In an interview with The UK Metro, WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi talked about the moment at Armageddon 2000 when he was thrown off the Hell In A Cell and landed on a flatbed truck.
The WWE Title was on the line in a six-way bout. He said,
“I almost got divorced from my family. It was like, you know, they were p***ed off that I did that move, the sacrifice. But, at the time, they didn’t understand that’s just what we do, as performers, as wrestlers, you know? You already prepped your mind, you know, ‘I can only get this opportunity one time. I can either take it or back out’, and I chose to take it. And, you know, years later, I’m still getting residuals over 25 years from that bump.”
WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi recently opened up about a pivotal moment in his career during an interview with The UK Metro. He discussed the unforgettable incident at Armageddon 2000 when he was thrown off the Hell In A Cell and landed on a flatbed truck. This daring move not only left a lasting impact on fans but also had significant consequences for Rikishi’s personal life.
During the Armageddon 2000 pay-per-view event, the WWE Title was up for grabs in a six-way bout. Rikishi, known for his larger-than-life persona and impressive athleticism, decided to take a risk that would forever be etched in wrestling history. He climbed to the top of the Hell In A Cell structure, a towering steel cage, and prepared himself for a death-defying leap.
Rikishi’s decision to execute this dangerous move came with its fair share of consequences. He revealed that his family was deeply upset with him for putting himself in harm’s way. The sacrifice he made for his craft almost led to the dissolution of his marriage and strained his relationship with his loved ones. However, Rikishi emphasized that his family’s reaction stemmed from a lack of understanding about the nature of professional wrestling.
As performers and wrestlers, Rikishi explained that they mentally prepare themselves for such opportunities. They understand that these moments are rare and can define their careers. It becomes a choice between seizing the opportunity or backing out. Rikishi made the courageous decision to take the leap, fully aware of the risks involved.
Despite the personal turmoil it caused, Rikishi’s leap off the Hell In A Cell has had a lasting impact on his life. He revealed that even after 25 years, he continues to receive residuals from that iconic bump. This demonstrates the enduring legacy and financial rewards that can come from taking calculated risks in the world of professional wrestling.
Rikishi’s story sheds light on the sacrifices and challenges that professional wrestlers face in their pursuit of greatness. It highlights the physical toll they endure and the personal sacrifices they make for their craft. While fans may marvel at the spectacle and excitement of these high-risk maneuvers, it is essential to remember the dedication and passion that drive these performers.
In conclusion, Rikishi’s interview with The UK Metro provides a fascinating insight into the mindset of a professional wrestler. His decision to leap off the Hell In A Cell at Armageddon 2000 had far-reaching consequences, both personally and professionally. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and risks that wrestlers undertake to entertain and captivate audiences worldwide.