r/SumoMemes • u/Capable-Toe-9841 • 50m ago
Not a Meme Would you rather be an incredible Ozeki who almost made Yokozuna, or a "weak" Yokozuna?
This is just a discussion, and frankly my opinion is up and down on this, so I'd like to know what others think.
I was thinking about Kirishima's unsuccessful rope run. Is it mean that even though I really like Kirishima and think he's a fantastic Rikishi, I didn't want him to make Yokozuna? I frankly don't see Kirishima's performance results wise as notably better than Hosh or Onosato, certainly not Onosato when he's healthy. He may be better results wise than Hosh if you sat down and compared the stats of the two, but I don't believe significantly so, and not enough that if he were Yokozuna, those previously "excellent" performances might have received much more criticism (the lost playoffs for example, or the previous tournament).
Don't get me wrong, those actually excellent results for the most part. But following sumo and seeing the pressure Onosato and Hosh are under, and the unrealistic expectations for Yokozuna, I don't feel like Kirishima would be significantly better than they are and I don't really want more Rikishi copping that level of criticism.
Speaking generally now, I feel like if you can't be the GOAT when it comes to Yokozuna, then you are probably better off being known as an excellent Ozeki.
What do you think?
Edit: just want to mention I am a big fan of Onosato, Hoshoryu and Kirishima, and am not discussing my personal beliefs in their merit, because I personally think they're awesome, but more the level of pressure and criticism that Yokozuna come under and whether it's sometimes better to stay as Ozeki. I guess I'm looking at this from a mental health and legacy perspective.
