Rikishi has recently shared the personal impact of his notorious Hell in a Cell fall during Armageddon 2000.
The event is memorable for Rikishi’s fall from the top of the Hell in a Cell cage onto a truck, an act that almost cost him his marriage. In an interview with Metro.co.uk, Rikishi conveyed how his family’s reaction to the stunt was one of extreme concern.
Discussing the repercussions of his choices with Metro.co.uk, Rikishi said, “I almost got divorced from my family. They were really upset about that stunt, not understanding that such risks are part of our roles as performers, as professional wrestlers.”
He elaborated on the mindset of a wrestler facing such a daring opportunity, and his personal resolve to capitalize on the moment, even with the knowledge that it might be a one-time chance. Furthermore, Rikishi mentioned the long-term benefits of the iconic drop, still reaping financial returns after over two decades.
The stunt’s planning exposed the unpredictable nature of wrestling, as Rikishi recalled preparing to fall backward without a clear view, revealing an added degree of severity to the stunt. He also shed light on a change in the stunt’s setup between rehearsals and the live event, noting the unexpected presence of aluminum railings that weren’t there during practice. Before executing the stunt, he made a heart-wrenching comment to The Undertaker, “Tell my family I love them,” indicating the peril he felt.
Post-fall, Rikishi had to confirm his own survival, lying there motionless momentarily, tuning into the crowd’s reactions for hints of his state.
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FAQs About Rikishi’s Hell in a Cell Fall
- What was the event where Rikishi took the famous Hell in a Cell fall?
The event was Armageddon 2000, a pay-per-view WWE event. - What did Rikishi say about his family’s reaction to the fall?
Rikishi said that his family was very upset and that he almost got divorced because they didn’t understand the nature of the performance. - How did Rikishi feel about the fall during the stunt?
Rikishi felt it was an intimidating moment, particularly because he had to fall backward without seeing where he was going. - Did Rikishi practice the fall beforehand?
Yes, he practiced the fall. However, the setup during the live event included aluminum railings that were not present during rehearsals. - What was Rikishi’s main concern after executing the fall?
After landing, Rikishi needed to confirm if he was alive as he couldn’t initially move and waited for his body to respond.
Conclusion
Rikishi’s Hell in a Cell fall at Armageddon 2000 stands as an enduring image in WWE history and serves as a stark reminder of the real-life risks taken by professional wrestlers in their craft. Rikishi’s candid recounting of the event highlights the balance performers must strike between entertaining fans and preserving personal relationships. Despite its controversy, the stunt has solidified Rikishi’s legacy as a fearless and dedicated entertainer in the wrestling world.