Rikishi Fatu is an icon in the history of professional wrestling and someone who made a huge impact on the business during his active years. Whether through his tag team runs or his time as a singles competitor, Rikishi managed to capture the attention of the audience and provide some memorable moments, especially during his WWE run.
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He didn’t take himself too seriously, which benefited his career in the long run. Rikishi could be a fun babyface or a monster heel, which ensured he was always available for booking. Still, there is a lot to know about his life, both in and out of the ring, that many fans don’t.
Rikishi is 58 years old
His birthday is 11.10.1965
- He retired from wrestling in 2007
- Rikishi began his training at the age of 20
Currently 58 years old, Rikshi is someone who can bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table when needed. He has dedicated his entire life to the professional wrestling industry and while many people get weaker as they age, this is not the case with Rikishi.
People are still interested in what he has to say and are eager to see him when they can. Whether it’s at conventions or random appearances on nostalgic WWE shows, Rikishi gets as much response as ever.
Rikishi has five children, three of whom are WWE Superstars
He has four sons and a daughter
- The Usos had the chance to dance with their father in the WWE
- Rikishi did not interact with Solo Sikoa on WWE television
Rikishi is a proud father who has helped grow the Anoa’i family tree with five children over the years, many of whom have chosen to follow in his footsteps and enter the wrestling business, most famously his twin sons Jimmy and Jey Uso.
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He also has another son, Solo Sikoa, who works at the highest level of WWE, while his youngest son has started wrestling. Rikishi’s daughter is less well known but has had a lot of success in the fashion and music industries.
Rikishi is married to Talisu Fuavai-Fatu, who was his only wife
They married in 1985
- She almost divorced him because he fell from the roof of Hell in a Cell
- He signaled to her by rubbing his nose during his performances
The love lives of current professional wrestlers are often talked about, mainly because they show that side of themselves so often on social media. However, less is known about the love lives of older stars from Rikishi’s era, since social media didn’t exist back then.
Unlike many wrestlers who have found it difficult to remain faithful due to the temptations around them, Rikishi has been married to the same person since 1985. They have started a family together and built a successful life.
He is a proud member of the Anoa’i family
Sam Fatu is his twin brother, while Umaga was also his brother
- His father was Solofa Fatu Sr.
- The family has been active in wrestling since the mid-20th century.
When it comes to legendary wrestling families, few are held in higher regard than the Anoa’i family. WWE has taken advantage of this in recent years with The Bloodline, but in reality, the family is much larger than what was shown on television. Rikishi just happens to be a part of it.
He and his brothers have left their mark on the industry and their children are doing the same. Rikishi is also cousin to Yokozuna, Rosey, Roman Reigns and many others as this family continues to dominate the wrestling landscape.
Rikishi had a forgotten run in TNA Wrestling
Here he decided to end his career as a television wrestler
- Rikishi only played five games for the company
- He made his debut with a loss to Christian Cage
Many former WWE Superstars, especially those with high profiles, appeared for TNA Wrestling at some point in their careers. This allowed the company to capitalize on their star potential, and Rikishi was one of those people. He joined the company in 2007 under the name Junior Fatu.
Although other former WWE stars such as Kurt Angle and Hulk Hogan had memorable stints with the company, Rikishi’s was a forgettable one. He participated in a few matches but was never part of a significant angle. He was eventually released after the company could not agree on a raise.
Rikishi has his own training school called KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy
He trains up-and-coming stars together with Reno Anoa’i
- He has trained talents like Miro and Jacob Fatu
- The school is located in California
These days, there are many training schools available to people looking to get into professional wrestling, but being able to learn from a WWE Hall of Famer is rare. However, that is something Rikishi can offer as he continues to give back to the business through his own training school.
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He works directly with prospects who sign up, which means people get the chance to learn from one of the greats. It’s a rare opportunity, and the fact that so many of his graduates have landed top jobs in the industry shows that he knows what he’s doing.
The Stinkface was created at the suggestion of a fan
The move became Rikishi’s most iconic
- He rubbed his buttocks in the faces of his opponents in the turnbuckles
- He met countless top performers, including Vince McMahon
When wrestling fans think of Rikishi, Stinkface often comes to mind. He may have been capable of a variety of amazing moves that hit hard and were more physically impressive, but Stinkface was so entertaining that he trumped them all.
Rikishi came up with the idea at a live event while battling Big Boss Man. A fan yelled at him to shove his ass in Bossman’s face and he decided to join in. The move was so well received that he kept doing it and the rest is history.
Rikishi has entered the world of acting
He has made cameo appearances in several television shows and films
- He was allowed to play himself in Netflix’s “The Big, Big Show”
- Rikishi was part of the Netflix film “Sandy Wexler”
In recent years, professional wrestlers have become more common in Hollywood, and a major factor in this is Rikishi’s family member Dwayne Johnson. He has opened the doors for wrestlers to break into Hollywood, and many have taken advantage of this.
Although Rikishi has not pursued this as a full-time career, he has appeared in several television shows and films in minor roles. In WWE, he was always entertaining when it came to the character aspect of the business, which also made him a natural talent for acting.
His ring gear came due to a regret from Vince McMahon
The former WWE chairman wished Yokozuna would show his butt
- McMahon also felt that Yokozuna could have benefited from the Stinkface.
- The thong ring was a hit for Rikishi
Rikishi wore various ring outfits over the years, but the most popular was the thong. This is the clothing that people think of when they talk about Rikishi, and Vince McMahon himself wanted Rikishi to wear this attire.
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He is a member of the Bone Street Krew
This is a backstage group of wrestlers who would hang out together
- The group was founded by Yokozuna
- They enjoyed playing dominoes together backstage
Fans always want to know more about the real lives of wrestlers, which is why the stories surrounding the Bone Street Krew are so popular. This was a group of wrestlers who hung out together when they were still active and included some big stars.
Founded by Yokozuna and consisting of the likes of The Undertaker and The Godfather, this close group of friends hung out together backstage and on tour. They remain close today and the group hangs out together whenever they get the chance.