Kotoōshū was unable to follow up his victory with a push for "yokozuna" promotion, producing scores of only 9–6 and 8–7 in the next two tournaments. In October 2008 he denied allegations by disgraced former wrestler Wakanohō that he had thrown matches against Kotoōshū in return for money, saying "I am saddened by this. It is all lies." Wakanohō subsequently retracted his comments. He produced scores of 10–5 in the first two tournaments of 2009, the best record amongst his fellow "ōzeki". In the May 2009 tournament, he finished the tournament with a 9–6 score. However, he ended "yokozuna" Hakuhō's 33-bout winning streak on the 14th day. In July 2009 he was in contention for the "yūshō" until the final day and finished runner-up with an impressive 13–2 score. He never won more than ten bouts in a tournament after that. He pulled out of the May 2011 tournament on Day 11, citing a knee injury. He returned in July and preserved his rank by securing his eighth win on Day 10 (the last bout of fellow "ōzeki" Kaiō's career), finishing on 9–6. However he withdrew once again in September after suffering five defeats in the first six days.