One of wrestling’s most beloved big men, WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, recently shocked fans when he confirmed he’d undergone a six-hour emergency surgery. The legendary performer—real name Solofa Fatu Jr.—returned to his popular podcast, Rikishi Off The Top, to address his sudden absence and reassure fans about his current condition[2]. While Rikishi opted not to share every detail, he made it clear the situation was serious and emphasized how grateful he is to be alive[1].
Emergency Surgery: What Happened?
Rikishi, who turned 60 this year, underwent what he described as an “emergency, unplanned surgery” in late October 2025, forcing him to cancel several scheduled appearances[1]. In his YouTube video, he reflected, “It was one of those things that was caught just in time,” hinting at the severity and urgency of the procedure[3]. The specifics of the medical issue have not been publicly disclosed, but Rikishi’s tone suggested it was a significant health scare that required immediate intervention.
According to a WWE insider familiar with the situation, Rikishi’s long history in the ring—with decades of high-impact matches—may have contributed to wear and tear on his body over the years. “Guys from that era put their bodies on the line every night, and sometimes those bills come due later in life,” the source said. “We’re just glad he’s here to tell the story.”
Fans Rally Around Rikishi
The wrestling world quickly rallied behind Rikishi, with an outpouring of support on social media. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Rikishi shared a photo with family members, including his sons Jimmy and Jey Uso (collectively known as The Usos), and wrote: “God Is Amazing. Grateful to be alive. We share blessings today and forever more. I’m proud of my boys… Stay safe and know there’s more work to do.”[1]
Fans and fellow wrestlers flooded the comments with well-wishes, reflecting Rikishi’s enduring popularity. His unique blend of charisma, athleticism, and the iconic “Stinkface” made him a fan favorite during WWE’s Attitude Era, and his influence continues through his sons, who are now main-event stars in their own right.
A Look Back at Rikishi’s Legendary Career
Rikishi’s wrestling journey began 40 years ago in Montreal, where he debuted alongside his cousin Samula Anoa’i (Samu) as The Samoan Swat Team[1]. The duo competed internationally, including stints in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, World Wrestling Council (WWC) in Puerto Rico, and World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) in Texas, before joining Jim Crockett Promotions in 1989[1].
His biggest break came in 1992, when he and Samu were repackaged in WWE as The Headshrinkers, capturing the World Tag Team Championship in 1994. Over the next decade, Rikishi reinvented himself multiple times—from Fatu to The Sultan—before finally breaking out as a singles star under the Rikishi persona. Paired with Too Cool, he became a cultural phenomenon, known for his dance moves, infectious energy, and, of course, the infamous Stinkface.
Rikishi shared the ring with icons like The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin during WWE’s hottest period, and his contributions were recognized with a Hall of Fame induction in 2015[1]. Despite his retirement in 2004, he remains a beloved figure, frequently appearing at WWE events and engaging with fans through podcasts and social media.
The Anoa’i Family Legacy
Rikishi’s health scare has also shone a spotlight on the storied Anoa’i family, one of wrestling’s most influential dynasties. His sons, Jimmy and Jey Uso, currently headline WWE’s tag team division, while cousins like Roman Reigns and The Rock have dominated the main event scene for years.
Sources close to the family say there was genuine concern backstage when news of Rikishi’s surgery broke. “The Anoa’i family is tight-knit, and everyone rallied around him,” the source revealed. “It’s a reminder of how much these legends mean to the business and to each other.”
What’s Next for Rikishi?
While Rikishi has not outlined a timetable for a return to public appearances, he hinted that he’s focused on recovery and family. “There’s more work to do,” he wrote, suggesting that fans haven’t seen the last of him[1]. His podcast and social media presence remain active, and it’s likely he’ll continue to share updates as he regains his strength.
The wrestling community is hopeful that Rikishi’s health scare is behind him. His resilience and positive attitude have been an inspiration to fans and peers alike. As one industry veteran put it, “Rikishi has always been a fighter—in the ring and in life. If anyone can bounce back from this, it’s him.”
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Meta Description: WWE legend Rikishi reveals he underwent a six-hour emergency surgery, sharing a health update with fans and reflecting on his iconic career and family legacy in professional wrestling.
Final Thoughts
Rikishi’s openness about his health scare has resonated deeply within the wrestling community. His message of gratitude and resilience serves as a powerful reminder of the risks performers take—and the bonds that keep the business strong. As Rikishi himself might say, “Thank you to the fans for your love and support. We’re not done yet.”
For the latest updates on Rikishi’s recovery and more WWE news, stay tuned to wrestling news outlets and Rikishi’s official social media channels.