Jason Burgos
On May 16, the top sumo league outside Japan, World Elite Sumo, returns with a one-night, 12-man single elimination tournament inside New Jersey’s Prudential Center. The same venue as this Saturday’s UFC 328 card.
These are very different times in combat sports because fans now have a boatload of choices. However, it also means more options for fight athletes beyond just boxing and mixed martial arts. Power Slap, Real American Freestyle, and UFC BJJ are just a few of the combat brands that offer new pathways to fame and fortune for athletes. You can also add WES to the list.
The company, founded in 2025 by sumo star Abdelrahman “Sandstorm” Shalan, is looking to bring the close to the 2,000-year-old sport and martial art to the American masses in a way never before seen. And as it grows, it will could lure some intriguing talent looking to chart a path in a new sport.
With that in mind, we look at six sports stars we would love to see compete in World Elite Sumo.
Aaron Donald
Retired Los Angeles Rams star Aaron Donald was one of the most dominant forces the NFL has seen this century. A major reason why, beyond his football IQ, was the 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, it seems like Donald has handled retirement well since walking away from the sport in 2023. However, at only 34 years old, he still might have the itch for competition in the trenches. World Elite Sumo would offer an intriguing option.
Tai Tuivasa
After dropping to 14-10 following a seventh straight loss last week at UFC Perth, it’s safe to say Tai Tuivasa’s run in the UFC is over. Furthermore, a case could be made to rethink taking more brain damage in cage fighting. So why not give sumo wrestling a try?
At 6-foot-2 and around 265 pounds, he is a large athlete. However, what made the heavyweight so popular in the UFC was his fun, carefree attitude, and of course, drinking beers out of shoes. Tuivasa could be a star in WES from his personality alone.
Brock Lesnar
At WrestleMania 42, WWE and UFC legend Brock Lesnar seemingly brought his wrestling career to an end. It concluded what was the greatest combat sports career of all time after he won major titles in amateur wrestling, the UFC, and WWE. Or maybe not.
As arguably the best combat athlete the world has ever seen, what if Lesnar looked to reach the top of another legendary sport? Even at 48 years old, “The Beast” is still an amazing athlete and should be competitive. But more than anything, it would bring the new promotion a ton of attention because Lesnar is such a huge star.
Roy Nelson
Roy “Big Country” Nelson was a beloved fan-favorite in the UFC for eight years because of his second-to-none toughness and a physique that the average Joe could appreciate. Yet, while he didn’t look like an athlete, Nelson was far more gifted than he was given credit for.
Nelson has shown he is always down for a good payday. If he is still in solid shape at 49 years old, he could be a realistic option to bring in to World Elite Sumo to create some fun matchups and moments.
Bronson Reed
WWE is always open to intriguing crossovers and has had sumo stars in their ring in the past. If the No. 1 company in wrestling were interested in a fun crossover and sent one of its talents to WES, Aussie Bronson Reed feels like a perfect fit.
He has the body type of a classic sumo wrestler. However, he is an outstanding athlete, and those gifts might allow him to be competitive right away despite his inexperience in the sport.
Rob Gronkowski
While New England Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski hung up his cleats five years ago, he can still be found all over the sports and entertainment spectrum. Including making appearances for WWE soon after his retirement.
The NFL legend is always down for a good time if the pay is right. Seeing Gronkowski in a sumo match would be a ton of fun and bring a lot of attention to World Elite Sumo. Furthermore, the 36-year-old is still in great shape and could hold his own when it comes to pure power.
