Why Did Rikishi Leave WWE?By Coder| September 27, 2023 Wrestling Blogs In the world of professional wrestling, there have been numerous stars who have come and gone throughout the years. One such wrestler who made a significant impact during his time in the industry was Rikishi. Known for his large frame and unique wrestling style, Rikishi captivated audiences with his powerful moves and charismatic persona. However, despite his success, there came a point when Rikishi decided to part ways with WWE. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Rikishi’s departure from the company. The Rise of Rikishi Rikishi, whose real name is Solofa Fatu Jr., made his debut in WWE (then known as WWF) in 1992 as part of a tag team known as The Headshrinkers. Alongside his cousin Samu, he quickly gained attention for his imposing presence and agility in the ring. Over the years, Rikishi’s character evolved, and he eventually broke away from The Headshrinkers to embark on a solo career. It was during this time that he adopted his signature dance move known as “The Stinkface,” where he would rub his exposed backside into the face of a defeated opponent. The Attitude Era Rikishi’s popularity soared during the late 1990s and early 2000s when WWE entered its infamous Attitude Era. This era was characterized by edgier storylines and a more adult-oriented product that resonated with fans worldwide. During this period, Rikishi aligned himself with another popular faction called Too Cool, which consisted of Scotty 2 Hotty and Grand Master Sexay. Together, they entertained audiences with their fun-loving personalities and impressive dance routines. Rikishi’s partnership with Too Cool proved to be a major success, as they became one of the most beloved trios in WWE history. Their popularity reached new heights, and Rikishi was now firmly established as a fan-favorite. The Infamous Hit and Run Despite his immense popularity, Rikishi’s WWE career took an unexpected turn in 2000. During an episode of Monday Night Raw, Stone Cold Steve Austin was run over by an unidentified driver in the parking lot. As the storyline unfolded, it was revealed that Rikishi was behind the wheel of the car that struck Austin. This shocking revelation sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world and marked a major turning point in Rikishi’s career. The Motive Rikishi claimed that he ran over Austin to ensure The Rock’s success, as he believed Austin’s dominance was overshadowing other talents like The Rock. This shocking act catapulted Rikishi into a prominent villainous role within WWE. A Change in Direction Following the hit and run incident, Rikishi experienced a change in character. He embraced his darker side and aligned himself with various heel factions such as The McMahon-Helmsley Faction and The Alliance. However, as time went on, WWE began to shift its focus towards new stars and storylines. Rikishi’s character started to lose momentum, and he found himself receiving less airtime and fewer significant storylines. Departure from WWE In 2004, after nearly 12 years with WWE (including his earlier stint as part of The Headshrinkers), Rikishi made the decision to leave the company. While no official statement regarding his departure was released at the time, it is believed that creative differences and a desire for new opportunities were factors in his decision. After leaving WWE, Rikishi continued to wrestle on the independent circuit and made occasional appearances for other promotions. He also ventured into training aspiring wrestlers, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation. The Legacy of Rikishi Rikishi’s departure from WWE marked the end of an era for both him and the fans who had grown to love his unique style. While his time with the company may have come to an end, his impact on professional wrestling remains undeniable. Today, Rikishi is fondly remembered as one of the most memorable characters of the Attitude Era. His dance moves, larger-than-life personality, and innovative in-ring style continue to inspire and entertain wrestling fans around the world. In Conclusion Rikishi’s departure from WWE was a bittersweet moment for fans who had followed his career closely. While it marked the end of an era, it also allowed him to explore new opportunities outside of the company. His legacy as one of the most beloved wrestlers of his time remains intact, ensuring that he will always be remembered as a true icon in professional wrestling.
