Bloodline relative willing to return and feud with Paul Heyman, but only on one condition
Paul Heyman remained part of The Bloodline after WrestleMania XL despite Roman Reigns' Undisputed WWE Universal Championship loss to Cody Rhodes. In a recent podcast episode, Bloodline relative Rikishi addressed whether he could become part of the ongoing story.
Heyman has served as Reigns' on-screen special counsel in recent years. Following WrestleMania XL, Solo Sikoa kicked Jimmy Uso out of The Bloodline and formed a new alliance with WWE's latest Anoa'i recruit, Tama Tonga.
As Sikoa and The Usos' father, Rikishi keeps a close eye on developments involving The Bloodline. On his Off The Top Podcast, the WWE legend said he would only like to feud with Heyman if the storyline was logical:
"It would have to make sense for the fans," Rikishi stated. "It's gotta be that moment for the fans to make sense for me to be able to come back, and I would have to [prepare]. I ain't been in a ring in 25 years, right? So, even though I'll probably may be put in a position just to be kinda like a Wiseman for the opposite side, I gotta be in tip-top shape in my mind." [From 35:55 – 36:28]
Rikishi was one of WWE's most popular stars in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The former Intercontinental Champion was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.
Why Rikishi would need time before feuding with Paul Heyman
At the age of 58, Rikishi does not want WWE fans to view him as a shadow of his former self if he steps back into the ring.
The Anoa'i family member would like to have extra time to get in shape if he and Paul Heyman ever cross paths on WWE television:
"For The Bloodline, this is how we think," Rikishi continued. "At any given time, I could be jumping in that ring, and when I do jump in that ring, I gotta be one hundred percent. I gotta be fully ready to pick up where I left off. I damn sure don't wanna come in and [have people say], 'Oh, he's moving kinda slow. Blah, blah, blah.'" [From 36:30 – 36:49]
Rikishi also explained why one of his sons "really has to pick up" his game during Roman Reigns' absence.
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Please credit Off The Top Podcast and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.