Shane Gillis Officiates Sumo Match at Pat McAfee’s Big Night in Pittsburgh

Shane Gillis Steps Into the Sumo Ring at Pat McAfee’s Big Night

Pat McAfee brought chaos and comedy to Pittsburgh during his Big Night event—and Shane Gillis made sure fans got both. The comedian showed up as a surprise guest and took on the unexpected role of sumo wrestling referee.

Wearing a traditional sumo official outfit, Gillis struggled to take the job seriously. At one point, he asked how it smelled “up there,” prompting McAfee to snap back, “Don’t be disrespectful!” Gillis pushed further, commenting on a wrestler’s “camel toe,” only to claim, “It’s my moyashi,” referring to his costume. McAfee kept things in check: “Respect the sport!”

Gillis admitted he didn’t know what he was doing. “I’m doing research,” he said, trying to remember the Japanese call for a winner. “The guy told me what to say and I don’t know if I got it.” Instead of the official “shōri,” Gillis shouted “Oh hey!” every time a match ended.

The crowd loved the mix of tradition, trash talk, and Gillis’s signature delivery.