In the Netflix docuseries Mr. McMahon, a surprising moment came from “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who controversially claimed that concussions come from errors and expressed skepticism about the existence of CTE.
WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi responded to Austin’s remarks during an appearance on the Off The Top podcast.
Rikishi acknowledged the physical toll of wrestling and other contact sports, saying, “Ain’t that part of the game? Being in football or any sports, full-contact sports? We get hurt but when you come from the old school. I don’t even know or remember did I ever get a concussion, and if I did back in the day, I’d just shake it off and keep going because out of sight, out of mind means no paycheck on the weekly, and you already mentally prepared to put your body through it.”
He highlighted the drastic changes in health and safety protocols over the years, noting that CTE was not a known issue during his wrestling career.
However, Rikishi also pointed out that financial pressures often led wrestlers to continue working through injuries.
“If it takes me, I guess getting a concussion and keep going to get that paycheck to feed my family and put food on the table… we’re talking 25-something years ago,”
Rikishi said. “I’m talking 30 dollars a payday a match. So, I might’ve got a concussion before I got to WWE and didn’t know it, but I feel great. I’m sure if I did have a concussion I would damn sure would notice by now. But we come from that old school so I kind of relate to what Steve was talking about. Now, I can’t say I don’t believe in it because I do believe in injuries.”
While Rikishi sympathized with Austin’s perspective, he clarified that he does believe in injuries, contrasting Austin’s stance on CTE.
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