WWE Icons: Yokozuna FULL RECAP
Yokozuna becomes a staple of WWE's New Generation Era and a two-time WWE Champion before fighting the toughest opponent of his life: his weight. Members of the legendary Anoa'i family and WWE Legends look back on their friend and brother, Yokozuna.
Below is a full recap of WWE Icons Episode 1 featuring Yokozuna.
The Intro
The episode intro starts off with a montage featuring many of the legendary wrestlers from the Island of Samoa.
The first-ever World Champion of the legendary Anoa’i was Yokozuna.
Vince puts over Yokozuna as a tremendous athlete.
Hulk Hogan noted that “we didn’t have to groom him, he was already ready.”
Bret notes very few ever come along like him as Undertaker states that Yoko is one of the best big men ever.
The demon of his weight is brought up.
Undertaker brought up how if Yoko let you in as a friend, he would give you the shirt off his back and genuinely loved you.
The intro ends with Rikishi in tears stating, “I miss that motherf**cker, man.”
As expected the production value for this documentary is unmatched.
The Story
We find ourselves in Carson, California where Rodney grew up. His sister Elevera notes that Rodney was a special person and she always felt protected by him. Rodney was the oldest and this came with a lot of responsibility. With the parents always working, Rodney always wanted to take care of everybody.
Solofa Fatu (Rikishi) who was Rodney’s cousin points out how he grew up in a rough neighbourhood. A lot of gang bangers back in the day, but Rodney’s father was previously in service in the Marines. This meant that if Rodney stepped out of line, his father would have no problem with physically disciplining him. Rikishi jokes, but in a good way, a Samoan way.
Banning High School is shown with Rodney’s sister noting that he was a good kid, but unbeknownst to their parents, skipping classes. Education was important to his parents, so they were disappointed to discover he would not graduate high school due to slacking off. That’s how he ended up with his uncles, Afa and Sika.
The Wild Samoans were one of the most feared and legitimate tag-teams of the 1980s.
At home in Pensacola, Florida, they operated The Wild Samoan training facility. It’s here where Rodney would join several of his cousins in the family business.
Afa trained the kids in his backyard and warned them, “you better work your butt off.” They would be trained to pay their dues and be respectful. Sika noted that the kids had to sweat and strikes would be laid in.
Rikishi admitted that it was difficult, but the most fun of their lives.
Sam Anoa’i (Samu) is introduced and also confirmed that it was awesome.
Through this process, they all became closer with Rikishi pointing out that Afa and Sika practically became father figures.
Rodney had the opportunity to go home, which he never took. Rikishi explained that “When I say he loved professional wrestling, he LOVED professional wrestling and he was one of the hardest workers. He never quit.”
Clips featuring a much smaller Rodney are shown while he’s wrestling and paying his dues on the independent circuit competing against the Windhams.
Afa noticed that Rodney was very athletic and with the proper discipline, he could do this in a major way.
In 1987, at 21 years old, Rodney and his girlfriend had a daughter, Keilani. The following year, they had a son, Justin.
A cousin notes that Rodney was a great father, but the pressure was on.
Gerald Brisco is featured and brings up how The Wild Samoans approached Vince to say, “we’ve got this guy, this big guy.” At the time, WWE liked really big guys.
Bruce Prichard is introduced and notes that he made a trip to see Rodney and thought, “Wow! This guy has IT.” Rodney was asked to do a tryout and everyone was very impressed.
Rikishi pointed out that the entire family desired to make it to WWE since it was the big time, but when Rodney got the call, it was intended to be with Sam to come in as The Headshrinkers. Due to a cut on his leg that got infected, Rodney couldn’t make the debut, so Rikishi took his place.
A non-televised match from September 1, 1992, is featured with Rodney wrestling as Kokina with the Wild Samoan tights.
Rikishi and Bruce both joke that Kokina didn’t have much of a character.
Vince McMahon approaches Sgt. Slaughter and said, “see that Rodney over there, what a talent, but I’ve got 7 Samoan’s now, what am I supposed to do with him?” It was Slaughter who originally came up with the concept of Sumo Wrestler.
Vince is now introduced in the documentary reacting to Slaughter’s suggestion stating, “I bet that would work.”
The name Yokozuna translates to Grand Champion.
Rikishi brought up that when the family discovered Rodney would portray a giant Japanese wrestler, it was nothing big to them.
Rodney’s cousin, Roman Reigns, pointed out how it was one of the first times he saw a member of his family be depicted as larger than life. It was cool to see him stand outside of the box.
Rodney‘s cousin Sam Fatu (The Tonga Kid) puts over the pairing with Mr. Fuji since he had been wrestling since the 1960s and offered a wealth of knowledge. Fuji was more than a manager, but a mentor.
An episode of Superstars on October 31, 1992, is shown with the debut of Yokozuna complete with the updated introduction alongside Mr. Fuji. Bruce pointed out that there was an audible gasp, which was their AHA moment. “We’ve got it.”
Undertaker pointed out that when Yoko first came in, he was truly amazing and he had never seen anything like it.
Stone Cold Steve Austin brings up that the way Yoko moved was incredible. He was a big man, but he was an awesome big man.
Bret Hart compared Yokozuna to a Stegosaurus walking out to the ring.
Mark Henry felt that he represented him.
Kevin Nash agreed that Yokozuna was amazingly agile.
Undertaker brings up a story where he believes they were in Baltimore standing next to Vince. The two were watching Rodney work and Undertaker turned to Vince and said, “please, let me work with him.” He wanted someone who could go compared to some of the other limited big men he was forced to work with.
Bret Hart pointed out how Yoko came along when the WWE desperately needed a monster heel like King Kong Bundy or Abdullah the Butcher. According to Bret, most fans recognized that no one is going to mess with a guy like Yokozuna. That was the aura of him.
Bruce compared Yoko to Andre the Giant in a way where they were attractions.
Vince saw money in Yokozuna and always had a great relationship with the Anoa'i family.
Bret pointed out that there was respect between Vince and Afa/Sika that spanned for years and was well earned.
From a trust standpoint, Vince pointed out that it was easy and from a performance standpoint, it was also easy.
Undertaker confirmed that Vince knew what he had, a rare killer heel.
Jerry Lawler brought up how Yokozuna backstage was far different than the character on screen. It seemed like he was always in a good mood.
What Bret remembers most is how fun Yoko was in the dressing room. He would have the music going and singing in the shower.
The Tonga Kid brought up how he always had a pen and paper with him, but rather than write out a match, he was writing out lyrics.
Bruce jokes that watching Yokozuna eat was a sight to be seen. They did a video one time with Yoko at a steakhouse. Bruce points out how there was enough food cooked for 20 people that day and Yoko ate the whole thing.
The 1993 Royal Rumble is shown with Yokozuna eliminating Randy Savage to win it. The ball was officially given to him.
Bruce noted how Yokozuna handled the attention well but was certainly a bit awe-struck too.
WrestleMania 9 was a huge day for the Anoa'i family and they all flew in to support Yoko.
Roman noted that being at Caesar’s Palace and with Yokozuna in the main event, it was the biggest WrestleMania to him.
Afa noted that as an uncle, this was a very proud moment for him.
The main event with Bret Hart and Yokozuna is featured.
Bret brought up how the match was in Part A and Part B. If you watch the first part back, it’s pretty good, but perhaps because Yoko ran out of gas, he edited out the majority of the second part of the match. They went right from the end of Part A to the finish. That’s why Mr. Fuji was ready with the powder.
Roman brought up how the energy was electric and then “here he comes” referring to Hulk Hogan.
Bruce sighs and says, first of all, going into WrestleMania 9, the plan was for Yokozuna to be our champion for the immediate future. That changed the weekend of WrestleMania.
Bret brought up how the night before WrestleMania, this is what we’re going to do. Bret’s reaction to this, “I felt like putting my finger down my throat.”
Hulk Hogan appears to say, to the best of his recollection, he knew that he was leaving, but he talked Vince into changing the finish. “It was my pair brain idea and it caused quite a controversy.”
Bret pointed out how at this time, wrestling had changed from Hulk Hogan and the muscle men wrestlers of the 80s and he thought things were heading in the right direction pushing newer, younger stars, but suddenly, it was the Hulk Hogan show again.
Bruce brought up how the reasoning was due to the International Tour they had coming up. This was going to be his farewell tour, so they felt it would be better to have Hulk as the champion. In hindsight, Bruce smirks.
Bret would note, “I think as far as Yoko went, I don’t think he was overjoyed by it. At the same time, I don’t think he minded being champion, even for 30 seconds.”
Yoko was then programmed with Hulk Hogan all over the world during the International Tour.
King of the Ring 1993 is featured with Hulk and Yokozuna in the main event.
Rikishi noted that Yokozuna treated this responsibility with the utmost respect.
Following the finish which featured a camera exploding, Yokozuna defeating Hulk Hogan, he landed a Banzai Drop.
Hulk hoped that all of this brought Yokozuna to the next level, but pointed out that he was already ready for the spot.
This was another moment that touches Afa’s heart. One of their kids was blessed with that opportunity.
Vince confirmed that the family was very prideful that one of their own made it to the very family.
Backstage, Rodney broke down because he made it.
Undertaker said that upon beating the golden goose in Hulk Hogan, Yokozuna had arrived.
Rikishi brought up how naturally, talent can become jealous when you’re at the top of the mountain. Bruce felt that no one was really bitter when Yoko was on top because he came from a wrestling family and he wasn’t the type of person to rub it in anyone’s face. He was very humble and worked his ass off.
Bret would agree and said, “everybody kind of loved him for being a good guy.”
Steve said that one thing he really loved about Yoko was the fact he was so easy going and laid back. There was not one guy on the crew who did not like or respect him.
The Godfather was quick to point out, he’s not just a good guy, but a great guy. A massive human being with a big heart.
Savio Vega brings up how Yoko overheard a conversation where comes of the guys were trying to get him fired. Yoko would confront those guys and defend Savio.
Undertaker mentions that initially, Yokozuna was just a guy he wanted to work with and then they became friends. “He was just an awesome dude. Some of the best times of my life were running with Rodney. He was one of my nearest and dearest friends.”
Roman also pointed out that Yoko was just one of the boys with Rikishi also confirming that he never once changed. A mega-superstar who never let the industry change him. Always humble.
Yoko shared his blessings with the entire family. To the point where he sent out Christmas cards with money to every member.
Jey Uso also confirmed that when Rodney came through, they would give him coffee, make his bed and they would be awarded $100.
Rikishi said that as a Headshrinker, he wasn’t making a lot of money, but Yoko was doing quite well. When Kishi needed to heat his home, Yoko gave him a blank check and signed it. “My family, my kids, we had heat in the house.” Rodney was truly his brother and always around to help.
Rodney’s sister joked that he could have saved his money a bit more, but was always generous to his family and that’s how he was. It’s the culture and the family.
Afa noted that something they taught Rodney and others was to leave your character on the road and when you’re home you become dad.
Rodney’s daughter is shown and notes, “He was awesome. He really was my best friend.”
Rodney’s son jokes that sometimes a limo would pick them up from school and while it was a little too much, “that’s how pops was.”
Rodney was the nice, caring, giving father, but as Yokozuna, he was transformed.
In 1993, at 26 years old, Yokozuna was the youngest champion in WWE history.
Jerry Lawler pointed out that Yoko was such a believable champion that everyone wondered, who the heck could even beat this guy?'
Jim Cornette appears and brings up how he would watch him go out night after night against The Undertaker and how he could believably beat the s**t out of the Undertaker.
Undertaker confirmed that they shared great chemistry while Yoko knew how to work his gimmick while getting his opponent over.
Yokozuna was WWE Champion for 280 consecutive days.
In 1994, he would defend the title against Bret Hart at WrestleMania 10.
The conclusion with Yokozuna falling off the ropes with Bret Hart pinning the champion is shown with the crowd at MSG exploding in approval over the title change.
Bret Hart: “There’s always the heartbreak that comes with losing the title. It hurts a little bit, I think and if it doesn’t, there’s something wrong with you. You’re not taking the business serious enough. You know, I don’t care what anyone says, I know anytime I ever lost the world title, it hurt and it was always more real than what most people think. But for Yoko, when he was champion, he was at his absolute best. He was a total pro.”
Jim Cornette points out, when you think about, what monster heel in WWE history ever held the championship that long.
Rikishi figured there would be many more WrestleMania’s, but only if he could keep it up.
Bruce brings up how there was a point where everyone noticed that he was simply getting bigger. His waist increased by 20 inches. He was a step behind in the ring and a little slower. He would be forced to stop at Gorilla Position to catch his breath. With all of this considered, it was obvious Yoko was not doing well.
Yokozuna like food and the weight issue became very obvious.
Yoko was paired with Owen Hart due to the fact he was no longer to perform as a singles competitor to the level he previously did as champion.
Bret noted how he thinks that Owen enjoyed working with Yoko, but knew he had to do the majority of the work.
As his size increased, travelling became even more problematic and would be forced to sit in coach across two seats.
Jerry Lawler brings up a story of Yokozuna crushing a toilet with Bret noting that it sounded like a grenade going off. He didn’t know what to do since Yoko’s buttcheek was cut by the broken porcelain. It wasn’t any fun.
Godfather brought up how it was difficult to suggest he needed to lose weight.
The first time Mark Henry met Yoko, he was the “go get it guy.”
Rikishi questioned if Rodney was in denial about his weight, which Rodney’s sister agrees with.
Undertaker noted that he didn’t want to engage in the conversation of weight.
Bruce noted they tried dieting and a workout routine, but Yoko just didn’t do it.
Duke University had a weight loss process, but Yoko didn’t want to move to North Carolina. “I’ll do the program, but I’ll do it at home.”
Yoko was off for 3 months or longer and somehow came back bigger than ever.
Rikishi would notice that Yoko would nod off to sleep in the middle of a conversation.
Savio mentioned it was scary since he would be choking and looking for air.
Bruce believed he was going to die. Rodney needed to make a change and WWE was willing to do it on their own dime, but he had to work at it.
Vince tried to send him to Duke, but Undertaker pointed out how Yoko had people sneak in chicken for him.
Yoko felt that he was perfectly fine, but he certainly wasn’t fine.
Undertaker felt it was very sad to see because he just kept growing and was up to about 700 pounds.
Bruce said that there were athletic commission doctors who would take Yoko’s blood pressure and that he shouldn't be in the ring.
In 1997, Rodney was unable to pass a physical exam issued by the New York State Athletic Commission. He would be released by WWE.
Rikishi understood the liability WWE was taking on with Yokozuna.
Bret brought up how Vince always had a place on the roster for Yoko if he lost a certain amount of weight. Bruce confirmed how much Vince loved Rodney.
Vince spoke highly of Rodney’s values, but he couldn’t keep it up.
Rikishi brought up how Yoko was bored sitting at home.
Bret notes that it’s a difficult adjustment.
In 1998, Rodney returned to wrestling on the independent circuit.
A clip is shown of Yokozuna competing for Southern California Championship Wrestling in May of 1998. He can barely get in the ring and move. There were also only about 100 people in the audience.
Bruce found it sad that the myth and the attraction of Yoko didn’t exist while he was on the independent scene.
The family questioned if Yoko felt he let them down, but Rikishi pointed out he didn’t give a damn about the money or celebrity status, he just wanted Rodney’s health to improve. There was nothing more to prove.
In 1999, at age 33, Rodney moved to Las Vegas to help start a wrestling school.
Since he couldn’t back on the road, he taught. Rodney was taking in kids who needed a place to stay and live.
In October of 2000, Rodney travelled to England for a month-long wrestling tour.
His sister spoke to him in London, England. He was still goofy and fun.
October 23, 2000, Rodney got home from a show and called a couple of people telling them he was really, really tired.
The last thing Afa told Rodney was to take care of himself. 24 hours later, the phone call came that he had passed away.
Rodney died in his sleep at 34 years young.
It was devasting to the entire family, who understandably, still struggle to talk about it.
Sika apologized to his brother how things didn’t turn out the way they planned for the good of their kids.
At Monday Night Raw, Rikishi’s mind was in disbelief.
Mark Henry showed up to the arena and saw a bunch of the boys crying. Mark would break down after explaining this.
Undertaker was devasted, and it was tough on everyone. “He was a good dude.”
Savio Vega noted it was like losing a brother.
Bret pointed out that there were likely sadness and frustration over the fact of what could we have done to change that and allowed that not to happen. “Could we have given him more encouragement? Could I have been a better friend to him and called him up once and a while?”
Bruce expressed that Yoko was too young to die. He was a larger than life character who was ultimately larger than life and it’s what took him out.
Afa put together a Rodney Memorial Show which featured many of his closest friends including The Undertaker and Kane.
Rikishi brought up how it meant a lot for Taker to come out as Yoko was his brother from another mother.
Undertaker said it was emotional, but was comforting.
Rikishi brought up how Rodney would have wanted it to be a celebration and not mourning his loss.
The WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony on March 31, 2012, is featured with the family inducting Yokozuna and Rikishi speaking on behalf of them.
Bruce ran down the legacy of the family and went considering megastars Yokozuna is right near the very top.
Roman Reigns noted that Yoko was the first top guy who led the global product.
Stone Cold says that he will be remembered as a great worker with a great personality.
Bret Hart said, “he was probably the most agile, athletic, big man in the history of wrestling.”
Undertaker agrees by saying, “definitely one of the greatest big men ever.”
Bruce brought up how the audience never got to know Rodney the human being. While Yoko was impressive, the man behind him was the prince.
The family misses him as a cousin, uncle and dad.
Rikishi states that Rodney behind the scenes was the happy-go-lucky, generous and humble man that everyone should get to know.
I was covered in goosebumps during the majority of this documentary and highly recommend you take the time to get to know Rodney Anoa’i, the man behind Yokozuna.
