutofuji. Hokutofuji seems to once again working hard towards the most powerful make-koshi in all of sumo, which is a huge disappointment to his fans (1-4).

Okinoumi vs Terunofuji – Terunofuji is done with the “difficult” portion of his schedule, with both Yokozuna out, and one Ozeki scalp. Now he is going to work through the Komusubi, and it’s a question on his endurance and how much his knees can take. While Terunofuji has the brute power to win, he is more or less equal to height and wight to Okinoumi, who has proven himself a master sumo technician again this basho. Strength against encyclopedic skill, great potential! Terunofuji holds a 9-3 career record, but those are from before Terunofuji dropped rank and fought his way back up.

Endo vs Mitakeumi – Day 5 saw Mitakeumi go from quite sloppy to “cool move!”. That was perfect to Terutsuyoshi, but someone like Endo is going to laugh that one off like some kind of amped up kabuki villain. He has a 9-5 career advantage over Endo, and it seems to be that is Mitakeumi can get a thrusting attack going, it tends to disrupt Endo’s offense.

Shodai vs Tochinoshin – Tochinoshin got a nice, welcome win on day 5 against fellow busted and battered Ozeki Takayasu. But Aki 2020 Shodai is another matter entirely. Something happened to cuddly, ridiculous Shodai with his teddy-bear tachiai and his limp offense. Now we get this fellow who seems driven to win.

Daieisho vs Yutakayama – Daieisho may have been over-promoted to a 3rd Sekiwake slot, or he may be having a cold start, or some of each. But Yutakayama is not a credible match for him this September. I am not sure what Yutakayama’s challenge is, but it was clear from practice against Shodai prior to the basho that he was struggling. They have a 5-5 career record, but I am not predicting a good day for the Tokitsukaze man.

Asanoyama vs Myogiryu – Asanoyama seems to have found some version of his sumo. I am not sure it’s the Ozeki grade sumo yet, but at least it’s better than that Juryo version he seems to have restored from backup prior to day 1. He holds a 6-2 career lead over Myogiryu, so with luck, the Ozeki can find his 3rd white star.

Terutsuyoshi vs Takakeisho – Checked, and yes – first time match. I like Terutsuyoshi, I think he’s great. I just wonder what the Grand Tadpole is going to do with this guy. Will he go for some small man sumo? A henka? Some tug-n-shove? I don’t think Takakeisho has a clear advantage today, and I am going to be watching with great interest.

It seems it was “Mad Matta Thursday” in the Kokougikan, as the gyoji shouted “Matta!” more times than I cared to count. It made for some odd matches, as I think a matta disrupts a rikishi’s battle plan, and leaves them hesitant at the tachiai. This day closed out Act 1, where we remove ring rust, see who is hot and who is not. Given the lack of degeiko, there was plenty of rust on some of the rikishi from smaller stables, and it’s been a rough start to the normally energetic fall basho. As many had suspected, Kyokutaisei went kyujo today with an injury to his achilles tendon. This is a real shame, as he has been battling since 2018 to make it back to the top division, and finally achieved that goal this tournament.

Highlight Matches

Hoshoryu defeats Nishikigi – This was a surprisingly worthy fight, and both men played to type quite well. Nishikigi worked to immobilize Hoshoryu’s arms and use his lower body’s strength to force him out. It nearly worked, and the save came with Hoshoryu’s heels against the tawara and pushing for all he was worth. With Nishikigi’s attack disrupted, Hoshoryu hooks his left foot around Nishikigi for a beautiful trip. More like that please, Hoshoryu.

Ichinojo defeats Kaisei – A battle of the mega-rikishi, they settled into mutual left hand outside grips following the tachiai. That quickly converted into a battle of strength, which Ichinojo won for his 4th win.

Kotoshoho defeats Shimanoumi – Shimanoumi had the advantage for the first portion of the match. His feet are better placed, his hands are working efficiently, and inside. But Kotoshoho successfully transitioned from oshi to yotzu, shutting down Shimanoumi’s offense. I am getting the impression that Kotoshoho is going to be someone to watch.

Chiyotairyu defeats Shohozan – Honestly, Shohozan has nothing right now. But Chiyotairyu’s technique today was excellent. Strong tachiai, hands inside and combo thrusts to the center of Shohozan’s chest.

Kotoeko defeats Tobizaru – Tobizaru loses his first, and these two threw the kitchen sink at each other. Neither man could gain clear advantage at any point of this match, and the result was attack and counter attack time after time. What is really impressive is that both of them just get faster and faster in the first few moments of the match.

Sadanoumi defeats Tokushoryu – Sadanoumi did a fantastic job of locking down Tokushoryu’s preferred attack routes, and controlling the match. Its clear that Tokushoryu is struggling right now, and I wonder if it’s just a case that everyone has an answer to his somewhat limited catalog of offensive gambits.

Onosho defeats Aoiyama – Big Dan Aoiyama connected with both hands during the tachiai, going for his preferred “stand him up and slap him down” opening gambit. Onosho was ready and the moment the pull came, he charged ahead. If you look at foot placement at the moment of the pull, I am impressed by how wide Onosho’s stance is compared to Aoiyama’s. Onosho finishes him with his often seen upward thrust to the chest. Five wins? Wow, he’s alone at the top of the leader board.

Enho defeats Ryuden – Sadly, I was far too noisy during the match for the early morning hours in my house. A leap to the side, and its finally time for some Enho sumo! Grab the nearest body part and tug like mad. Ryuden had to know it was possible, even if its been a while since he has used it. In response Ryuden spreads his stance (good move) but hell, it won’t help, Enho’s in the groove now. Enho pushes, grabs, lfts Ryuden’s right knee, he’s like a man with a dozen hands, always in motion and attacking in multiple ways at the same time. But watch carefully, just as Enho is swinging Ryuden around, Ryuden stands up oddly. Most men recognize that posture. Where was Enho’s right hand? Oh dear… I think Goeido remembers that feeling.

Wakatakakage defeats Kagayaki – Kagayaki came out strong, and really took control at the tachiai, but a lot of credit to Wakatakakage for generating enough defense to not let Kagayaki overwhelm him. His relief came when he was able to go chest to chest with a brief right hand inside grip. Kagayaki moved to break contact, and that move gave Wakatakakage the opening to win the match.

Takarafuji defeats Kiribayama – Great contrasts in this match. Takarafuji working calmly to gradually contain Kiribayama, and Kiribayama throwing combo thrusts at a frantic pace. But Takarafuji get’s his hold, and waits for Kiribayama to shift his stance. A lift and a strong advance, and the win goes to Takarafuji.

Tochinoshin defeats Takayasu – Again, it was too loud for such an early hour at my house. What fine match from Tochinoshin, and this is from a die-hard Takayasu supporter. Takayasu had him in a very tough position, but Tochinoshin expertly set up the throw and made it work, gimpy leg and all.

Yutakayama defeats Takanosho – A bit of a surprise result, but most welcome. Yutakayama’s tachiai was high and largely ineffective, and Takanosho had advantage, but to my surprise did not convert that to control of the match. Instead Yutakayama pressed the attack again, and got a right hand nodowa. Takanosho moved forward, and was able to take Yutakayama to the tawara, but he was too far forward, and a deft move to the side by Yutakayama sent him to the clay.

Endo defeats Okinoumi – Holy smokes! This is the kind of match you get when two high skill sumo experts with a deep catalog of move and counter move show up and really put their soul into a fight. The only disappointment is this match happened with a limited capacity crowd, admonished not to yell and cheer. What a match!

Shodai defeats Hokutofuji – Hokutofuji’s handshake tachiai had little if any effect on Shodai, and he immediately turned to his left. Shodai’s counter-attack was masterfully timed, and force was applied mid-step when Hokutofuji did not have both feet connected to clay. Shodai drove forward, grasping Hokutofuji’s torso and moving forward. Another solid win for Shodai, and this guy is really starting to look like he’s finally serious about his sumo.

Terunofuji defeats Daieisho – Again today, Terunofuji went for a left hand mawashi grip at the tachiai, but only came up with a handful of sagari today. The force of the collision was such that Daieisho was at the bales, and quickly moved to circle away. The gambit worked, and Daieisho switched to offense. But Terunofuji is too big, and too strong to move with a simple nodowa if his knees are working well. Win number 3 for Terunofuji, he’s looking strong, and I hope his knees hold out.

Mitakeumi defeats Terutsuyoshi – Excellent tachiai from Terutsuyoshi, but his feet were staggered rather than aligned, where Mitakeumi clearly just wanted to accept Terutsuyoshi’s charge. His feet are wide (excellent defensive position), and his hands are low, with the right hand inside. Pull with the right hand, push with the left on Terutsuyoshi’s elbow and that’s a textbook hikkake. Nice…

Takakeisho defeats Myogiryu – It’s no surprise that Myogiryu can’t find a way to beat Takakeisho. At the tachiai, look at their hips. Takakeisho’s stance is wide, his hips are square – that man is not going anywhere. Myogiryu is high and for some reason attacking Takakeisho’s face. The route to Myogiryu’s chest is wide open, and if you are Takakeisho, you just use your primary weapon on the opponent’s most useful target zone, and you win.

Asanoyama defeats Tamawashi – I am beginning to hope that Asanoyama is in the process of settling down and getting into his sumo. The key to the match, Tamawashi’s attempt at a nodowa or a big thrust under Asanoyama’s chin missed completely. In that critical moment at the tachiai, the gambit left Tamawashi’s hips high. Asanoyama took his hands to Tamawashi’s armpits, and took control of the match.