One thing to know about these creatures is that they get small stat-boosts every time they level up. But when they reach one of the three milestones: LV12, LV25 and LV40, their stats skyrocket. Like, it would be an even enough match between a LV11 and a LV10, but very hard but possible to beat a LV12 with a LV11, really SUPER hard to beat a LV25 with a LV24, but don't, under ANY circumstances insult a LV40 opponent by gracing their presence as a LV39 or lower. Just don't do it. Still, LV25 is when you become a full-fledge rikishi. This is a game of using the other opponents force against them, while making it difficult for them to do the same, and while it may seem like it's easier to trip off stronger, heavier opponents, it is not so.

Also, one thing I should add is that characters keep the same head throughout each stage. I'm just using different heads for demonstrations.