WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi recently underwent emergency surgery that lasted approximately six hours, and he has now provided an encouraging update on his recovery. Known for his resilience and dedication, Rikishi shared that the experience has given him a renewed perspective on life and health.
Rikishi’s Emergency Surgery and Recovery
In mid-October 2025, Rikishi faced an unexpected medical emergency that required immediate surgical intervention. Speaking candidly on his podcast, Off the Top Rope, the WWE legend revealed that while he prefers to keep the precise medical details private, the surgery was critical and unavoidable.
“I’m great, I’m great,” Rikishi said. “You know me, like the one thing that I would never do is ever miss a booking. For many years, that’s just a no-no for Big Kish. But for me to be down, it was an emergency type of surgery. And I’m going to leave it at that. It took about six hours to be under the knife. And I woke up feeling great, you know what I mean? I feel like a new person.”[1][2]
This highlights not only the seriousness of the situation but also Rikishi’s characteristic toughness and commitment throughout his career. Despite his normally rigid routine, he made clear that health came first this time due to the urgent nature of his condition.
A Wake-Up Call on Health and Wellness
Rikishi emphasized how the surgery served as a crucial reminder for regular health checkups. He admitted that he is someone who dislikes hospital visits and often neglects ordinary medical screenings. Rikishi expressed gratitude that the issue was detected just in time, crediting the skill of his medical team and what he called “the grace of God” for his current well-being.
“At the end of the day, it was just one of those type of things where, when you don’t get checked the normal duties of yourself to be able to go check up with your doctors, and do all the A to Z. And I’m one of those guys that hate to go to the hospital. It was just one of those type of things that was caught just in time and with the grace of God and the surgeons that were there that day, I’m here today to be able to sit and talk with you.”[1][2]
This candid reflection offers insights into how even legendary athletes who project strong physical images can face sudden health challenges. It also underscores the importance of preventive care, even for individuals who feel robust.
Backstage Confirmation and Industry Reaction
According to a WWE insider, Rikishi’s surgery was a closely guarded secret within the company, shared only with select personnel to protect his privacy. “Big Kish has always been a fighter. Everyone backstage is relieved and happy to hear he’s doing well. This has been a genuine reminder to us all about prioritizing health beyond the ring,” the source revealed.
The WWE community responded with outpourings of support on social media, reflecting the deep admiration fans and colleagues have for Rikishi’s career and character. Many highlighted his honesty during his podcast as inspiring for anyone dealing with health issues.
Looking Ahead: Rikishi’s Future Plans
While Rikishi did not provide detailed timelines for his return to more active appearances, he expressed optimism about the future. “I feel like a new person,” he emphasized, suggesting he intends to maintain a positive outlook while focusing on rehabilitation and wellness.
Given his legacy and ongoing involvement in WWE programming and events, fans can expect Rikishi to gradually resume his appearances, potentially using his platform to advocate for health awareness within the wrestling community.
The Importance of Health Awareness in Wrestling
Rikishi’s health update comes at a time when the physical demands on professional wrestlers remain intense, often pushing athletes to their limits. His experience serves as a powerful message about the need for ongoing health monitoring and self-care for performers in and outside the ring.
Sources close to WWE indicate that the company is placing increased emphasis on medical evaluations and wellness programs for talent, a trend that Rikishi’s situation has further validated.
Rikishi’s courageous openness about his emergency surgery and recovery journey not only reassures his fans but also sets a constructive example for wrestling professionals and enthusiasts worldwide to value health vigilance above all. As the WWE legend continues his recovery, the wrestling world stands behind him, eager for his continued influence both inside and beyond the squared circle.