In an episode of his “Off The Top” podcast, Rikishi shared his remarks on the controversy surrounding Nia Jax’s ineffective chair shots in the women’s WarGames Match at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames 2024.
Highlights from the podcast are as follows:
Rikishi’s comments on Nia Jax’s ineffective chair shots at Survivor Series: “As a wrestler, and more specifically as a Samoan, you need to give that chair a better swing. I feel like she was perhaps too gentle. I’m unsure as to whether they taught her how to swing a chair during her training period in the development sector. However, upon seeing it, it somewhat appeared as though it was a love tap rather than a chair shot. I believe that Nia held back because she did not want to physically harm anyone… Now, I don’t know if it was slow motion editing, but the way she was swinging the chair wasn’t convincing. So, Nia, if you are listening, next time, don’t hesitate to swing the chair hard, just like Babe Ruth hitting a home run. If anyone has an issue with the way you swing the chair — remember, that’s just how it is in this business. If they can’t withstand a chair shot, they are in the wrong line of work.”
“I don’t want to blame Nia. It’s just that she probably didn’t know how to swing the chair. Also, the emotional element also comes into play. — is she up against a friend or a family member? All these thoughts should be set aside when performing. Knox Pro is always there to teach you how to properly swing a chair. Keep practicing.”
Rikishi speaking about from whom he’s taken the toughest chair shots: “Kane, Undertaker, Steve Austin, The Rock… It was a norm during the Attitude Era. If you had to deliver a chair shot, expectations were high. There’s always a return match. Back in the day, heads were busted, backs were bruised, and honestly, it didn’t feel so bad until the next day. Everybody sees the marks, but what they don’t know is how it feels taking a ride back to the hotel. The following day is even worse as the bruises and your bones take time to process the pain. Chair shots are no laughing matter.”