WWE Hall Of Famer Rikishi has not only been instrumental in the careers of his sons The Uso’s and Solo Sikoa, but has now been cited as the inspiration of a star from a different combat world.
UFC star Derrick Lewis celebrated his recent victory at UFC 291 with a D-Generation X tribute crotch chop, explaining on The Schmo that he was a huge WWE fan during the Attitude Era:
“That’s my old, 1999, early 2000s, that’s when wrestling was real back then. The good ol’ days.”
Lewis was then asked what his wrestling name would be if he stepped into the squared circle and he wasted no time in naming the former Headshrinker with his reply:
“Rikishi 2.0”
Rikishi Explains Origin Of Famous Stink-Face Move
Lewis also suggested that he would choose to reprise Rikishi’s famous stink-face manoeuvre.
The former Intercontinental Champion previously explained on ‘Insight with Chris Van Vliet‘ that the inspiration for the now legendary action came from an unlikely source at a WWE Live Event in Alabama in February 2000:
“I’m still trying to find this lady from Alabama. I wrestled Boss Man on a house show with the thong gimmick. When you clothesline someone [to set up for the stink face] Boss Man fell down in position.
There’s 20,000 people in the arena and all I heard was “Rikishi! Turn around and stick your butt in his face!” This is where that slow look comes from. I’m looking slowly at the front row trying to figure out who is saying that. As I turn around and I see Boss Man in the corner.”
When I make that first step, the pop is loud. When I take the next step, it’s even louder. By the time I got to him and turned around, it was a pop I’ve never heard before. Keep in mind we have never done this. Boss Man then says “Alright baby, come on and stick that booty in my face, we’ve got ’em now! Bring it on baby!” He took that stink face like a champ.
The next day was Monday Night Raw, and that was when we introduced the stink face on TV.”
H/T: Fightful for the above transcription