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Rikishi (wrestler)

Rikishi is the ring name of Solofa Fatu Jr., an American professional wrestler born in 1965.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Rikishi is the ring name of Solofa Fatu Jr., an American professional wrestler born in 1965. He is best known for his work in WWE, where he became a one-time Intercontinental Champion, a multi-time tag team champion, and a 2015 WWE Hall of Fame inductee.

Background

Solofa Fatu Jr. was born on October 11, 1965, in San Francisco, California, and wrestled under several ring names before becoming known as Rikishi. He is part of the Anoa'i family, a well-known Samoan wrestling family.

WWE career

Rikishi rose to prominence in WWE during the Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression Era. WWE describes him as a large but agile performer who became a fan favorite and later a Hall of Fame inductee.

Championships and accomplishments

According to WWE and wrestling databases, Rikishi held the Intercontinental Championship once, the World Tag Team Championship twice, and the WWE Tag Team Championship once. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015.

Legacy

Rikishi is remembered for his distinctive character, comedic presentation, and signature finishing move, the Stink Face. His career is often associated with the broader legacy of the Anoa'i family in professional wrestling.

Key facts

  • Rikishi is the professional wrestling persona of Solofa Fatu Jr.
  • He became widely known in WWE during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
  • He is a member of the Anoa'i wrestling family.
  • His signature moves included the Stink Face, Rump Shaker, and Rikishi Driver.
  • He won the WWF/WWE Intercontinental Championship once.
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Canadian context

Rikishi’s career is part of North American professional wrestling history, and his WWE work has been widely viewed in Canada through WWE television broadcasts and live events.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Rikishi in professional wrestling?
Rikishi is the ring name of Solofa Fatu Jr., an American professional wrestler best known for his WWE career.
When was Rikishi born?
He was born on October 11, 1965.
What titles did Rikishi win?
He won the Intercontinental Championship once, the World Tag Team Championship twice, and the WWE Tag Team Championship once.
Is Rikishi in the WWE Hall of Fame?
Yes. WWE lists him as a 2015 Hall of Fame inductee.
What is Rikishi’s signature move?
WWE lists the Stink Face, Rump Shaker, and Rikishi Driver among his signature moves.

References

  1. Simple English Wikipediahttps://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rikishi_(wrestler)
    Supports: Real name, birth date, and identification as the wrestler Rikishi.
  2. WWEhttps://www.wwe.com/superstars/rikishi
    Supports: Ring name, height, weight, hometown, signature moves, championships, and Hall of Fame induction.
  3. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rikishi_(disambiguation)
    Supports: Disambiguation confirming Rikishi (wrestler) as Solofa Fatu Jr., born 1965.
  4. Pro Wrestling Fandomhttps://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Rikishi
    Supports: Career overview and championship record.
  5. Wrestlingdatahttps://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=91
    Supports: Real name, birth date, birthplace, height, weight, and debut year.
  6. Japanese Wikipediahttps://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%BD%E3%83%AD%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%BB%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%83%88%E3%82%A5
    Supports: Japanese-language profile and title history.