On May 16, World Elite Sumo, the top sumo league outside Japan, will return with a one-night, 12-man single elimination tournament inside New Jersey’s Prudential Center. Same location as this Saturday’s UFC 328 card.
It’s a very different time in combat sports as fans now have a ton of options. However, it also means more options for combat athletes beyond just boxing and mixed martial arts. Power Slap, Real American Freestyle and UFC BJJ are just some of the combat brands offering new paths to fame and fortune for athletes. You can also add WES to the list.
The company, founded in 2025 by sumo star Abdelrahman “Sandstorm” Shallan, is trying to bring the 2,000-year-old sport and martial arts closer to the American public than ever before. And as it grows, it could attract some interesting talent looking to blaze a trail in the new game.
With that in mind, we’re taking a look at six sports stars we’d love to see compete in World Elite Sumo.
aaron donald
Retired Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald was one of the NFL’s most dominant running backs this century. A big reason for this, beyond his football IQ, was that he was an eight-time All-Pro and a Hulk of a man. At 6-foot-1 and 280 pounds of pure muscle, Donald was an unstoppable force at times during his career.
Unlike some of his contemporaries, Donald seems to be handling retirement well as he walks away from the game in 2023. However, at only 34 years old, he may still have the will to compete hard. World Elite Sumo will offer an interesting alternative.
pacific ocean
After suffering his seventh consecutive loss at UFC Perth last week, falling to 14-10, it’s safe to say that Tai Tuivasa’s run in the UFC is over. Furthermore, a case can be made for reconsidering the idea of greater brain damage in cage fighting. So why not try sumo wrestling?
At 6-foot-2 and about 265 pounds, he’s a big athlete. However, what made this heavyweight so popular in the UFC was his fun-loving, carefree attitude and, of course, drinking beer out of shoes. Tuivasa could become a star at WES with his personality alone.
Brock Lesnar
At WrestleMania 42, WWE and UFC legend Brock Lesnar ended his wrestling career. Winning major titles in amateur wrestling, the UFC, and WWE concluded what was to be the greatest combat sports career ever. Or maybe not.
As arguably the best combat athlete the world has ever seen, what if Lesnar looked to rise to the pinnacle of another great sport? Even at 48 years old, “The Beast” is still an amazing athlete and should be competitive. But more than anything, it will bring a lot of attention to the new promotion because Lesnar is such a big star.
Roy Nelson
Roy “Big Country” Nelson was a beloved fan-favorite in the UFC for eight years because of his unparalleled toughness and a physique that the average Joe could appreciate. Yet, while Nelson did not look like an athlete, Nelson was much more talented than he was given credit for.
Nelson has shown that he is always looking for a good payday. If he’s still in solid shape at 49, he could be a realistic option to bring to World Elite Sumo to create some fun matchups and moments.
bronson reed
WWE is always open to interesting crossovers and has had sumo stars in the ring in the past. If the No. 1 company in wrestling was interested in a fun crossover and sent one of its talents to WES, Australian Bronson Reed seems like the perfect fit for it.
His physical build is that of a classic sumo wrestler. However, he is an excellent athlete, and these gifts may allow him to become immediately competitive despite his inexperience in the sport.
rob gronkowski
While New England Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski left his post five years ago, he can still be found everywhere in the sports and entertainment world. Including appearances for WWE shortly after his retirement.
An NFL legend is always up for a good time if the pay is right. Seeing Gronkowski in a sumo match would be a lot of fun and would bring a lot of attention to World Elite Sumo. Furthermore, the 36-year-old is still in great shape and can continue to dominate when it comes to pure power.
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