Asashoryu had the chance to become the first yokozuna debutant ever to win the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in March. But the pressure proved too great and he blew it on the final day.
So sumo fans can expect a fierce backlash from the saucy Mongolian grand champion when the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament kicks off at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan on Sunday.
With fellow yokozuna Musashimaru out nursing a wrist injury, Asashoryu was widely expected to blitz his way to a third successive title in March only for his ruthless Genghis Khan streak to desert him.