Rikishi Responds To Jey Uso WWE In-Ring Criticism

Jey Uso has recently faced criticism from WWE fans over his in-ring ability, something the Rikishi doesn’t recognise to be an issue.

Following the January 25, 2025, edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, Uso’s use of a Spear against GUNTHER would be criticised, with former AEW star Fuego Del Sol coming to the star’s defense.

Uso would go on to win the Men’s Royal Rumble match on February 1, 2025, with Triple H reacting to the star’s celebrations on the follow-up episode of WWE Raw.

With fans regularly hyped for Uso’s high-energy entrances and the ‘Yeet’ catchphrase, there’s still the focus on the quality of his ring work that leaves some fans less than enthused.

This was a topic that Rikishi discussed during a recent episode of Off The Top, with the WWE Hall of Famer stating that his son wouldn’t be over if he couldn’t deliver in the ring.

Addressing the criticism during the podcast, Rikishi spoke about the skills Uso had built over the years and the opportunities he has taken to be in the position he is in today, saying:

“As far as the in-ring skills, the skills are there. If it wasn’t there, to me, I don’t think the kid would be as over as he is right now. The skills have been there for 17 years.

“What we should take a look at what was the opportunity. The opportunity came, the wrestling universe has spoken. The WWE has heard it and seen it and gave this kid a chance.

“So at the end of the day, you can rest assured you are not gonna be disappointed when the Yeet Man shows up, does what he does, and you’re gonna watch what happens at YeetMania. So get ready. Yeet.”

Uso has previously reflected on how he didn’t expect the ‘Yeet’ catchphrase to take off and commented that Cody Rhodes helped it catch on.

Following his Royal Rumble win, Uso will face GUNTHER for the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE WrestleMania 41 in April 2025.

Footage from moment where the WrestleMania 41 match was confirmed can be seen below this news story, coming after the WWE World Heavyweight Champion attacked Jey Uso.

Transcript from Fightful.