Rikishi has let WWE and the fans know that he is not happy about how Jey Uso lost the World Heavyweight Championship.
The main event of the June 9th episode of Raw saw Uso lose the World Title to Gunther, ending his reign at 51 days after he defeated The Ring General at WrestleMania 41. Despite what many had suspected ahead of time, there was no interference from Mr. Money in the Bank Seth Rollins or from Goldberg, meaning that Gunther ultimately beat Uso clean by choking out the now former champion.
Over the past year, Uso’s father and WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi has championed his son’s performances and has also been critical when Uso has not been booked prominently while speaking on his Off The Top podcast. When Uso lost the title to Gunther on Raw, fans expected a fiery response to come in the next few days. On the June 13th episode, Rikishi held very little back.
Rikishi Calls For Firings Following Jey Uso Losing WWE Title
Beginning his reaction to the result, the Hall of Famer first called for those who were writing the Uso storyline to lose their jobs:
“I feel that those that are writing for this kid his storyline, you didn’t do him justice,” Rikishi declared. “You didn’t feed this champion right talent to be able to continue to make this champion… I say fire those that are writing for this kid here, if you can’t come up with some something simple to promote and push your champion that you… decide to put this kid in that position… get the hell out.”
Continuing, Rikishi spoke about a rumour that Roman Reigns’ salary was being reduced due to Reigns going on to a part-time schedule, which the Hall of Famer also took issue with:
“Here’s a guy that Main Event Wrestlemania, six main events and more to come… Y’all do the math every Wrestlemania… That’s a lot of money. And guess whose face was on that, leading that… Roman Reigns, bloodline member.”
It should be noted that although Rikishi referenced the rumour regarding Reigns’ salary, no credible outlet has stated that this has happened.
The passionate speech also saw the Hall of Famer take issue with The Anoa’i Family’s contributions to the industry seemingly being forgotten or erased, calling for more members to receive their acknowledgement:
“If you’re done with it, say it. You want to move on. Say it, but damn it. I’ll be damned I’m gonna sit back and you try to erase the history of our family, of what we put into this business. Umaga, Eddie Fatu, the legendary Tonga Kid should be a Hall of Famer… Samuel, y’all forget his ‘Shrinkers, Tag Team Champions. He should be in a Hall of Famer.” He argued that induction should be for those “that earned the right, that put in work decade after decade.”
Uso has since been given another opportunity to become World Champion again as he was revealed to be the mystery entrant in the King of the Ring Tournament. Uso will face Bronson Reed, Sheamus and Rusev on the June 16th episode of Raw.
H/t to Wrestling News.co for the use of transcriptions.
