Steve Austin Vs. Rikishi: The Story Behind The Hit

The WWE landscape is paved with iconic rivalries and unforgettable moments, but few are as shrouded in controversy and intrigue as the feud between Steve Austin and Rikishi. This wasn't just a clash of titans; it was a storyline laced with betrayal, vengeance, and a shocking reveal that reverberated throughout the WWE universe. Guys, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the heart of this epic saga, exploring its origins, the shocking turn of events, and its lasting impact on both superstars' careers.

The Setup: SummerSlam Showdown and the Aftermath

The seeds of this rivalry were sown in the aftermath of SummerSlam 2000. Steve Austin, arguably the biggest star in WWE history at the time, was on a quest to reclaim his WWE Championship. However, fate had other plans. During his match with Triple H, Austin was ambushed in the parking lot, brutally attacked, and left severely injured. The culprit remained a mystery, but the attack effectively sidelined Austin for nearly a year, leaving fans in disbelief and anticipation. This absence created a void in the WWE, and the burning question on everyone's mind was: who was responsible for taking out the Texas Rattlesnake?

The WWE successfully created the storyline that kept fans on the edge of their seats wondering who was behind the wheel. Every superstar was a suspect, fueling speculation and intrigue. The element of mystery added layers of complexity to the WWE narrative and increased fan investment. The creative team deserves credit for their superb storytelling, keeping the answer hidden for as long as possible to make the final reveal even more impactful. Little did the WWE universe know, the answer would be a total shocker and would change the landscape of professional wrestling.

The attack was brutal and left Steve Austin in need of neck surgery, forcing him to miss a significant amount of time. While Austin was recovering, the WWE continued to tease the identity of the attacker, with several suspects being hinted at along the way. The suspense was palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting Austin's return and the eventual unmasking of the person responsible for the assault. It was a masterclass in long-term storytelling, and it paid off handsomely when the truth was finally revealed.

The Revelation: "I Did It For The Rock!"

Months passed, and Steve Austin made his triumphant return to the WWE. The hunt for his attacker became his sole mission. Tensions rose as Austin relentlessly pursued anyone he suspected, leading to intense confrontations and explosive matches. Then came the bombshell: Rikishi, the jovial and charismatic Samoan superstar, confessed to being the man behind the wheel. His motive? "I did it for The Rock!" he exclaimed, claiming he wanted to pave the way for other Samoan wrestlers, like his cousin The Rock, to reach the top of the WWE. This revelation sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. Rikishi, a fan-favorite known for his funky dancing and signature Stink Face, had betrayed everyone's trust.

The confession was delivered with such conviction and intensity that it was impossible to dismiss. Rikishi's explanation, while shocking, added a layer of depth to his character. He wasn't simply a villain; he was a man driven by a desire to elevate his family and his culture within the WWE. This motivation, while misguided, made him a more complex and compelling antagonist. The WWE universe was split, with some fans condemning his actions and others sympathizing with his motivations.

The storyline took a dramatic turn, transforming Rikishi from a beloved figure into a hated villain. The crowd's reaction was immediate and visceral, with boos raining down on him every time he appeared. This transformation was a testament to Rikishi's talent and his willingness to embrace the role of the antagonist. He fully committed to the character change, adopting a more aggressive and ruthless persona. His dedication to the role made the storyline even more believable and engaging for the WWE audience.

The Fallout: Austin's Vengeance and the Aftermath

Austin's thirst for vengeance was insatiable. He wasted no time in confronting Rikishi, leading to a series of brutal and unforgiving matches. The animosity between the two men was palpable, and their battles were filled with raw emotion and intense physicality. Austin was determined to make Rikishi pay for his betrayal, and he unleashed his signature brand of ruthless aggression. The WWE universe watched with bated breath as these two giants collided, each vying for dominance and retribution.

One of the most memorable moments of their feud came at Survivor Series 2000. During their match, Austin drove a pickup truck into Rikishi backstage, mirroring the attack that had sidelined him months earlier. The scene was chaotic and violent, further cementing the brutal nature of their rivalry. This act of retribution was met with mixed reactions, with some fans applauding Austin's vindictive justice and others questioning the excessive force he employed.

The feud between Austin and Rikishi had a significant impact on both superstars' careers. While Austin remained a top star, the storyline helped to solidify Rikishi as a credible and dangerous heel. The angle allowed him to showcase his versatility as a performer and prove that he could be more than just a comedic character. Although Rikishi never reached the same level of stardom as Austin, the feud undoubtedly elevated his profile and contributed to his lasting legacy in the WWE.

The Twist: A Higher Power Revealed?

As the storyline progressed, a new layer of intrigue was added. It was hinted that Rikishi wasn't acting alone and that a higher power was behind his actions. Suspicion fell on Triple H, who had a long-standing rivalry with Austin. The implication was that Triple H had orchestrated the attack on Austin and used Rikishi as a pawn in his scheme. This twist added another layer of complexity to the narrative and kept fans guessing as to who was truly pulling the strings.

However, the WWE ultimately dropped the higher power storyline, leaving some fans disappointed. The decision to abandon this plot thread remains a point of contention among wrestling enthusiasts, with many believing that it could have added even more depth and intrigue to the overall narrative. Nevertheless, the feud between Austin and Rikishi remains a memorable chapter in WWE history, thanks to its shocking twists, intense action, and the compelling performances of both superstars.

The Steve Austin versus Rikishi storyline remains a memorable and controversial chapter in WWE history. It showcased the best and worst of professional wrestling storytelling, with its shocking twists, intense action, and the compelling performances of both superstars. While the higher power angle was ultimately abandoned, the feud's impact on both Austin and Rikishi's careers is undeniable. It serves as a reminder of the power of a well-crafted storyline to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. The rivalry between Steve Austin and Rikishi will forever be etched in the annals of WWE history, a testament to the enduring appeal of sports entertainment. It reminds us that wrestling is more than just athleticism; it's a narrative art form that can evoke a wide range of emotions, from excitement and disbelief to anger and satisfaction. The Steve Austin versus Rikishi storyline is a classic example of how the WWE can weave together complex plots, compelling characters, and high-octane action to create a truly unforgettable experience for its fans.