Jey Uso winning the WWE Intercontinental Championship on the September 23 edition of Raw was an emotional moment for many, but it was especially so for his father Rikishi.
The WWE Hall of Famer commented on his son’s title win during the most recent episode of his Off The Top podcast, saying he “teared up” at the emotional moment.
“I’m proud to be his pops. I’m proud that the fans are proud. I don’t know who was more excited if I was or the fans,” Rikishi said.
“That was a long road, what is it, 15 years or 14 years? You dominate the tag team division, and then you finally break off into singles competition, not knowing which way it’s going to go.”
“For me, Jey is not a character; that is really that kid. That kid is just a lovable kid like that. He talks to everybody, he’s not a liability, he’s not one of those troublemakers, he’s a company man, he’s a good role model. He’s one of those kids that, as far as for corporate, as far as being that community person, to be able to be a role model to kids or even parents in the community, he’s that kid.”
“All his career, at the end of the day, the choices that they make are their choices, and he’s made the right choices all the way through.”
Rikishi continued to say he was impressed with the match between Jey and Bron Breakker and feels the Steiner Brothers are probably proud of their family member’s performance as well.
“I think it was great. I was just sitting there watching these two generations, and it’s a personal thing. I’m sure the Steiner Brothers are very proud too as well. You go down memory lane, watching your kids go at it.”
Earlier this summer, Rikishi was critical of WWE for not booking Jey to win a singles title, asking “What is the problem not giving this guy some type of title or something?”
When his son finally did get that big title win, it was an emotional moment for Rikishi.
“I’m kind of wiping my eyes. I don’t usually break here, but it’s emotional. Months ago, when I was talking about giving Jey an opportunity, I got a lot of heat over it from the fans.”
“When I see my boy win the title, I teared up. I did, but it wasn’t nothing about being sad. I was just so proud that finally, after years and years of his hard work, pounding his body, that little frame of his of 230 pounds, we don’t know how much broken bones that are in there, how long will that body be able to keep moving at the pace that he’s going, but you can just see he’s in his moment. When he comes out and starts dancing on the stage, man, I’m dancing with him in the hotel room just watching the screen.”
“It’s a good feeling to be able to see someone you love be successful.”
The full episode of Off The Top is available below: