WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi’s unexpected cancellation from a major fan event has intensified speculation about a potential WWE Veteran SummerSlam Return in 2025. The longtime wrestling icon withdrew from WrestleCon in New Jersey, scheduled for August 1-2, coinciding with WWE’s SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium, leading fans to wonder if Rikishi will appear at the blockbuster event where his sons, Jey Uso and Solo Sikoa, are set to compete.
Rikishi’s Withdrawal from WrestleCon Adds Fuel to SummerSlam Rumors
Originally slated to attend WrestleCon, a prominent wrestling fan convention held in New Jersey, Rikishi announced a last-minute cancellation via his social media account, citing unforeseen circumstances beyond his control as the reason. The convention dates aligned exactly with the two-night SummerSlam event hosted by WWE. This sudden change has raised curiosity about whether he might instead participate in WWE’s “Biggest Party of the Summer,” marking a potential high-profile return after a period away from the spotlight.
Rikishi shared a message to fans:
“I regret to announce that I will be unable to attend Wrestlecon New Jersey on August 1-2. I wish I could be there, but due to unforeseen circumstances beyond my control, I will be unable to attend. I look forward to seeing you next time, and I am sure you will all have a great time. #RikishiFatu @gimmicked_promotions @officialwrestlecon.” —Rikishi
This cancellation is notable since WrestleCon is a platform where retired and active wrestlers engage with fans, and Rikishi’s absence specifically on these dates when WWE’s huge stadium event is taking place suggests a possible re-emergence in a different capacity. Given his family ties—his sons Jey Uso and Solo Sikoa are central figures in the WWE storyline—it would make narrative sense for Rikishi to return as part of a storyline or special appearance.
Hints Toward Rikishi’s Role Within The Bloodline and WWE’s Direction
In previous podcasts, Rikishi has hinted at playing a guiding character, referring to himself as “The Wiseman” in relation to Solo Sikoa’s involvement with The Bloodline faction. This angle, combined with the timing of his canceled appearance, hints that WWE might be preparing to incorporate Rikishi more directly into ongoing storylines. Fans widely speculate that his presence could add emotional weight and depth to upcoming shows, especially during a landmark two-night SummerSlam event.
Rikishi Offers Insights on Jimmy Uso’s Wrestling Future
Beyond scheduling news, Rikishi recently spoke candidly about his son Jimmy Uso’s path in WWE during an interview with The Wrestling Classic. He expressed confidence in Jimmy’s talent and potential as a solo competitor, acknowledging the challenges inherent in stepping out from a well-known tag team and establishing an individual identity in the wrestling world.
“Well, I always say Big Jim is- he’s a very talented kid, one that’s,- in due time I think Big Jim’s gonna find his way out there and win the hearts into the fans. I mean, he’s already done (that), but to be able to see the boys get off and do their own deals as single competitors, you know, as a wrestler, it’s a challenging feeling, but it’s a feeling that you must try, right? Because you don’t want to be that guy that we’re popular as a tag team.But now as pro wrestlers, you want to venture out there and you want to try and if it flops well then that’s what it is but if not you never know, but you know I can say this Yeet organically just became popular, it wasn’t like they put fire up underneath me to make him be that and so there it is, so for Big Jim we’ll see what Big Jim has in the future.” —Rikishi
His comments highlight the family’s ongoing commitment to evolving their wrestling careers and the pressures that come with individual endeavors outside tag team success. This outlook underscores the evolving dynamics within WWE’s roster and the roles his sons play in shaping contemporary wrestling storylines.
Potential Impact and What to Expect at SummerSlam
The possibility of Rikishi’s WWE Veteran SummerSlam Return not only excites fans but could also influence the overall narrative direction of his sons’ matches and the broader storyline involving The Bloodline. A Rikishi presence might serve to heighten drama or underscore family loyalty themes that WWE has explored extensively in recent seasons. This could add emotional resonance to the matches featuring Jey Uso and Solo Sikoa as well as provide fans with a rare glimpse of one of wrestling’s iconic figures during what promises to be an unprecedented two-night SummerSlam event.
While WWE has yet to officially confirm Rikishi’s involvement, his sudden removal from WrestleCon and prior hints of his role suggest that the promotion may unveil surprises during the SummerSlam weekend. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Rikishi’s return materializes and how it might shape the evolving storylines within WWE.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is WrestleMania or SummerSlam bigger?
A. SummerSlam is a professional wrestling show held every year since 1988, created by WWE, the top wrestling organization.
Known as “The Biggest Party of the Summer,” it’s seen as WWE’s second major event after WrestleMania.
Q. Is SummerSlam 2025 2 nights?
A. Tickets for each night of the first two-night SummerSlam event are now available for purchase. The event will be held on Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. You can get your tickets through Ticketmaster’s website.
Q. Is SummerSlam 2 nights in 2025?
A. The 38th annual SummerSlam is planned as a two-night event. It will occur on Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3, 2025. The event will be at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Wrestlers from the Raw and SmackDown brand divisions will take part.
Q. Will John Cena be in SummerSlam 2025?
A. John Cena, a WWE legend, will face Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight at SummerSlam. This will be Cena’s last appearance at this event. In April, Cena beat Rhodes at WrestleMania and promised to disrupt wrestling before retiring as the “Last Real Champion.”
