10 DUMB WWE Stories (We Didn't Want To Admit Were GENIUS!)

There was an obvious moment when this story fell to pieces. Rikishi alleged that the WWF's decision makers were slyly racist by choosing to push Steve Austin over The Rock. His explanation for running down 'Stone Cold' at Survivor Series 1999 definitely didn't need to go there, because Kish actually had enough to work with sans race.

Him looking out for family but going way, way, way too far would've been enough.

Rikishi was exposed as the guy who took Austin out in 2000, and this was meant to launch the Samoan into the stratosphere as a main eventer. Unfortunately, he was toast as soon as he brought race into the mix and kept rocking the thong look. Eek! One too many missteps there, but the story did have potential.

Using Austin's real-life sabbatical (he needed serious surgery) as a way to build tension/a power struggle between he and The Rock at the top of cards was smart. Sandwiching someone like Rikishi in between them and desperately trying to elevate him too wasn't the worst idea. 

It's a pity the execution was flawed.