It took a lot of years and different gimmicks for Rikishi to really find a character that worked for him. Is that because he was saddled with bad gimmicks or was it because he was never that strong as an actor? Physically he had talent. His size helped. When it came to delivering a money making kind of promo, he didn't really have it. His WWE career saw him start out as a Headshrinker in a gimmick that didn't see him talk ever. Then he was "Fatu - Making a Difference" as a babyface that did these promos about helping people, but that didn't take off. When he became The Sultan he was put with Bob Backlund and The Iron Sheik while his face was covered. It was as if WWE knew he couldn't talk. When he became a dancing big man that wrestled in a sumo like thong under the name of Rikishi he really became a star. It wasn't because of his promos. Fans liked his signature Stink Face move and the dancing ability surely helped. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1gabp_rikishi-confesses-to-running-down-a_sport What was telling was in 2000 when they had him turn heel. He was the guy that they claimed had run over Steve Austin in a car. His infamous promo where he said "I did it...for The Rock" was poorly delivered and the start of his failed heel run. They likely wanted that Austin/Rikishi feud to make him a top guy, but within a couple of months he was pushed back done largely because his heel promos were bad. Being able to dance was what made him popular. It wasn't his acting skills, that's for sure.
John wrote at WhatCulture from December 2013 to December 2015. It was fun, but it's over for now. Follow him on Twitter @johnreport. You can also send an email to mrjohncanton@gmail.com with any questions or comments as well.
