Rikishi

Rikishi in 2016, photo by kathclick/www.bigstockphoto.com

Birth Name: Solofa Fatu, Jr.

Place of Birth: San Francisco, California, United States

Date of Birth: October 11, 1965

Ethnicity: Samoan, as well as distant English

Rikishi is an American professional wrestler. He is known for his work in WWE. He has also wrestled under the names Alofa the Polynesian Prince, Fatu, Headshrinker Fatu, Hustle Rikishi, J.R. Smooth, Junior Fatu, Kishi, “8 Kid Fatty,” “Make a Difference” Fatu, Riki-Shi, Rikishi Phatu, Solofa Fatu Jr., The Sultan, and Sumo Rikishi.

Rikishi is the son of Elevera Anoa’i and I’aulualo Folau Solofa Fatu, who emigrated from American Samoa to San Francisco. He was raised in the Sunnydale Projects, in the Visitacion Valley. He is a member of the Anoa’i wrestling family, including his brothers Sam Fatu/The Tonga Kid and Umaga (born Edward Smith Fatu); his uncles Afa Anoa’i and Sika Anoa’i, who wrestled as the Wild Samoans; his first cousins Samu (born Samuel Fred Anoa’i), Yokozuna (born Rodney Agatupu Anoa’i), Black Pearl (born Reno Anoa’i), Rosey (born Matthew Tapunu’u Anoa’i), Lloyd Anoa’i, Afa Anoa’i, Jr., and Roman Reigns (born Leati Joseph Anoa’i); and his first cousin, once removed, Lance Anoa’i.

He is married to Talisua Fuavai-Fatu, with whom he has eight children, including fraternal twins Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso, and Solo Sikoa (born Joseph Yokozuna Fatu), who are also professional wrestlers.

Rikishi’s maternal grandfather was Muliaiga Amituana’i Anoa’i, also known as The Rev. Anoa’i Amituana’i (the son of Amituanai Faamaile Gatiso Ifopo and Puaaelo Faagata Lolofietele). The Rev. Anoa’i was born born on Fagaalo, Mauputasi, American Samoa. He was a pastor in the village of Utulei before moving to San Francisco. Rikishi’s great-grandfather Ifopo was the adoptive father of professional wrestler Peter Maivia, who is himself the adoptive grandfather of professional wrestler and actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Ifopo was the son of Nakiso Ifopo Leota and Sinalei Tafiaina Amituanai. Puaaelo was born in Fagatogo, Mauputasi, Eastern, American Samoa, the daughter of Pasi Tootoo Vaafusuaga and Selesa Amituanai.

Rikishi’s maternal grandmother was Tovaleomanaia Florence Leoso “Tovale” Ripley (the daughter of Edward Fepulea’i Leoso Ripley, aka Ned Ripley, and of Tagi’ilima Tisa “Tagi” Li’o). Tovaleomanaia was born on Leone, Tutuila, American Samoa. Ned was the son of Edward Leoso “Ned” Ripley II and Saitaua/Saitava “Sa” Fepulea’i Papu. Rikishi’s great-great-grandfather Ned’s own grandfather, Edward Ripley, was an American, from Boston, Massachusetts, of Colonial American (English) descent; and was a secretary to the governor of Tutuila. Rikishi’s great-grandmother Tagi’ilima was born in Tutuila, Leone, the daughter of Tisa Fulu’ena Li’o and Fiapa’ipa’i Taeleifi.

Sources: https://www.youtube.com

Genealogy of Rikishi (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com

Genealogy of Rikishi (through his brother) (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.familysearch.org

Rikishi’s maternal grandmother, Tovaleomanaia Florence Leoso “Tovale” Ripley, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org