{"id":719,"date":"2025-05-19T14:49:13","date_gmt":"2025-05-19T14:49:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/?p=719"},"modified":"2025-05-24T15:28:12","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T15:28:12","slug":"rikishi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/rikishi\/","title":{"rendered":"Rikishi"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"312\" height=\"312\" src=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image.webp\" alt=\"Rikishi\" class=\"wp-image-720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image.webp 312w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-250x250.webp 250w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-50x50.webp 50w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-100x100.webp 100w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-200x200.webp 200w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-300x300.webp 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 312px) 100vw, 312px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rikishi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Real Name:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Solofa Fatu Jr.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ring Name(s):<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Rikishi<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fatu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Sultan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headshrinker Fatu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make a Difference Fatu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JR Smooth (briefly in other promotions)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Born:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>October 11, 1965<\/strong> \u2013 San Francisco, California, USA<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Height:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>6 ft 1 in (185 cm)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Weight:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>425 lbs (193 kg)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Billed From:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Isle of Samoa<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Family:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Part of the legendary <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Anoa%CA%BBi_family\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Anoa\u02bbi wrestling family<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Twin brother of <a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/umaga\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Umaga<\/strong> (Eddie Fatu)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cousin to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/Yokozuna\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yokozuna<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/dwayne-the-rock-johnson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Rock<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/roman-reigns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Roman Reigns<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/The-usos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Usos<\/a> (his sons)<\/strong>, and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/solo-sikoa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Solo Sikoa<\/a> (his son)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Father of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/The-usos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jimmy and Jey Uso<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/solo-sikoa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Solo Sikoa<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Training &amp; Debut<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Trained by:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwe.com\/superstars\/wildsamoans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Afa &amp; Sika Anoa\u02bbi<\/a> (The Wild Samoans)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pro Wrestling Debut:<\/strong> 1985<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Originally worked in the tag team <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/prowrestling.fandom.com\/wiki\/The_Headshrinkers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Samoan SWAT Team<\/a><\/strong> in the 1980s alongside his cousin Samu<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>WWE Career Timeline<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">### 1. <strong>The Headshrinkers (1992\u20131995)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wrestled as <strong>Fatu<\/strong> with <strong>Samu<\/strong> as a wild Samoan team under manager <strong>Afa<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Won the <strong>WWF Tag Team Championship<\/strong> in 1994<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Known for their savage style, bare feet, and classic brawling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Make a Difference Fatu (1995)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Repackaged with a socially-conscious gimmick aimed at inner-city youth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The gimmick was seen as well-meaning but ultimately did not connect with fans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>The Sultan (1996\u20131997)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wrestled under a mask with manager <strong>The Iron Sheik<\/strong> and <strong>Bob Backlund<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Portrayed as a silent, Middle Eastern enforcer-type character<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faced <strong>Rocky Maivia<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/dwayne-the-rock-johnson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Rock<\/a>) at WrestleMania 13<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Rikishi Phatu (1999\u20132004)<\/strong> \u2013 <em>Breakthrough Persona<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Adopted the <strong>Rikishi<\/strong> name in late 1999<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Embraced Samoan heritage with bleach blonde hair, sumo-inspired thong attire, and massive charisma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Teamed with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Too_Cool\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Too Cool<\/a><\/strong> (Scotty 2 Hotty &amp; Grand Master Sexay) in a hugely popular act<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Known for the <strong>Stink Face<\/strong>\u2014one of the most famous (and hilarious) moves in WWE history<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fan favorite for his dance routines, comedy, and surprising agility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Heel Turn &amp; Main Event Run (2000\u20132001)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Revealed as the man who ran over &#8220;Stone Cold&#8221; Steve Austin<\/strong> at Survivor Series 1999\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Delivered the line: <strong>\u201cI did it for The Rock.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Managed briefly by <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwe.com\/superstars\/haku\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Haku<\/a><\/strong> and worked main event programs with <a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/dwayne-the-rock-johnson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Rock<\/a>, Austin, and <a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/triple-h\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/triple-h\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Triple H<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Although the heel run was short-lived, it gave him exposure in WWE&#8217;s top storylines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Championships &amp; Accomplishments<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>1\u00d7 Intercontinental Champion<\/strong> (2000)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1\u00d7 WWF Tag Team Champion<\/strong> (with Samu \u2013 The Headshrinkers)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>WWE Hall of Fame Inductee (2015)<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inducted by <strong>The Usos<\/strong>, his sons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slammy Award winner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Main evented multiple PPVs<\/strong>, including <em>Hell in a Cell<\/em> at Armageddon 2000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Signature Moves<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stink Face<\/strong> \u2013 rubbing his backside in the face of a fallen opponent in the corner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Banzai Drop<\/strong> \u2013 similar to Yokozuna\u2019s finishing move<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rikishi Driver<\/strong> \u2013 a sit-out piledriver<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Samoan Drop<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Superkick<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wrestling Style &amp; Persona<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Despite weighing over 400 lbs, Rikishi was <strong>surprisingly agile<\/strong>, executing spin kicks, top-rope maneuvers, and quick footwork<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Balanced <strong>comedy, intensity, and power wrestling<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Used his size for intimidation and his charisma to win over the audience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>His iconic <strong>dance routines<\/strong> with Too Cool became a staple of the Attitude Era<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Later Career &amp; Appearances<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Left WWE in <strong>2004<\/strong>, made sporadic returns over the years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appeared in <strong>WWE Raw: 15th Anniversary<\/strong>, <strong>Old School Raw<\/strong>, and <strong>SmackDown 1000<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participated in a tag match in <strong>2014<\/strong> teaming with Too Cool<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Officially inducted into the <strong>WWE Hall of Fame in 2015<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Legacy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rikishi is remembered as <strong>one of the most entertaining big men<\/strong> in wrestling history<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He helped bring <strong>Samoan culture<\/strong> to the forefront of WWE in a fun, memorable way<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Played an essential role in the Attitude Era with his mix of comedy and credible threat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Father of The Usos and Solo Sikoa<\/strong>, helping extend the <strong>Anoa\u02bbi family\u2019s dynasty<\/strong> into the modern era<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Known for his <strong>loyalty to family<\/strong>, his unique character work, and his crowd connection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Outside the Ring<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Runs the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.knokxpro.com\/WebSite\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy<\/a><\/strong>, training new talent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Actively supports his sons and appears occasionally in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wwe.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WWE<\/a> segments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Known for motivational speaking, community work, and representing Samoan pride<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Real Name: Solofa Fatu Jr. Ring Name(s): Born: October 11, 1965 \u2013 San Francisco, California, USA Height: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) Weight: 425 lbs (193 kg) Billed From: The Isle of Samoa Family: Training &amp; Debut WWE Career Timeline ### 1. The Headshrinkers (1992\u20131995) 2. Make a Difference Fatu (1995) 3. The Sultan [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":720,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[156],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-719","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wrestlers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/719","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=719"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/719\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":915,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/719\/revisions\/915"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/720"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=719"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=719"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=719"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}