Jey Uso On The Rock & Rikishi Breaking Samoan Stereotypes In Wrestling, Roman Reigns’ Rise In WWE

In a recent interview with Yahoo Sports, Jey Uso discussed how The Rock and Rikishi broke Samoan stereotypes in wrestling, Roman Reigns’ rise in WWE, and much more. Here are some of the highlights:

Jey Uso on the impact Samoan wrestlers have had on the wrestling industry: “I think the Samoan people have made wrestling. Pro wrestling is right down our alley, we’re just physical people, strong, quick. I feel like we were just made to do this. Being a part of it now and seeing all of the blood that has been laid before me, the whole family tree, it’s very humbling and I’m so proud I am part of this.”

On how Rikishi and The Rock broke stereotypes for Samoan wrestling characters: “The cool thing is that my dad was part of those stereotypes when he was with the Headshrinkers. When my dad gets with Too Cool and dyes his hair blonde, now he’s adding layers to his character. Now he starts dancing, now he’s got these hip-hop guys with him. That was a feel good moment. Same thing with The Rock. He was so witty and when he started cutting those promos, the way he talked and looked, you wanted to be around him. These guys gave off great energy and that’s what Samoan people are, period. We’re happy people. We’re very, very family oriented. I think that’s what resonated with people and it started to bleed through the screen, to the point where people started to realize that these were fun, cool dudes.”

On Roman Reigns’ rise in WWE: “My cousin is on the way to greatness right now. I’m so proud of him as Joe. He’s killing the game. I’m so happy we’re on this roller coaster together. You know how when you grow up, you probably had little cousins that you were rocking with every single day and then life hits you and you’re separated. Before you realize it, it’s two or three years before you see each other. I’m grateful that I’m still there with them. I get to go to work with them every week, I still see them every single week. I like that part, it’s like we’re still kids in our mind. It’s a blessing to me.”

On the impact Tamina and Nia Jax have had on the younger generation of Polynesian women: “They’re the first Polynesian women doing pro wrestling at this level. We’re so used to the men. I hope they do know the impact they have. I hope they know how many little girls on that island, who look like them, are being inspired. They’re not petit, but they are in shape. Samoans we don’t always have six packs and stuff, but we have that power.”