WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi has picked the five wrestling stars that would make up his Mount Rushmore.
Rikishi came to prominence in the company during the 1990s, especially in the infamous Attitude Era. He was a three-time tag team champion, and won the Intercontinental Championship once. His famous finishing move, the ‘Stink Face’, is still fondly remembered by fans.
The American was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015, and now makes sporadic appearances in the company.
During his career, he had matches against the likes of John Cena and Hulk Hogan, and had a memorable feud with The Rock in 2001.
Alongside his wrestling skill, however, perhaps the most critical part of Rikishi’s career is the legacy in the company.
He is part of the Anoa’i family of Samoan wrestlers. The current Undisputed Tag Team Champions, Jimmy and Jey Uso, are his sons. Meanwhile, Undisputed WWE Champion Roman Reigns is his cousin.
Rikishi picks his WWE top five
Now, Rikishi has picked the five WWE Superstars that would make up his wrestling Mount Rushmore.
In an interview with Bally Sports, the Hall of Famer named his fellow inductee The Undertaker as choice number one.
‘The Deadman’ is one of the most successful – and terrifying – wrestlers in WWE history. His 21-match unbeaten WrestleMania streak is the stuff of legend. He is also a seven-time WWE world champion.
Rikishi’s second pick, meanwhile, is Ric Flair. The ‘Nature Boy’ is regarded as one of the best ever technical wrestlers. He had two successful stints with WWE. Shawn Michaels defeated Flair in his 2008 retirement match.
His other three picks may surprise WWE fans – but there is a good reason behind choosing each of them.
Rikishi also opted for The Rock’s grandfather, Peter Maivia. The High Chief’ wrestled in various promotions throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He won major titles in various NWA promotions. Maivia retired after being diagnosed with inoperable cancer, and passed away later that year.
He also chose his uncles, Afa and Sika Anoa’i. The pair wrestled as The Wild Samoans in WWE. They were three-time tag team titleholders. Sika is the father of Roman Reigns, who is currently the face of the company.
Explaining his choices, Rikishi said (quotes via Inside The Ropes): “They have the access of younger generations to Google, and to do their homework on each of these gentlemen, icons, WWE Hall of Famers. To be able to learn a thing or two from each person that I just named.
“You talk about strength, you talk about expertise, you talk about talent, you talk about culture, you talk about faith. All in one on that Mount Rushmore with the guys I just mentioned.”
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