Solo Sikoa’s 62-day reign as United States Champion has drawn sharp criticism from WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, who voiced his disappointment after concluding a month-long hiatus from his Off The Top podcast. The controversy surrounding Solo Sikoa WWE booking decisions centers on how his initial main roster title run was managed.
Sikoa achieved a milestone by capturing the U.S. Title from Jacob Fatu at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, becoming the first WWE wrestler to pin The Samoan Werewolf. During his championship tenure, he successfully defended the title twice before dropping it to Sami Zayn on the August 29 episode of SmackDown.
Rikishi Voices Strong Criticism Over Solo Sikoa’s Title Reign
In a candid discussion on Off The Top, Rikishi expressed frustration with WWE’s booking of his son’s championship period, questioning the support and opportunities provided during Solo Sikoa’s reign. He challenged the company’s priorities, suggesting that business considerations may have overridden wrestling talent and legacy.
“I’m always going to stand on business for my family. Did we really give Solo something? Like when he won the strap, what did we do? What did the booking committee do? What did the company do? At the end of the day, it is what it is. I guess at this moment here ain’t the only real thing going on is the bag. It ain’t about the talent anymore. I don’t think if you’re trying to question the Samoan Dynasty. Can they work? Blah, blah, blah. Well, I think you go ahead and you can answer that yourself, and it ain’t nothing that’s been given, right? There’s a reason why they put a strap on a person. Maybe that person is the right, the good for business, to carry the belt. I don’t know,”
– Rikishi, WWE Hall of Famer
Since losing the U.S. Title, Solo Sikoa has remained absent from in-ring competition but has continued to appear through vignettes focusing on his MFT (My Family Tradition) stable, which includes Tonga Loa, JC Mateo, and Talla Tonga. This ongoing presence hints at further developments within this faction.
Solo Sikoa Suggests His Family Unit Remains Incomplete
During the latest SmackDown broadcast, Solo Sikoa introduced his MFT group to the WWE Universe while hinting at the absence of an important member needed to complete the family. This comment has sparked speculation about potential new additions or returns within his faction.
“I love all of you, but there’s something missing. There’s something missing for this family to be complete. Once I find that missing part, everyone, and I mean everyone is on notice,”
– Solo Sikoa
Fans are eagerly watching to see if this missing component will be revealed soon, with many speculating it could be the returning Tama Tonga, who has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury since April.
Understanding the Implications of Solo Sikoa’s WWE Controversy
The mixed reaction from Rikishi, a prominent member of The Bloodline, places a spotlight on how WWE handles emerging stars connected to established legacies. While Solo Sikoa’s historic U.S. Title victory marked a high point, the relatively brief and seemingly limited booking of his reign raises questions about WWE’s long-term plans for him and the Samoan dynasty.
As Solo Sikoa continues to build his presence through vignettes and faction storylines, WWE fans and insiders alike are watching closely to see if the creative direction will evolve, especially with the hinted additions to his MFT group. Whether this leads to renewed momentum for Solo or signals internal uncertainties remains to be seen, keeping the Solo Sikoa WWE controversy a heated topic.
Solo Sikoa says there's still something missing in his MFT! Is he talking about Tama Tonga or is one of the other 197 cousins coming? Lance maybe?#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/zFTIvFL2ky
— Tony The Wrestling Nerd (@WrestlingNerd00) October 4, 2025
