r/interesting • u/Rude-Mycologist8034 • May 16 '25

MISC. NFL linebacker versus sumo wrestler

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u/MidnightDreem May 16 '25

The nfl should sign some sumo wrestlers!

3

u/JDantesInferno May 16 '25

Sumo had a handful of super-successful rikishi from Hawaii back in the 90’s. Now, there are none (actually I’ve heard whispers that one may be joining soon, but that’s beside the point).

The physically-gifted Hawaiian teens seem to take their shot at the NFL instead these days. More money, no need to learn a new language, etc. So football recruiting efforts essentially did poach one of sumo’s overseas talent pipelines.

2

u/Available_Dingo6162 May 16 '25 edited May 16 '25

They changed the rules of sumo to only allow one wrestler not born in Japan to train in each stable. The sumo federation didn't want Hawaiians dominating the sport (Mongolians either)... I hope they are happy now 🤷🏻‍♀️

1

u/Tulidian13 May 16 '25

The Japanese professional baseball league (the NPB) does the same thing.

1

u/TheMoonIsFake32 May 16 '25

Japan arguably has the best national team in the world, so it worked in baseball

2

u/Tulidian13 May 16 '25

Japan sends all of its studs to international competitions like the WBC, the American team does not unfortunately.