New Wiseman to replace Paul Heyman, Mastermind behind Solo Sikoa’s stable? 4 Ways WWE can introduce Rikishi to the Bloodline storyline
WWE has a wealth of legends. Some are signed to Legends contracts, while others are now doing their own thing.
One Hall of Famer and legend who is regularly in the news is Rikishi. The former Intercontinental Champion had a long and historic career, but he is now perhaps best known to some fans for being a podcaster and industry analyst.
Beyond those accomplishments, his influence on the industry is also felt thanks to his family. He is part of the real-life Bloodline, but even more directly, the 59-year-old has three sons in WWE in Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and Solo Sikoa. Thanks to his affiliation there, many wonder when he'll be inserted into the ongoing saga.
This article will take a look at a handful of different ways that the former Intercontinental Champion could end up involved with the storyline. This could include introducing a new name to the company or even choosing sides between his sons.
Below are four ways WWE can introduce Rikishi to The Bloodline storyline:
#4. He could replace Paul Heyman as The Wiseman of the OG Bloodline
The OG Bloodline was started by Roman Reigns back in 2020. Over time, WWE stars such as Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Sami Zayn, and Solo Sikoa joined the Original Tribal Chief. Paul Heyman served as The Wiseman.
After Solo Sikoa took over the group, Roman Reigns is seemingly reforming the original version. Jimmy Uso is already by his side on WWE SmackDown, and Jey Uso seems close to joining them both. However, Paul Heyman might never return after being viciously attacked by Solo Sikoa's stable this past June.
Roman recently discussed the need for a wiseman, and with Heyman away, this could be how Rikishi fits in. He could join Jimmy and Jey, along with his nephew Roman, and guide them against the dangerous group led by Sikoa.
#3. Rikishi could become Solo Sikoa's Wiseman
Solo Sikoa was once a member of the original Bloodline, but once Roman Reigns lost the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship and disappeared, changes were made. Sikoa took over the faction and ousted Jimmy Uso before adding new members to it.
Today, Solo is joined by three other stars. This includes the dominant and scary Jacob Fatu, plus the WWE Tag Team Champions, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. They ejected Paul Heyman, meaning they don't currently have a wiseman.
Just as in the previous entry, this could be where Rikishi fits in. Instead of choosing The Usos, the Samoan legend could choose his younger son in Solo. The former IC Champion could offer guidance to The Bloodline in the hopes of them defeating the OG version and thus allow them to gain complete control moving forward.
#2. He could introduce Zilla Fatu to WWE
Zilla Fatu is a real-life member of The Bloodline, but he isn't signed to WWE. Instead, he is relatively new and on the independent scene. The 25-year-old was trained by Booker T, who is trying to guide Zilla and bring him to the promise land.
Fatu is the son of the late-great Umaga, so he has a strong heritage in the industry. Provided that the young performer doesn't get in his own way, it seems inevitable that he'll be WWE-bound.
Rikishi could be the missing link in getting Zilla to the Stamford-based company. Either on NXT or the main roster, Rikishi could serve as Zilla's manager both on-screen and behind the scenes. He could guide the generational star and help him gain valuable experience on the road.
#1. Rikishi could start his own Bloodline
The final entry on this list is related to the prior one, but with a much bigger twist. Instead of Rikishi simply managing Zilla Fatu and bringing him to WWE, the former Intercontinental Champion could launch a third version of The Bloodline.
As is expected, Rikishi would serve as the wiseman of the stable. Zilla Fatu would likely be the prodigy, the one who could assume the position of the Tribal Chief. However, there are a few other performers that the veteran could recruit.
Hikuleo, the younger brother of Tama Tonga, has been signed by the Sports Entertainment juggernaut but has yet to debut. The six-foot-eight-inch giant could be the muscle of the group. Meanwhile, someone like Lance Anoa'i or even Sean Maluta could be signed from the indie circuit to help fill out the ranks. From there, if the group has chemistry, Rikishi could bring them up to SmackDown and insert them into the ongoing Bloodline saga.