Rikishi (Solofa Fatu Jr.) says he is “lucky to be alive” as he posted an update alongside members of his family.
The former star recently had “an emergency, unplanned surgery”, according to PWinsider.com, which forced him to cancel several scheduled appearances.
Rikishi, 60, posted a photo alongside members of his family, including The Usos, with the following message:
God Is Amazing. Grateful to be alive. We share blessings today and forever more.
I’m proud of my boys ( missing few more ) #FatuAnoai
Stay safe and know theres More work to do ..
The performer began his career forty years ago in Montreal and would form The Samoan Swat Team with his cousin, Samula (Samu,) and wrestled together in New Japan, WWC in Puerto Rico, WCCW in Texas, and joined Jim Crockett Promotions in 1989.
Their next big run began in 1992 as Samu and Fatu (“The Headshrinkers”) in the WWF and won the tag titles in 1994.
For the next decade, he wrestled as Fatu, The Sultan, and his most popular character, Rikishi. Initially, he was paired with Too Cool and broke out as a singles star during the height of the Attitude Era and was elevated throughout 2000, working with The Rock and Steve Austin, among others.
He was released in 2004 and inducted into the company’s Hall of Fame in 2015.
