WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi criticizes WWE booking after Jey Uso’s title loss, raising doubts over the creative direction after the abrupt change. His pointed remarks took aim at the rapid scheduling of a Goldberg versus Gunther match for the World Heavyweight Championship, just one week after Jey Uso dropped the title at a WWE Saturday event in Atlanta.
Immediate Title Defense Sparks Backlash From Rikishi
On June 9th, Jey Uso surrendered the World Heavyweight Championship to Gunther, also known as The Ring General, after being rendered unconscious by a sleeper hold. This sudden loss came at the tail end of Uso’s 51-day reign, leaving fans and veterans such as Rikishi emotionally charged over the handling of the storyline. The situation escalated when WWE’s management booked Gunther to defend the coveted title against Goldberg, referred to as Da Man, at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta, without any prior buildup or overt justification for Goldberg’s shot at the championship.
Rikishi, speaking candidly on his Rikishi Fatu Off The Top podcast, was openly critical of the WWE writing team and the decision-makers under Triple H’s leadership. He claimed that these recent choices undermined the prestige of the title and questioned Goldberg’s sudden involvement, which he saw as motivated predominantly by financial considerations.
“We all know that’s got to be nothing but the bag. Is Goldberg able to give that type of a match to justify the Heavyweight belt? I mean, this belt has prestige on it, right? How do we get the belt back to Jey, and then we say, ‘Okay, we’re going to get Goldberg? Let’s go get Goldberg; you’re next.’ And then he comes through. I don’t know, man. Either somebody’s taking too much Tylenol PM, that’s writing this s**t, or you need to stay off the d**m Tylenol PM,” Rikishi said. (From 29:35 to 30:27) —Rikishi, WWE Hall of Famer
The veteran’s comments cast a negative light on the creative decisions of the WWE, highlighting his frustration over what he perceives as opportunistic and uninspired storytelling. Rikishi’s criticism comes amid a period of major transitions for WWE, where high-profile matches and sudden title changes are often scrutinized by fans and insiders alike, especially when involving figures like Goldberg, whose sporadic returns and marquee name are associated with boosting event viewership and profits.
Rikishi Voices Disapproval Over Jey Uso’s Title Reign Ending
Rikishi’s strong condemnation extended beyond just the Goldberg booking. Reflecting on Jey Uso’s relatively short time as champion, the WWE Hall of Famer did not mince words when discussing the handling of the storyline and the performers involved. He previously demanded accountability for those responsible for scripting the current narratives, emphasizing his view that the writing team failed to give Uso’s reign, and thus the champion himself, a fair opportunity.
“I feel that those that are writing for this kid, his storyline, you didn’t do him justice. You didn’t feed this champion right talent to be able to continue to make this champion. Not a fair shot in my eyes. So you go 51 days. I say fire. Fire those that are writing for this kid here if you can’t come up with something simple to promote and push your champion,” he said. —Rikishi, WWE Hall of Famer
This dissatisfaction signals ongoing tension within WWE regarding the placement and trajectory of promising talent such as Main Event Jey Uso. Rikishi’s disappointment with the writing, coupled with his demand for repercussions for the creative team, highlights mounting frustrations from industry veterans about the management of newer stars and the general direction of storylines.
Potential Next Steps for Jey Uso After Recent Setbacks
Jey Uso’s recent advancement to the semi-finals in the King of the Ring tournament suggests that, despite his title loss and the ensuing controversy, he remains a key figure in WWE’s current storylines. This new opportunity may revitalize his position within the company’s hierarchy and offer a platform for regaining momentum in future title pursuits.
As conflicts over writing and management decisions continue, it remains to be seen whether the backlash from legends like Rikishi will influence future booking strategies. WWE’s response to this wave of criticism and how it addresses the credibility of its championship narratives will likely affect the perceptions of both fans and talent, as well as the careers of individuals like Jey Uso and Goldberg moving forward.
