Stone Cold Vs. Rikishi: The Story Behind The Hit

Hey wrestling fans! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most talked-about storylines in WWE history: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Rikishi. Remember when Rikishi ran over Stone Cold with a car? Yeah, that one. It was shocking, it was dramatic, and it changed the landscape of WWE for a good while. Let's break down how this feud started, what made it so memorable, and why we're still talking about it today.

The Setup: Before the Carnage

Before we get to the "Who did it?!" mystery, let's set the stage. In late 2000, Stone Cold Steve Austin was, well, Stone Cold Steve Austin. The biggest star in wrestling. A beer-swilling, rule-breaking, can-of-whoop-ass-opening machine. He was on top of the world, feuding with the best and electrifying audiences every single week. But, as it often happens in wrestling, a major obstacle was looming on the horizon.

Around this time, Rikishi, a Samoan powerhouse, was making waves in the WWE. He was known for his impressive size, agility, and, of course, the Stink Face. Rikishi was a formidable opponent, but few would have pegged him as the guy who would take out Stone Cold. He was mostly a mid-carder, entertaining but not quite in the main event picture consistently. This contrast in status is what made the eventual attack so unexpected and impactful. The fans never see it coming. The attack happened at Survivor Series. It was a no-disqualification match for the WWF Championship. Austin was battling Triple H when suddenly, chaos erupted.

The Hit: A Turning Point

Then BAM! Disaster strikes. During the Survivor Series, Austin was in a match with Triple H when he was suddenly run down by a car. The camera angle was shaky, chaotic, and left everyone wondering, "What just happened?!" Austin was left severely injured, written off television for a lengthy period. It was a serious angle that blurred the lines between reality and fiction, as Austin genuinely needed time to recover from nagging injuries. The question on everyone's mind: who was behind the wheel? This launched one of the most compelling whodunit mysteries in WWE history.

The Aftermath: The aftermath of the hit was crazy! Weeks went by, and the mystery deepened. WWE did a great job of keeping fans guessing. There were several suspects, each with their own motives and opportunities. Was it Triple H, looking to remove Austin from the championship picture? Maybe Kurt Angle, seeking to prove himself as the top dog? The suspense was palpable, with each episode of Raw and SmackDown offering new clues and red herrings. The speculation ran wild on wrestling forums and water coolers everywhere.

The Reveal: "I Did It For The Rock!"

Finally, the shocking truth was revealed. It wasn't who anyone expected. Rikishi confessed to being the driver! But the reason was even more shocking. Rikishi claimed he did it "for The Rock". He explained that he wanted to help his cousin, The Rock, reach the top of WWE by taking out its biggest star, Stone Cold. This reveal was mind-blowing. It instantly elevated Rikishi's status and added a deeply personal layer to his character. He went from being a fun-loving big man to a calculated and dangerous threat. This changed everything for Rikishi.

Why It Worked: The storyline worked on so many levels. First, it was genuinely shocking. No one saw Rikishi as a credible threat to Stone Cold, making the reveal all the more impactful. Second, the motive – doing it for family – added a layer of emotional depth. It wasn't just about winning championships; it was about loyalty and legacy. Finally, it allowed WWE to write Stone Cold off television to recover from injuries while keeping him relevant through the ongoing mystery. When Austin eventually returned, the stage was set for an epic confrontation.

The Feud: Austin's Revenge

When Stone Cold returned, the vengeance was personal. Austin was out for blood. The feud between Austin and Rikishi was intense and brutal. It wasn't just about wrestling matches; it was about inflicting pain and settling a score. Their matches were hard-hitting, no-holds-barred affairs that captivated audiences. One of the most memorable moments was when Austin used a forklift to lift Rikishi with a car, mirroring the original attack. This visual imagery was powerful and drove home the intensity of the rivalry. The crowds were red hot for every interaction, eager to see Austin get his revenge.

The Matches: Their matches were brawls. Pure and simple. No fancy holds or technical wizardry, just raw aggression and a desire to hurt each other. They fought in the arena, in the parking lot, and even in the backstage area. These matches were everything fans wanted: violence, drama, and a clear sense of good versus evil. While Rikishi held his own, Austin ultimately came out on top, delivering Stunners and laying the smackdown to get his retribution.

The Impact: Legacy and Aftermath

This feud had a lasting impact on both Stone Cold Steve Austin and Rikishi. For Austin, it solidified his status as the top star in WWE. His return and subsequent revenge on Rikishi were classic Stone Cold moments, further cementing his legacy. For Rikishi, it elevated him to a new level of prominence. While he never reached the very top of WWE, he became a credible main event player and remained a significant figure for years to come. The storyline is still talked about today, a testament to its creativity and impact.

Rikishi's Career: This feud was arguably the peak of Rikishi's singles career. While he had success before and after, this storyline gave him a level of exposure and credibility that he hadn't previously achieved. It proved that he could be more than just a comedic character; he could be a serious threat. After the feud with Austin, Rikishi continued to be a valuable asset to WWE, both as a singles competitor and as part of a tag team. He remained a popular figure with fans, known for his athleticism and charisma.

Austin's Continued Dominance: For Austin, this was just another chapter in his legendary career. He continued to dominate WWE for years to come, feuding with the likes of Triple H, Kurt Angle, and Chris Jericho. The attack by Rikishi served as a reminder that no one was safe in the world of wrestling and that even the biggest stars could be brought down. Austin's ability to bounce back from such a devastating attack only added to his mystique and made him an even bigger hero in the eyes of the fans.

Final Thoughts: Why We Still Remember It

The Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Rikishi storyline is a classic example of wrestling storytelling at its finest. It had everything: shock, mystery, betrayal, and revenge. It blurred the lines between reality and fiction, kept fans guessing, and delivered on its promise of a satisfying conclusion. It also showcased the talents of both Austin and Rikishi, elevating them to new heights in their careers. That's why, years later, we're still talking about the time Rikishi ran over Stone Cold with a car. It was a moment that defined an era and remains a highlight in WWE history.

So, there you have it, wrestling aficionados. This is a great example of an engaging storyline with long-term impacts. What are your favorite Stone Cold or Rikishi moments? Let us know in the comments below!