Why Did Rikishi Leave WWE?

Rikishi, real name Solofa Fatu Jr., is a former professional wrestler who is best known for his time in WWE. He was a member of the tag team Too Cool with Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay. He is also the uncle of The Usos. Rikishi left WWE in 2004 and has not returned since.

Rikishi’s Family

Rikishi, real name Solofa Fatu Jr., is a third generation professional wrestler. His grandfather, Peter Maivia, and his father, Solofa Fatu Sr., both had successful careers in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Rikishi had a successful career in the WWF as well, becoming a one-time Intercontinental Champion and a one-time Tag Team Champion. However, he left the company in 2004.

Rikishi’s son, Jey Uso, is a current WWE Superstar

Rikishi’s son, Jey Uso, is a current WWE Superstar. He is part of the tag team known as The Usos, along with his real-life cousin, Jimmy Uso. The team is currently one-half of the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions, holding the titles for a second time.

Rikishi’s daughter, Tamina Snuka, is a current WWE Superstar

Rikishi’s daughter, Tamina Snuka, is a current WWE Superstar. Rikishi’s son, Jimmy Uso, is also a professional wrestler and is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand. His other son, Jey Uso, is also a professional wrestler and is currently signed to WWE.

Rikishi’s Health

Rikishi was forced to leave WWE in 2004 due to some serious health issues. He had been battling high blood pressure and diabetes for a few years and his health was rapidly deteriorating. WWE doctors advised him to take some time off and get his health back on track, but Rikishi decided to leave WWE instead.

Rikishi has had two hip surgeries

In August of 2002, Rikishi underwent successful surgery to repair a torn left quadriceps tendon. Three months later, he had a second surgery, this time to repair a torn right quadriceps tendon.

It was following the second surgery that Rikishi’s health deteriorated significantly. He developed an infection in his right hip that led to MRSA, and he also contracted septicemia. He spenttwo weeks in the hospital and lost nearly 40 pounds.

Rikishi has had two knee surgeries

Rikishi has had two knee surgeries, and has been out of action since May. He was scheduled to return in September, but was forced to postpone his return due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rikishi’s Age

Rikishi’s age was definitely a factor in his departure from WWE. At 47, he was one of the oldest wrestlers on the roster. He had already been in the business for over 20 years and had accomplished a lot in his career. It was time for him to move on to the next phase of his life.

Rikishi is now 50 years old

Rikishi, real name Solofa Fatu Jr., is 50 years old. He was born on October 11, 1965, in San Francisco, California. He’s the son of WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa’i, making him a part of the famed Anoa’i wrestling family. Rikishi is the half-brother of WWE superstars The Rock and Umaga and the uncle of Roman Reigns.

After a successful career in the Samoan national rugby team, Rikishi decided to follow in his family’s footsteps and become a professional wrestler. He made his debut in 1987 under the name “The Samoan Savage” and soon joined his cousins in the famous tag team The Headshrinkers. In 1994, he left WWE for a short time to join Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) but returned to WWE later that year.

In 1999, Rikishi found himself at the center of one of WWE’s most controversial storylines when he was revealed as the driver who ran over “Stone Cold” Steve Austin at that year’s Survivor Series. This led to a heel turn for Rikishi and he became one of WWE’s most despised villains over the next few years.

In 2004, Rikishi once again left WWE but returned in 2006 as part of Vince McMahon’s “Mr. McMahon’s KISS My Ass Club”. He stayed with WWE until 2015 when he was released from his contract.

Since leaving WWE, Rikishi has made sporadic wrestling appearances on the independent circuit and guest-starred on several reality TV shows including Hogan Knows Best and Celebrity Wife Swap.

Rikishi’s WWE Status

Rikishi has not been seen on WWE television since April of 2017, leading many fans to wonder why he left the company. Rikishi is a veteran wrestler who has won many titles, including the WWE Intercontinental Championship and the WWE Tag Team Championship. He is also the father of current WWE superstars The Usos. So, what led to Rikishi’s departure from WWE?

Rikishi is not currently under contract with WWE

As of 2019, Rikishi is not currently signed to a contract with WWE. He made his last on-screen appearance for the company in 2014, and has since been working on a freelance basis. It’s unclear why Rikishi and WWE parted ways, but it’s possible that he was simply not offered a new contract when his previous one expired. Rikishi is still relatively active on the independent circuit, and has even wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling in recent years.