WES 1: Pro Sumo – New Era Live | Elite Fighters. One Night. One Champion.

Get ready for a historic night of combat sports as World Elite Sumo (WES) presents Pro Sumo – New Era! This massive event marks the launch of the first independent professional sumo league established outside of Japan in centuries. Witness elite athleticism combined with the tradition of live taiko drumming and dramatic, immersive production.

📅 Event Details

• Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
• Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
• Event Start: 7:00 p.m. ET

📺 How to Watch: Exclusive on TrillerTV

WES 1 is available worldwide exclusively through TrillerTV! Fans have two easy ways to catch the action:

• Subscription: Included as part of your active TrillerTV+ subscription.
• Pay-Per-View: Available for individual purchase at just $9.99.

🏆 The Tournament Format

The night headlines a 12-man, single-elimination tournament:

• Best-of-Three: All tournament matches are contested in a best-of-three format for maximum intensity.
• Wild Cards: In a unique twist, two fighters who lose in the first stage may be granted a "wild card" to re-enter the quarterfinals based on their performance.
• The Path to Glory: Fighters battle through quarterfinal and semifinal stages until one champion is crowned.

🔥 Meet the 12 Warriors

World Elite Sumo: Meet the Elite Twelve

The WES roster is a global gathering of power, blending traditional Japanese expertise with international heavyweight dominance. From CEO-warriors to undefeated MMA champions, here are the athletes competing for glory:

• Abdelrahman Shalan "Sandstorm"
  • Stats: 6'3" / 340 lbs
  • Nationality: Egyptian
  • The Profile: As the WES CEO and the first professional sumo wrestler from the Middle East and Africa, "Sandstorm" is a pioneer who brings elite professional experience to the organization.
• Zach Johnson-Dunlop "Double Jeopardy"
  • Stats: 6'3" / 440 lbs
  • Nationality: American
  • The Profile: Standing as the largest fighter in the tournament, Zach is a U.S. top 5 nationally ranked heavyweight whose massive frame makes him a nightmare for any opponent at the tachi-ai.
• Soslan Gagloev "Big Bear"
  • Stats: 6'5" / 350 lbs
  • Nationality: Russian
  • The Profile: A specialist in Yotsu-zumo (belt-grappling), Gagloev has competed at the highest professional levels in Japan, bringing a tactical and seasoned approach to the ring.
• Rui Junior
  • Stats: 5'11" / 381 lbs
  • Nationality: Brazilian
  • The Profile: A cornerstone of South American combat sports, Rui Junior is a staggering 22-time Brazilian national champion, known for his incredible consistency and power.
• Asahisho Kota
  • Stats: 5'9" / 310 lbs
  • Nationality: Japanese
  • The Profile: A former pro star in Japan, Kota reached the prestigious top 42 ranking in the sport, ensuring that the traditional roots of sumo are represented at an elite level.
• Giorgi Kvirchishvilli
  • Stats: 6'3" / 265 lbs
  • Nationality: Georgian American
  • The Profile: An undefeated heavyweight MMA fighter and the 2024 NAGA World Heavyweight Champion, Giorgi brings high-level grappling and explosive athleticism to the circle.
• Dan Kalbfleisch "The Hungry Man"
  • Stats: 6'0" / 285 lbs
  • Nationality: American
  • The Profile: A true legend of the North American scene, Dan is a 12-time U.S. sumo champion and a frequent winner on the international tournament circuit.
• Allejandro Santana "El Caiman"
  • Stats: 6'1" / 360 lbs
  • Nationality: Puerto Rican
  • The Profile: Leveraging his background as an NCAA dual-sport athlete in football and track, "El Caiman" is a push-out specialist who wins matches with sheer aggression.
• Jared Tadlock "The Long Shot"
  • Stats: 5'11" / 340 lbs
  • Nationality: American
  • The Profile: The 2022 Texas State Champion is respected for his technical and tactical style, often out-maneuvering larger opponents through superior positioning.
• James Grammer
  • Stats: 6'3" / 330 lbs
  • Nationality: American
  • The Profile: The founder of the New York Sumo Beya, Grammer proved his elite status by placing 5th in the 2025 U.S. national tournament.
• Edobor Konyeha
  • Stats: 5'10" / 202 lbs
  • Nationality: Hungarian American
  • The Profile: A two-time U.S. national champion, Konyeha utilizes his lower weight and agility to deploy a unique and unorthodox attack style that keeps heavyweights off-balance.
• Joshua Ortiz
  • Stats: 5'7" / 275 lbs
  • Nationality: American
  • The Profile: Representing the Bronx, Joshua Ortiz is a strong belt fighter celebrated for his impressive throwing techniques and low center of gravity.

*All participants are subject to change.

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