Rikishi on Jey Uso's WWE Rise: Struggles During the Pandemic to the Grand Stage of WrestleMania

Jey Uso has earned a reputation as one of WWE's most electrifying and exuberant stars, a major factor in having fans worldwide chant and shout "YEET." His father, WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, maintains that it's more than just a word; it's about hard work, resilience, and seizing opportunities. In reminiscing about the journey with his son he reflected on all the hardships that Jey went through wrestling in front of eerily empty arenas during the pandemic to stepping into the biggest moments of his early career. With a WrestleMania 41 showdown with GUNTHER around the corner, Rikishi thinks this could be the defining moment for Jey's legacy.Jey Uso's rise was gradual. For years, he was known as a tag team competitor, always seen with his brother Jimmy. Everything fell into place when he started an intense feud with Roman Reigns during the Thunderdome era of WWE.Rikishi said Jey had to learn the art of competing in an arena filled with TVs on screens and very few, if any, actual spectators. "Can you imagine how hard that is, to perform during a pandemic [in] an arena full of TV screens, and to be able to carry the weight of the company during that time?" said Rikishi, as if to praise Jey's ability to shine within such a difficult environment. Daniel continued even beyond the ring: "He's got everything a character should have that makes him special, but what separates him is his connection to the fans." If "YEET" had become a full-blown phenomenon Rikishi says this is more about authenticity and passion rallying behind him. Now, Jey will face one of the toughest tests of his career. After winning the Men's Royal Rumble in 2025, he earned a title shot against GUNTHER at WrestleMania 41. They already faced some of their previous matches where GUNTHER won most of the time. But now, Jey is more skilled, has higher determination, and comes ready to turn the tide. Also read: 3 reasons Jey Uso must win WrestleMania 41Jey Uso has had quite a journey in life; highs-and-lows-from the shadows of The Bloodline to one of WWE's brightest stars. WrestleMania 41 gives him that opportunity to make a name for himself as an established main-event player. And Rikishi no doubt holds the belief that win or lose, Jey would have already proved his worth. Rich in itself, even should he lose his moment, that journey attests to grittiness: hard work and heart vis-à-vis turning dreams into realities.