RIKISHI FATU

In a raw and heartfelt sit-down with Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso opened up about what it was like growing up as the son of Rikishi. From the lean years of territory wrestling to watching his father finally break through during the Attitude Era. What started as a conversation between colleagues quickly became something deeply personal.

Jey reflected on the sacrifices his father made to provide for the family. Before the Rikishi character took off, Solofa Fatu spent years grinding through the territories, cycling through different gimmicks, and bringing home lighter envelopes while the family wore hand-me-downs in Pensacola, Florida. It wasn't until Jey hit high school that his dad landed the character that would change everything.

"My dad is our biggest fan. I cannot lie about that. Now that I'm in the game, I see how hard he worked, just trying to hustle, being broke. He didn't get his break till I hit high school." - Jey Uso

Jey recalled what it felt like to be on the football field and see his dad walk into the stadium, a crowd forming around him every time. That energy pushed Jey to perform harder, knowing his father had carved out time between road trips and TV tapings just to be there. The twins and their cousin Roman Reigns grew up together in that Samoan family bubble, already making waves on the field before the ring ever called them.

Cody drew parallels to his own experience with veterans like Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker. Moments backstage where a simple look or a quiet nod said more than any words could. Jey described the same dynamic with his father: a man who doesn't say much, but whose silence carries the weight of decades in the business. A simple "You got it. You'll figure it out" from Rikishi is worth more than any standing ovation.

"He was good at switching characters, man. Then he found Rikishi. Now it works. And when you find something at work, you hang onto it and give it all you got." - Jey Uso

Perhaps the most powerful moment came when Cody noted that he wouldn't have believed any of the Usos' success if someone had told him years ago. Being in every conversation for the greatest tag team of all time, carrying a single word that the entire world rides with them on. Jey nearly broke down, admitting he wouldn't have believed it about himself either. But that's the Samoan Dynasty. Built on sacrifice, sealed with silence, and carried forward by blood.

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