Latest news with #Rikishi
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rikishi voices frustration over Jey Uso's WWE direction, calls for booking overhaul
Image via WWE WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi has voiced strong concerns over the creative direction surrounding his son Jey Uso, who is currently enjoying his first reign as World Heavyweight Champion. While Jey remains a prominent figure in the promotion, Rikishi believes WWE's decision to book him in a tag team match at Money in the Bank (MITB) 2025 undermines his stature as a singles champion. Speaking on his Off The Top podcast, Rikishi criticised WWE's creative team for what he called 'confusing booking' and even joked that he should be allowed to book Jey's matches instead. 'Bro why? Why? I mean, Jey is a World Heavyweight Champion by himself… just book me so I can book my son's matches out there,' he quipped. Rikishi shows concern over storyline momentum Jey Uso is set to team up with Cody Rhodes to face Logan Paul and John Cena at MITB on June 7. While the lineup looks star-studded on paper, Rikishi questioned the decision to place a reigning world champion in a non-title tag match instead of spotlighting him in a marquee singles bout. 'You beat Logan Paul the first time they lock up? I wouldn't have done that. Should've waited for a gimmick match,' Rikishi added, pointing out that Paul's star power could've been better utilized. YADADAMEAN?! Rikishi Fatu - Off The Top (Episode 61) He also took aim at the upcoming World Title match scheduled for June 9 on RAW, where GUNTHER will challenge Jey Uso. According to Rikishi, the match should've happened much sooner and with added stakes, possibly a stipulation that matches their in-ring reputations. While Rikishi may not be pleased with Jey's creative arc, he was full of praise for two other members of the Samoan dynasty - Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo (formerly Jeff Cobb). Rikishi labeled Fatu a 'future Hall of Famer' and lauded his rise from personal struggles to becoming one of WWE's hottest new stars. He also applauded Mateo's quick impact since debuting at WWE Backlash and likened his physical presence to that of a prime Taz, highlighting his suplex-heavy style and agility despite his build. 'To see him get that financial stability after grinding on the indies - man, I'm proud,' Rikishi said. Fans online appear to agree with Rikishi's sentiment. Many have questioned the lack of title defenses for Jey and criticized WWE for relying too heavily on tag matches featuring champions at Premium Live Events.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Legend Highly Critical of Jey Uso Booking
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After over 15 years in the company, Jey Uso has established himself as one of the most popular Superstars in WWE. This has led to the charismatic wrestler defeating Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 41 Night 1. However, not everyone is happy with how Main Event Jey Uso has been booked since his triumphant victory, including someone close to the Superstar. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Jey Uso poses in the ring before his World Heavyweight Championship match against Gunther during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 19: Jey Uso poses in the ring before his World Heavyweight Championship match against Gunther during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, a recent episode of his 'Off The Top Rope' podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi shared his disappointment with Uso's booking as champion. "Bro why? Why?" Rikishi asked, per Skylar Russell of Fightful. "I mean, Jey is a world heavyweight champion by himself. Okay. Oh, they really need to fire creative service over there now. Just book me so I can book my son's matches out there, man. You know what I mean?" Rikishi then got into more specific details, specifically looking at Uso's tag team match against Paul and Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena at Money in the Bank. "Okay, you had me, but when they brought in Paul," Rikishi continued. "Like I said on a past podcast, I like Logan. I thought uce, he's got skills. He's very entertaining. He knows how to get heat. But damn, I wouldn't have beat him the first time they locked up together. "Could've just waited till a cage match or some type of gimmick match or something. Paul, he's got heat, right? He's got heat and this will probably be his biggest spotlight in WWE. They're both young, Jey is young, Paul is young. Now you beat Paul, now where do you go. Into a tag team bout? Like, okay. Alright." More Pro Wrestling: Additionally, Rikishi explained that he isn't a fan of having the former World Heavyweight Champion Gunther having to wait for a rematch, especially since he has been booked so dominantly. "We're just gonna hunker Gunther out. Just hang around, Gunther," Rikishi concluded. "If I was Gunther, I want Jey right now damnit. Give me Jey right now. It could have went either Jey and Logan or I mean, it has to be some type of gimmick match for him and Gunther. "It's got to be one of those big double cages or something. Just some make believe gimmick type of match to bring some type of excitement to it. Two things can happen, either they give it to Jey again off the gimmick match, which excels him to the next level. "It's bad for Gunther, just alright, where do you go from there? But, it took Jey three times before he beat Gunther, so I think it's only fair to be able to give Gunther three chances and maybe beat him three times. Or not, depends. But still man, it's like, goes back to whoever is writing it. But what do I know." More Pro Wrestling: For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweeks Sports.
