Robot Wars: The Fourth Wars/Sumo Basho

Sumo Basho
Shunt and Bigger Brother duel on the Sumo Basho ring
Structure Information
Number of Competing Robots	16
Format	Survival
History
UK Series	4
Winner(s)	Panic Attack

"It's the ultimate shoving match...but of course, it's Shunt they're up against, and he doesn't like being pushed around."

— Craig Charles introduces Sumo Basho in Series 4, Heat A

Sumo Basho was a side competition held during Robot Wars: The Fourth Wars, based on the Sumo Trial from the First and Second Wars. Each of the sixteen competing robots would take turns to enter a small circular stage with Shunt, with the aim of pushing the House Robot off the ring or otherwise remaining on the ring for a full 60 seconds. Competitors which succeeded in pushing Shunt off - or forcing Shunt to fall off himself - would be placed higher on the leaderboard than those which lasted the full duration. Weapons were not allowed to be used.

Results

Spawn of Scutter (Heat A)

"Weighing in at 78.8 kilos, a test of pure strength against Shunt. It's very simple, you've just got to stay in there as long as you can, that's the main aim."

— Jonathan Pearce at the start of Spawn of Scutter's run

Shunt pushes Spawn of Scutter off

Spawn of Scutter drove forwards, and tried to turn around Shunt, but Shunt got under Spawn of Scutter. Spawn of Scutter slid off the scoop, and turned around to Shunt's side. Shunt quickly turned around and got at Spawn of Scutter's side. Shunt tried to push Spawn of Scutter, but Spawn of Scutter turned around before Shunt could get it close to the edge. Spawn of Scutter drove around Shunt, but Shunt quickly turned around and got at Spawn of Scutter's side again. With one long push, Shunt pushed Spawn of Scutter off the edge.

"Dodging Shunt, a wise move... oh! Not long enough! Dear oh dear! (Laughs) Shunt victorious, they didn't last long, did they? Spawn of Scutter, scuttling out of the arena! Over in a flash."

— Jonathan Pearce as Spawn of Scutter dodges Shunt, only to be quicky caught and pushed over the edge

Time: 8.03 seconds

Firestorm 2 (Heat A)

"Nippy around the arena floor as well normally, could do well."

— Jonathan Pearce introducing Firestorm 2 to the Sumo

Shunt gets under Firestorm 2

Firestorm 2 turned away from Shunt and drove up the ring, then turned to face Shunt as the House Robot drove towards it.

"Move to the left Firestorm, that's the tactic I would have used..."

— Jonathan Pearce

However, Firestorm 2 then made the mistake of using its "rear up" device, lifting up its front, which allowed Shunt to get underneath and push it straight off the platform in seconds.

"Well, my tactic was good then, wasn't it? They're out! Splendid stuff! I think they made the right move, honestly, but straight onto the bulldozer of Shunt and out. They couldn't get any traction, and it's "Sum-over" and out for them, and not a good time!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Shunt pushes Firestorm 2 off

Time: 4.21 seconds

Diotoir (Heat B)

"And great fun throughout the history of Robot Wars, winning Sportsmanship Awards. ... There's Diotoir, weighing in at 80 kilos, against the might, the power of Shunt."

— Jonathan Pearce introduces Diotoir to the Sumo

Shunt pushes Diotoir straight off

Diotoir lays upside down outside the Sumo ring

Diotoir and Shunt drove straight at each other, and when they came together, Shunt merely pushed Diotoir off of the platform in one charge, with no resistance.

"Just under a metre long, and wide and heavy, but out! Ooh, that's a terrible run for the boys from Dublin! Never got going, and Shunt was simply awesome in power on the drive! They came head to head, and there was just the one winner there!"

— Jonathan Pearce's entire commentary for Diotoir's very short run

Time: 3.95 seconds

Onslaught (Heat B)

"I wonder if they'll use the scooper here? Why not go on the attack?"

— Jonathan Pearce ponders Onslaught's tactics before the Sumo run

Onslaught gets up on Shunt's scoop

Onslaught drove forwards a little, then stopped. As Shunt moved towards it, Onslaught drove into Shunt's scoop, but bumped off. Onslaught turned and drove at Shunt again, but drove up Shunt's scoop. Onslaught was left hanging off Shunt's scoop, and Shunt pushed it towards the edge, but Onslaught struggled against it, as its rear wheels were still touching the floor. Shunt reversed, letting Onslaught drop off the scoop.

"That's interesting, up and over Shunt. Just holding on, wheels spinning, this is a good run, this is a very good run."

— Jonathan Pearce as Onslaught hooks onto Shunt's scoop

Onslaught drives off the Sumo Basho ring

Onslaught turned and charged at Shunt's scoop, riding up the scoop. Shunt tried to push Onslaught off the edge, but Onslaught reversed and turned, getting off the scoop. Shunt nearly drove off the edge, but managed to stop himself. As Shunt tried to reverse away from the edge, Onslaught rammed into his side to try and push him off, but Shunt turned, causing Onslaught to drive over the edge.

"Darting away, good speed, manoeuvrability... oh dear oh dear, what are you doing boys?! You had it there! You drove off the Sumo Basho ring! Great stuff early on, foot on the pedal, oop! And "re-tired" so to speak!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Onslaught drives off the platform

Onslaught had however, lasted longer than any competitor up to that point, putting it top of the leaderboard.

Time: 17.31 seconds

Scorpion (Heat C)

"Slow around the arena though, just 7miles an hour. Hmm, I'm not sure it'll be strong enough to stay in with Shunt."

— Jonathan Pearce before Scorpion's run

Scorpion's rear wheel gets caught on the edge of the Sumo platform, and Shunt prepares to push it off

Scorpion started by turning, and drove up the platform. Shunt drove at it, but missed his turn, and pushed against the chainsaw rather than Scorpion's side. Shunt turned to get at Scorpion's front, and pushed Scorpion to the edge of the podium.

"This is a steady start... will it be a quick finish though? Well, there's your answer!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Shunt pushes Scorpion to the edge

Scorpion after being pushed off

Scorpion's rear castor slid over the edge, leaving the back of the robot hanging over the edge, and though Scorpion tried to get fully back onto the platform, Shunt blocked it and pushed it off.

"No sting in the tail for Scorpion! Teetering, teetering, tottering and out!"

— Jonathan Pearce watches the replay after Scorpion is pushed out

Time: 9.23 seconds

Destruct-A-Bubble (Heat C)

"More newcomers, little bit sluggish, just 5 mile-an-hour top speeds, but they've conjured up a wonderful-looking robot here! (Laughs) Look at it! I love the Union Jack bowler hat, fantastic! Laughing in the face of adversity against Shunt"

— Jonathan Pearce introduces Destruct-A-Bubble

Destruct-A-Bubble gets side-on to Shunt

Destruct-A-Bubble started by turning away from Shunt and driving up the platform a little, whilst Shunt drove forwards, then stopped. Destruct-A-Bubble turned towards Shunt, and Shunt drove at Destruct-A-Bubble, but Destruct-A-Bubble turned so it was at Shunt's side. Shunt pushed against Destruct-A-Bubble's spike, then reversed.

"Well, that's a good manoeuvre. Side on you see, Shunt can't get any leverage there..."

— Jonathan Pearce as Destruct-A-Bubble gets side-on against Shunt

Destruct-A-Bubble drives off the edge

Destruct-A-Bubble turned so it was facing away from Shunt, and Shunt drove back at Destruct-A-Bubble, nudging against its side, pushing it closer to the edge. Shunt turned, and Destruct-A-Bubble drove straight off the platform, prematurely ending a run that had started well.

"Brilliant, drove off straight into the tyres! One eye shut, one eye open!"

— Jonathan Pearce after Destruct-A-Bubble drove off the platform

Destruct-A-Bubble was only the second competitor to last more than ten seconds, but hadn't lasted long enough to overtake Onslaught.

"Oh but look at that! The bubble hasn't burst! 11.91 seconds, and they go second!"

— Jonathan Pearce reviews the leaderboard after Destruct-A-Bubble's run

Time: 11.91 seconds

S.M.I.D.S.Y. (Heat D)

"Four Go-Kart wheels, driven by two motors, will try and gain traction on the arena floor."

— Jonathan Pearce introduces S.M.I.D.S.Y. to the Sumo

S.M.I.D.S.Y. gets side on against Shunt

S.M.I.D.S.Y. started quickly, darting forwards and driving around to Shunt's side. Shunt turned and tried to push S.M.I.D.S.Y. off, but S.M.I.D.S.Y. reversed away from Shunt, driving dangerously along the edge but staying on.

"That's a great technique, going to the side of Shunt, backing away!"

— Jonathan Pearce praises S.M.I.D.S.Y.'s driving

S.M.I.D.S.Y. turned and drove down the platform. Shunt drove at it as it drove down the platform, getting at its side, but S.M.I.D.S.Y. was quick enough to drive past. It turned and tried to get at Shunt's side, but Shunt reversed.

"This is a very, very good Sumo Basho run here by S.M.I.D.S.Y.!"

— Jonathan Pearce as S.M.I.D.S.Y. gets at Shunt's side

S.M.I.D.S.Y. is pushed off

S.M.I.D.S.Y. turned around, and Shunt tried to charge at its side, but S.M.I.D.S.Y. drove forwards. and turned to get at Shunt's side. Shunt turned against S.M.I.D.S.Y., and pushed S.M.I.D.S.Y., and this caused S.M.I.D.S.Y. to charge over the edge.

"...eventually went off, but that's a very creditable run!"

— Jonathan Pearce after S.M.I.D.S.Y. went over the edge

S.M.I.D.S.Y. went to second on the leaderboard as a result of this creditable run, but missed out on top spot by just over 3 seconds.

Time: 14.11 seconds

Kater Killer (Heat D)

"Now significantly, for Sumo Basho, Kater Killer has rubber tracks with aluminium tracks for extra traction."

— Jonathan Pearce introduces Kater Killer

Kater Killer backs against Shunt's side

As Shunt drove at Kater Killer, Kater Killer turned back and forth as it moved forwards a little. As Shunt got close, Kater Killer turned around, turning around to Shunt's side.

"Don't go broadside to Shunt, don't go broadside!"

— Jonathan Pearce

Shunt reversed, then pushed against Kater Killer's front, pushing it to the edge of the platform, with one track hanging over the edge. As Shunt reversed for another charge, Kater Killer tried reversing, but could not get back on the platform, with the track left hanging over the edge, leaving Kater Killer stuck.

"Steady, pushed backwards, dodging on the side of the arena. Oooh, the writings on the wall!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Shunt pushes Kater Killer, leaving one track hanging over the edge

Shunt prepares to push Kater Killer off

With victory assured, Shunt slowly drove at Kater Killer, but stopped short of Kater Killer as its run was askew. Shunt turned to line itself up, then gave Kater Killer one final push off.

"In comes Shunt, and down they go. Again over 14 seconds. Smiles in the cabin, but once you're in that position, whoops, over you go!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Shunt pushes Kater Killer off

This delay added a few seconds to Kater Killer's time, putting it third on the leaderboard, despite getting stuck after just 8 seconds.

Time: 14.03 seconds

Maverick (Heat E)

Maverick after being pushed off

Maverick initially paused, and as Shunt drove towards it, Maverick turned. It rocked back and forth, and Shunt paused for a moment, and Maverick moved away, driving forwards, then turning to face Shunt.

"Gently manoeuvring its way to the left-hand side, already staying in there."

— Jonathan Pearce in the tentative opening moments

Maverick turned and tried to drive around Shunt, but Shunt was too quick for it, getting at its side and pushing it off.

"Had no answer when Shunt finally pushed down on the accelerator and came in on the attack! Gruesome grin on the features of Maverick, but the last laugh was with Shunt!"

— Jonathan Pearce after Shunt pushed Maverick off

Time 9.07 seconds

X-Terminator 2 (Heat E)

"Don't know if we'll see the axe weapon, the scoop bucket at the front though, could be advantageous here, to get in underneath Shunt when Shunt comes forward."

— Jonathan Pearce before X-Terminator 2's Sumo Basho run

X-Terminator 2 gets under Shunt

X-Terminator 2 started by charging at Shunt, getting its front scoop under Shunt's. Shunt tried to push, but the X-Terminator 2's scoop lifted his wheels off the ground, meaning he could not get enough traction. However, X-Terminator 2 could not push Shunt backwards, leaving the two at a stalemate.

"This is a great tactic! This is a fine run here by X-Terminator, and they used the weapon on the front, that little scoop, to get in underneath Shunt. Shunt can gain no momentum, look at that, the wheels spinning!"

— Jonathan Pearce as X-Terminator 2 gets under Shunt, leaving it stuck

Shunt kept trying to push, and eventually managed to push X-Terminator 2 back a little, but couldn't get enough traction for a sustained push, and the stalemate continued. Shunt managed to push X-Terminator 2 back a little, then a little more, but he still could not get enough traction, and X-Terminator 2 held firm.

"This is a brilliant run, this is the best we've had so far! Terrific stuff, the Sumo Basho belongs to X-Terminator so far!"

— Jonathan Pearce as X-Terminator 2 holds Shunt to a standstill

After 25 seconds, X-Terminator 2 managed to gain a slight advantage, pushing Shunt back a little.

"Now go on, heave-ho, get Shunt out of that Basho arena! Push and shove! Heave-ho, heave-ho! Get Shunt back!"

— Jonathan Pearce as X-Terminator 2 gets an advantage

The two continued to push against each other for the rest of the minute, each unable to gain an advantage, and neither robot was allowed to use their lifting weapon to break the deadlock. In the last few seconds, smoke began to rise from X-Terminator 2, but it survived to the end, the first competitor to do so.

"Tremendous stuff, they're going to last in there, they're gonna outlast the House Robot! Brilliant stuff from the boys from Hereford! X-Terminator, that's the best so far! What a performance that was! Straight on the attack, great tactics!"

— Jonathan Pearce as X-Terminator 2 survives to the end

Time: Survived

Razer (Heat F)

"But coming next, the reigning World and International Champion, let's see what they can do!"

— Jonathan Pearce introduces Razer for the Sumo

Shunt pushes Razer off the edge

Razer drove forwards a little, and as Shunt drove towards it, Razer turned so its side was facing Shunt. Shunt drove into its side, but Razer turned. However, as it did so, Shunt turned with it, and quickly got at its side, allowing him to push Razer over the edge.

"Oh dear! Razer's gone! Straight away, they had to go on the attack really. Trying to force Shunt out of the arena, and bang, crash, gone!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Razer is swiftly pushed off

Razer self rights after being pushed off

Razer's run had ended very quickly, but humorously, it self righted and continued to drive around, to the amusement of Jonathan Pearce.

"You can't come back in boys! You may try! Oh, what are you going to do, bounce off the rubber tyres?"

— Jonathan Pearce as Razer drives around outside the Sumo platform

Time: 4.87 seconds

Pussycat (Heat F)

Pussycat falls onto its back

For this event, Pussycat had its cutting disc removed, and had two pieces added to the back to help keep it upright.

"The circular blade, very forceful weapon, removed because this don't forget is a trial of strength and endurance."

— Jonathan Pearce

Pussycat is knocked off the ring

Pussycat started quickly, swerving past Shunt, but drove dangerously close to the edge. It managed to stop itself in time, then drove straight at Shunt. However, on impact with Shunt's scoop, Pussycat tipped over, and the pieces added to the back prevented it from falling onto its wheels. Pussycat struggled, and managed to get off the rear piece, but was stuck on its side. Shunt drove at Pussycat's front and swiftly pushed it off the platform with one hard push, though he nearly drove off himself as he did so.

"Stay on the Sumo mat, and also push Shunt out. To win the Sumo Basho challenge, that's what one of our remaining contestants has to do and it won't be Pussycat, that's for certain!"

— Jonathan Pearce's commentary for Pussycat's Sumo run

Time: 10.60 seconds

Panic Attack (Heat G)

Panic Attack nearly falls off the Sumo platform

"Panic Attack, low center of gravity, 80.6 kilos, good weight to take on Shunt. Good driver as well, Kim Davies."

— Jonathan Pearce fancies Panic Attack's chances before the run

Panic Attack charged straight at Shunt, but couldn't get its lifting forks under Shunt's scoop. Shunt pushed, and turned to the side of Panic Attack's forks, forcing the robot to the edge. Panic Attack managed to turn away, and reversed to the centre of the ring.

"Ooh! Brinkmanship, from Panic Attack! Right on the edge!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Panic Attack stays in the ring

Shunt turned and drove at Panic Attack, who reversed to dodge him. Panic Attack reversed to the edge of the platform and drove besides Shunt. Shunt turned and pushed against its back corner, but Panic Attack turned, getting besides Shunt. Panic Attack drove away from the edge with Shunt besides it, and when Shunt turned, Panic Attack reversed away. Panic Attack turned around and backed into Shunt's scoop.

"There's a survival tactic: dodge Shunt, stay away from him. You don't want to get close up to that bulldozer scoop, and this isn't bad so far by Panic Attack."

— Jonathan Pearce as Panic Attack dodges Shunt

Shunt falls off just before Panic Attack

Before Shunt could push, Panic Attack turned and reversed away, but reversed too hard and accidentally drove over the edge of the platform, leaving it balancing on the side. Shunt went in for the final push, but missed his charge, driving alongside Panic Attack and driving off the edge. As he did so, he bumped into Panic Attack's side, causing it to fall off as well, but the replays showed Shunt had hit the tire first, making Panic Attack the first robot to defeat Shunt.

"They drew Shunt on, more by luck than judgment I would suggest, but there you have it, Shunt hit the ground first, so Panic Attack will be the new leaders, even though they're a little bit fluky!"

— Jonathan Pearce watches the replay

Time: Victorious

Behemoth (Heat G)

"Well they know what they gotta do now... Behemoth with its 80.4 kilos, its pneumatic scoop, has to go on the attack, not sit back now! Has to thrust forward, has to go at Shunt and try and lever Shunt off, within the time set by Panic Attack"

— Jonathan Pearce at the start of Behemoth's Sumo run

Behemoth gets under Shunt

Both robots started cautiously, with Behemoth moving first, driving forwards a little, turning to face Shunt, then stopping. Shunt lined itself up and drove straight at Behemoth, but it drove onto Behemoth's scoop, which was able to get under Shunt's scoop, lifting Shunt's wheels off the ground. Shunt tried spinning his wheels, but couldn't get traction, and Behemoth tried pushing Shunt, but couldn't push the House Robot back.

"Well, it’s err, not hugely entertaining, is it? Look at this… bang, scoop-to-scoop, and then, erm… erm, well not a lot of movement! Erm… no, not a lot of movement…"

— Jonathan Pearce as Behemoth and Shunt lock together

With neither robot able to get an advantage, and neither allowed to use their scoop to break the deadlock, Behemoth kept trying to Shunt for the rest of the time, unable to push Shunt back, but also preventing Shunt from getting free.

"Ooh, movement, movement! Movement – yes! We had a flicker – a spasm! Brilliant, though – they’ve lasted the minute, and that’s all that matters for them! That’s what Sumo’s all about… a load of lard and not enough movement!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Behemoth survives the full minute in Sumo Basho

Behemoth was only the second competitor to last the minute, but having failed to push Shunt off, it went to joint second.

Time: Survived

Bigger Brother (Heat H)

"You have 21 seconds to push Shunt out of the arena, and Shunt weighs 105 kilos!"

— Jonathan Pearce at the start of Bigger Brother's run

Bigger Brother after being pushed off

Shunt drove forwards, but Bigger Brother turned to avoid it. Shunt turned to face Bigger Brother, but Bigger Brother turned around and drove around Shunt when he tried to push it. Shunt tuned to face Bigger Brother, and this time Bigger Brother turned to face Shunt. This proved to be a mistake, as Shunt got under Bigger Brother's front and swiftly pushed it off.

"Bigger Brother dances around Shunt and err ... ah! Ends up out of the arena. About as heavyweight as little Joe, Bigger Brother!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Shunt quickly pushes Bigger Brother off the platform

Despite Bigger Brother's initial good driving, Shunt recorded another quick victory.

Time: 6.43 seconds

Thermidor 2 (Heat H)

"Go on, get that flipper in underneath Shunt! Lift Shunt away and out of the arena, go on the attack, you have to attack now!"

— Jonathan Pearce to Thermidor 2 as its Sumo Basho run starts

Thermidor 2 after being pushed off

As Shunt moved forwards, Thermidor 2 opened its claws, and turned to try and get at the side of Shunt's scoop. However, Shunt got under Thermidor 2's flipper with his front scoop, then got under one of its claw arms, which allowed it to lift Thermidor 2 up and push it straight off, leading to another quick victory for Shunt.

"Do not be conservative and defensive, it will not do you any ... (laughs) I was going to say it wouldn't do you any good, what was the point?"

— Jonathan Pearce as Shunt gets under and pushes Thermidor 2 off

Time: 5.03 seconds

Final Leaderboard

1. Panic Attack (Victorious - 21.15)
2. X-Terminator (Survived - 1.00.00)
3. Behemoth (Survived - 1.00.00)
4. Onslaught (17.31)
5. S.M.I.D.S.Y. (14.11)
6. Kater Killer (14.03)
7. Destruct-A-Bubble (11.91)
8. Pussycat (10.60)
9. Scorpion (9.23)
10. Maverick (9.07)
11. Spawn of Scutter (8.03)
12. Bigger Brother (6.43)
13. Thermidor 2 (5.03)
14. Razer (4.87)
15. Firestorm 2 (4.21)
16. Diotoir (3.95)

Trivia

Destruct-A-Bubble's name misspelled on the leaderboard

The trophy as shown on television

The Sumo Basho trophy as it was sold on eBay

• The red and blue coloured perimeter zones used in the Tag Team Terror could be seen on the Arena floor during this competition, suggesting the two were filmed at about the same time.
• This was the last time Sumo was used in Robot Wars, having been used in Series 1, 2, and a cancelled event in Series 3, starting from the very first episode. However, Sumo would continue to be used in the spin-off show Techno Games.
• Like the Pinball competition, the teams often appeared with different members or different outfits to their main series competition.
  • Craig Charles' son Jack Charles appeared with the Diotoir team, as he did in the Pinball Warrior competition.
• This competition marked the first appearances of; Spawn of Scutter, Scorpion, Destruct-A-Bubble, and Maverick, as each of their Sumo runs were broadcast before their respective Heats.
• The S.M.I.D.S.Y. team put salt shakers in their robots jaws so that they could spread it, like real Sumo wrestlers do for luck..

"Real Sumo wrestlers throw salt into the ring for luck (salt used to be expensive, so it was a sacrifice) We wanted to do the same. We 'borrowed' a couple of plastic salt cellars from the RobotWars cafeteria. Before the bout, at the point where we were introduced, we opened the jaws to allow the salt to roll out - except they didn't and we had to jerk forwards and back to throw them out ... We had to explain the significance of the salt to every member of the RW crew but they all liked the idea and were keen for us to try it."

— Team Ixion explain their use of salt in the Sumo on their website

• Shunt was only defeated once out of the 16 runs, much better than his performances in the Sumo Trials in Series 1 and 2, where he was defeated twice in each episodes, a total of 4 out of 10.
• Throughout the series, the leaderboard consistently misspelt Destruct-A-Bubble as Distruct-A-Bubble, despite the fact it was spelled correctly in its main series appearance. This mistake was also consistently made in Robot Wars Magazine.
• The leaderboard listed Behemoth and Panic Attack as 16th in the list of competitors up to Heat F, when Panic Attack and Behemoth appeared before Bigger Brother.
• Maverick and X-Terminator's runs were also changed around in order in editing, with the leaderboard originally listing X-Terminator as the 9th competitor due to take on Shunt.
• Diotoir's Sumo run was the worst ever, particularly ironic given that Diotoir's predecessor Nemesis defeated Shunt in the Sumo in Series 1.
• The Sumo Basho trophy shown on television was not the one given to the winners. A picture of the Best Engineering Award from Series 3 was used.
• The original trophy from the competition was sold on eBay by Kim Davies in October 2021 for £1,827.