How retired Aoiyama will be remembered

He's not quite the one-trick pony his later-years image suggests. Aoiyama will be equally remembered for his workrate, tactical brain and commitment to stable traditions and records.

[vanteal]

He was always deceptively fast in my eyes. Seems like a good person. Glad I got to see him fight for a few years.

[Mrosav]

His size and power were formidable. But to your point, Chris, people have to understand that one can never achieve what he did and stay so long in the top division without being technically sound. He wasn't a crafty technician like Ura, obviously, but he has mastered and used his arsenal very well. And he was a work horse. I will miss him, hoping that one day I may see another bulgarian sekitori. Thanks for the video!

[Music.cigars.]

Every time I see one of the old heads retire, I feel this sort of hot burning passion to stand up and salute them! Tears roll down my face and I give thanks to have had the privilege of watching them perform throughout the years

[jspaingreene]

Thank you as ever, Chris. I appreciate this retrospective. All the best, Aoiyama!

[craigmoy]

I can still remember a tournament only a few years back where he was I think 7 or 8-0 but did not go on with it, maybe it was the March 2021 tournament. He clearly new his strengths and played to them. Plenty of variety to the top ranks

[brosphbehemoth]

We all know what he’ll be remembered for😉

[josephfarrugia]

Gratitude for highlighting how Aoiyama was NOT the one-trick-pony some people would have you believe. His long career in Sumo is a shining contribution to the history & tradition of the sport, I surely will miss him; & wish all the best for the future.

[lmo]

Thanks Chris. Lots of retirements at the moment! I admire Aoiyama's tenacity and will miss seeing him in the ring.

[wundyboy]

Injuries plagued him for years unfortunately...

[denis-emilegiasson]

Aoiyama, the toughest among the toughest. Look at his eyes, the combative anger there and you will find in Aoiyama the same fighting spirit as in the greatest, including Hakuho, the greatest of all. Merci Chris for this magnificent portrait of a man who embraced sumo as one who enters religion.

[zworm]

Always enjoyed his style. Remarkably fast and always polite. Seemed a gentle Giant.

[LucidFlameX]

He was a fine rikishi to stay around as long as he did.

[derekcouzens]

I remember starting to watch sumo some years ago and, for obvious reasons, Aoiyama was one of the first wrestlers I could recognise. After that I came to respect the attitude and skill.

[jaxdragon]

Injuries plagued him for years, yes. He still only had 35 absences, that's hard to do in a brutal sport like sumo. Aoiyama has been here my whole sumo fandom. It's kinda fun & kinda hard for me to see the old guard retire. I love the new rikishi coming up over the years, and the big stars of sumo fall to the coaching staff is a part of sumo i wrestle with. Great story on Aoiyama Chris . I have loved this giant over the years. and also he's made me mad playing spoiler too to my other rikishi i was cheering for. Aoiyama didn't just fall off the basho chart in one tournament he kept fighting in Juryo so it's been a good journey with this rikishi hope he has much success in his future
thanks Chris

[amphimixis]

3:29 - Big AKISEXYAMA alert! All hail the Melting Mountain!

[RDG]

push push push pull - the Aoiyama technique

[Danielhr]

one of my favorite wrestlers, well earned retirement

[starwolven]

Aoiyama will be remembered as "Big Dan the Booba Man"

[Goodchris_inc]

I truly enjoy your videos in this style. I still have in mind your video on Hakuho's final bout vs. Teru. Goosebumps! Thank you so much!

[IY]

Thank you Aoiyama, from all Bulgaria - браво!