No. 2 maegashira (senior wrester) Kotonowaka (4-2) upset Akebono, or Chad Rowan from Hawaii, by darting back from a charge and thrusting the off-balance yokozuna down into the clay.
Musashimaru, or Fiamalu Penitani from Hawaii, dug in with his feet against the rim as Komusubi (junior champion second class) Takatoriki charged, pushing him back after delivering a furious slapping attack.
The American's feet slipped back to the rim, and Takatoriki fell to his right while Musashimaru fell forward.
The initial call was for Musashimaru, but an umpires' conference reversed that.
Musashimaru and Akebono join four others, including Yokozuna Takanohana, with one loss each.
Maegashira No. 8 Konishiki, or Salevaa Atisanoe from Hawaii (2-4), fell down just after the opening charge when maegashira No. 12 Oginishiki stepped aside.