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Sokoto
Sultan's Palace
Sokoto Location in Nigeria
Coordinates: 13°04′N 5°14′E / 13.067°N 5.233°E / 13.067; 5.233Coordinates: 13°04′N 5°14′E / 13.067°N 5.233°E / 13.067; 5.233
Country	Nigeria
State	Sokoto State
Population (2006 census)[1]
• Total	427,760

Sokoto is a city located in the extreme northwest of Nigeria, near to the confluence of the Sokoto River and the Rima River. As of 2006 it has a population of 427,760. Sokoto is the modern day capital of Sokoto State (and its predecessor, the Northwestern State).

The name Sokoto (which is the modern/anglicised version of the local name, Sakkwato) is of Arabic origin, representing suk, 'market'. It is also known as Sakkwato, Birnin Shaihu da Bello or "Sokoto, Capital of Shaihu and Bello").

Being the seat of the Sokoto Caliphate, the city is predominantly Muslim and an important seat of Islamic learning in Nigeria. The Sultan who heads the caliphate is effectively the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims.

Climate[link]

Sokoto is in the dry Sahel surrounded by sandy savannah and isolated hills.

With an annual average temperature of 28.3 °C (82.9 °F), Sokoto is one of the hottest cities in the world, however the maximum daytime temperatures are most of the year generally under 40 °C (104.0 °F), and the dryness makes the heat bearable.^[2] The warmest months are February to April, where daytime temperatures can exceed 45 °C (113.0 °F). Highest recorded temperature is 47.2 °C (117.0 °F), which is also the highest recorded temperature in Nigeria. The rainy season is from June to October, during which showers are a daily occurrence. The showers rarely last long and are a far cry from the regular torrential showers known in many tropical regions. From late October to February, during the 'cold season', the climate is dominated by the Harmattan wind blowing Sahara dust over the land. The dust dims the sunlight, thereby lowering temperatures significantly and also leading to the inconvenience of dust everywhere in the house.

The region's lifeline for growing crops is the floodplains of the Sokoto-Rima river system, which are covered with rich alluvial soil. For the rest, the general dryness of the region allows for few crops, millet perhaps being the most abundant, complemented by maize, rice, other cereals, and beans.^[2][3] Apart from tomatoes, few vegetables grow in the region. The low variety of foodstuffs available has resulted in the relatively dull local cuisine. In terms of vegetation, Sokoto falls within the savannah zone. This is an open Tse-tse fly free grassland suitable for cultivation of grain crops and animal husbandry. Rainfall starts late and ends early with mean annual falls ranging between 500 mm to 1,300 mm. There are two major seasons in Sokoto namely wet and dry. The dry season starts from October, and lasts up to April in some parts and May extend to May or June in other Parts. The wet season on the other hand begins in most parts of the state in May and lasts up to September, or October. The harmattan, a dry, cold and fairly dusty wind is experienced in the state between November and February. Heat is more severe in the state in March and April. But the weather in the state is always cold in the morning and hot in the afternoons save in peak at harmattan period. The topography of the state is dominated by famous Hausa plain of northern Nigeria. The vast fadama land of the Sokoto-Rima River systems dissects the plain and provides the rich alluvial soil fit for variety of crops cultivation in the state. There are also isolated hills and mountains ranges scattered all over the state.

Historical development of Sokoto[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

Sokoto river basin, showing location of the city

Sokoto Caliphate in the 19th century

Sokoto had been used as early as October 1804 by the Shehu Usmanu Dan Fodiyo as the venue for the meeting with Galadima, Yunfa's Vizier. Subsequently, it was used by Muhammad Bello as a staging post for an attack on Dufua in the spring of 1806. Bovil suggested that the area/district may have been known as Sokoto as early as seventeenth century. In historical perspective, Sokoto was founded as ribat (military camp or frontier) in 1809 When Shehu Usmanu was at Sifawa. It later became the capital of the caliphate after Shehu's death.

In the 1820s, Sokoto was at peak of prosperity coinciding with the peak of its `rulers' powers at the center of the caliphate, receiving annual tribute from all the fiefs before a long period of decline. The explorers Hugh Clapperton (1827) were highly impressed by this prosperity and its effects on the city.

Clapperton noted the importance of Sokoto's close-settled zone around. The rivers, rather than long-distance trade. In the city's economy. The trade of Sokoto is at present inconsiderable, owing to the disturbed state of the surrounding country.

By the time the explorer Heinrich Barth arrived in 1853 Sokoto was thinly inhabited and greatly dilapidated. Barth in 1857, estimated the population at only 20,000–22,000 but the market was still supplied and attended, and a thriving suburb outside the wall was more animated than Sokoto itself.

Bovil aptly described Sokoto that is position was strong, steep escarpments from the east to the north-west and a small valley on the west and the south west protected it against surprised cavalry attacks. The town dominates the broad lowland where the two rivers, Rima and Sokoto meet, being the junction of roads from Gobir in the north. Kebbi in the south and Burmi Zamfara in the east.

In the early 19th century, the town (Sokoto) was divided into wards. Such wards include Magajin Gari ward, Waziri ward, Sarkin Musulmi ward, Sarkin Adar ward, Magajin Rafi ward, Sarkin Zamfara Ward. Although at this time the wards were rounded with wall which was so small, and comprise of the mosques of Sultan Bello and Shehu, Sultan Palace and other building as well as the compound of Shehu.

In 1818, the wall was extended up to the extent that it has gates that come in an and out of the Birni wall. Such gates are Kofar-Kade, Kofar-Kware, Kofar-Rini, Kofar-Dundaye, Kofar-Taramniya, Kofar-Aliyu Jedo, Kofar-Marke.

The area of the present Sokoto was the home of many empires and Kingdoms of the pre-colonial western Sudan. These include Gobir and Kebbi kingdoms as well as the world renowned caliphate whose spiritual and political capital is the headquarters of the state.

Following the conquest of the caliphate by the British in 1903, its various components were made autonomous and joined into the government of Northern Nigeria. The northern region was thus made up of mainly parts of Sokoto caliphate and Kanem-Bornu Empire. This continued up to January 1967 when states were created to replace regional Governments by General Yakubu Gown. Sokoto became the headquarters of the north-western state created in 1967. In 1976 following the creation of Niger state out of North Western state, Sokoto state emerged with its headquarters. Yet in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states were carved out of Sokoto, in 1991 and 1996 respectively.

Sokoto metro-polis has thus been the capital of various Governments since its establishment by Caliph Muhammad Bello in 1809.

People and culture[link]

Sokoto state has a projected population of 3,666,999 million^{[citation needed]} people based on 2006 census made up of two ethnic groups namely, Hausa and Fulani. Sokoto town the capital of Sokoto state has approximately 2.5 million populations. Apart from Hausa and Fulani, there are of course the Zabarmawa and Tuareg minority in the border local government areas. All these groups speak Hausa as common language. Fulfulde is spoken by the Fulani.

Hausa people in the state are made up of Gobirawa, Zamfarawa, Kabawa, Adarawa and Arawa. The Fulani on the other hand are of two main groups; the town Fulani (Fulanin Gida) and the Nomads. The former includes the Torankawa, the clan of Shehu Usmanu Danfodiyo, Sullubawa and Zoramawa. The Torankawa are the aristocratic class since 1804.

Culturally the state is homogeneous. The people of the state are Muslims and Islamic religion provides them with a code of conduct and behavior. Their mode of dressing is also of Islamic origin. Two major festivals namely, Eid-el-Fitri and Eid-el-Kabir are celebrated in the state every year. The former marks the end of Ramadan fast, while the later features the slaughtering of Rams in commemoration of the act started by the Prophet Ibrahim.

Traditional wrestling (Kokawa) and boxing (Dambe) are the two sports enjoyed by the Hausa while the Fulani and the Sullubawa entertain themselves with Sharo and Doro^{[clarification needed]} respectively. Important visitors to the state are usually treated to the grand or mini durbar and event involving the parade of heavily decorated horses and camels mounted by men in full traditional military and cultural attires.

Economic activities[link]

Over eighty percent (80%) of the inhabitants of Sokoto practice one form of agriculture or the other. They produce such crops as millet, guinea corn, maize, rice, potatoes, cassava, groundnuts and beans for subsistence and produce wheat,cotton and vegetable for cash. Local crafts such as blacksmithing, weaving, dyeing, carving and leather works also plays an important role in the economic life of the people of Sokoto as a result different areas like Makera, Marina, Takalmawa and Majema areas became important. Sokoto is also one of the fish producing areas of the country. Thus a large number of people along the river basin engage in fishing as well.

Sokoto Market

Sokoto is equally endowed with natural and mineral resources. Agro allied industries using cotton, groundnut, sorghum, gum, maize, rice, wheat sugar cane, cassava, gum Arabic and tobacco as raw materials can be established in the area. Large scale farming can also be practice in the state using irrigation water from Goronyo Dam, Lugu, Kalmalo, Wammakko and Kwakwazo lakes among others.

Minerals such as Kaolin, gypsum, lime stones, literate, Red mills, phosphate both yellow and green, shade clay, sand etc., are available in commercial quantities. Mineral based industries using these raw materials could be established in the state.

The absence of the Tse-tse fly on the open grassland benefits both wild and domestic animals. Sokoto ranks second in livestock production in the country's animal population of well over eight million.

The availability of these economic potentials provides good investment opportunities, particularly in agro-allied industries such as flour mills, tomatoes processing sugar refinery, textile, glue, tanning, fish canning, etc.

Transport[link]

Sokoto lacks a public transport system. Transport within the city (when not by foot) is mainly by mopeds which operate as one-person taxis. Buses and taxis are infrequent and are generally only used for transport between cities.

10 km south of Sokoto there is an international airport with regular connections to Abuja, Kano and Lagos.

Industry[link]

In August 2008, an agreement was signed for the construction of a cement works in Sokoto.

Urbanization[link]

Urbanization has a very long history in Hausaland.The process started when certain strategic areas of hausaland developed from Kauyuka to Birane. Yet one of the major consequences of the Jihadist was the speeding of this phenomenon not only in Hausaland but also in all areas affected by the caliphate administration. New towns sprang up and the older birane entered into a period of unprecedented growth, some as new areas of commercial activities others as both Emirate capitals centers of administration and commerce.

One of the aspects of urbanization in the history of the Sokoto caliphate started with establishment of Sokoto city (the headquarters of the caliphate), in the prejihad period, the area between the Gobir Kingdom and Kebbi was the area that were commonly referred to as “nomand land”.But with the success of the Jihad led by the Shehu usmau dan Fodiyo (1804–1808) and subsequent victory of the Jihadists over the rulers of Hausaland, the Sokoto city (headquarters of the caliphate) was built by Muhammad Bello. Moreover as observed by Abdul-Razaq Shehu in his book “Sakkwato Birnin Shehu”) the Sokoto city was designed on paper by Muhammad Bello even before it was built. Bello son of the Sheikh, was among his fathers lieutenants and war commanders. he fought the hardest and longest wars and was the architect of the caliphate Sokoto Birnin Shehu.

The Sokoto city as designed by the architect Muhammad Bello consisted all the characteristic features of any modern city including roads, bridges, market, Ganuwa (fortification round centers of town) and as well as the administrative and commercial centers. Among the administrative centers designed by Muhammad Bello includes Kanwuri, Binanchi, Galadanci, Alkalanci, Dogarawa and so on. However, apart from the central market popularly known as Yardole, other commercial areas designed by Muhammad Bello include Makera, Madinka, Marina, Siriddawa, Takalmawa, Runji and Jirgawa, in addition, among other things no any town in either pre-jihad or 19th century Hausaland could developed into urban center without effective fortification (Ganuwa). This was built with about many strong areas like, Kofar Aliyu Jedo, Kofar Dundaye, Kofar Marke, Kofar Rini, Kofar Kware, Kofar Taramniya and this paramount development attracted many people to migrate from their locality into Sokoto city for survival.

From the above observation on how caliph Muhammad Bello designed the city of Sokoto we will see that Sokoto witness more immigrants that have interest in the act of blacksmithing leather works, pottery etc. For example, some of these people either engage in the business of blacksmithing or other related business as in Makera Assada, there are people who use to travel to different parts of present Nigeria and even in neighbouring countries to buy damage iron materials like damaged vehicles, cars, lorries, aircraft etc. iron pipes, oil tanks in order to break them into pieces and sell them for anybody who wants to put them into use or modify it to another product.

See also[link]

• Sokoto Caliphate
• Usman dan Fodio
• Cement in Africa
• Makera Assada

References[link]

1. Sokoto State Government Dairy 2002, Ministry of Information, youth, sports and culture, Sokoto.
2. Tsoho U.H, Growth and History of the establishment of Makera Assada in Sokoto Metropolist to the year 2007.2008 B.A project, History Department, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto.
3. http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/states/nigeria/sokoto.html
4. http://www.tourismroi.com/InteriorInvest.aspx?id=31008
5. http://www.maplandia.com/nigeria/sokoto/sokoto/sokoto/
6. http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/NIXX0018
7. Abubakar, S; Aspect of Urban Phenomenon, Sokoto and its hinterland,1950.
8. Balogun, I.A.B; Life and Works of Uthman Danfodiyo, Ibadan 1981.
9. Bovil, E.W; The Golden Trade of the Moors,London,1963.
10. Boyi, U.M; Tanziynul Waraqat, Hausa Translation of Abdullahi ibn Fodiyo work.
11. Crowder, M; The Story of Nigeria,London,1962.
12. Jibril, Y.H; Philosophy among the Sokoto Scholars, Benchmark Publishers, Kano Nigeria,2004.
13. Johston, H.A.S; The Fulani Empire of Sokoto,London,1968.
14. Johston, H.A.S; The Fulani Empire of Sokoto,London, 1968.
15. Mary Wren Bivins, Telling Stories, Making Histories: Women, Words, and Islam in Nineteenth-Century Hausaland and the Sokoto Caliphate (Portsmouth, NH, Heinemann, 2007) (Social History of Africa).

As One
Background information
Origin	South Korea
Genres	K-pop, R&B
Years active	1999–present
Labels	EMI Korea
Members
Min Young Lee Crystal Chae

As One is a Korean pop duo consisting of Korean Americans Min Young Lee and Crystal Chae. Their first hit was the song "너만은 모르길," released in 1999 on Rock Records Between their fourth and fifth albums, their contract with Rock Records expired and they signed with EMI Korea; a label which also manages other k-pop stars like DJ DOC and Baby VOX. In late 2006, As One released their fifth album 12 Tears of Farewell, and started their promotional activities with the lead track "십이야" (12 Nights).

As One Member Profiles[link]

Crystal Chae[link]

• Date of Birth: (1980-04-29) April 29, 1980 (age 32)
• Place of birth: Los Angeles, California
• School: Chatsworth High School
• Religion: Christian
• Family: father, mother, older brother, older sister

Min Young Lee[link]

• Date of Birth: (1978-12-15) December 15, 1978 (age 33)
• Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
• School: Fairfax High School
• Religion: Christian
• Family: mother, brother

Discography[link]

Studio Albums[link]

Extended Plays[link]

1. [2000.06.28] ONE+ONE
2. [2002.05.22] As One Live Album
3. [2002.11.26] Caroling
4. [2003.11.18] Forever AS ONE (BEST)
5. [2007.03.13] 우리가 알고있는 (So Romantic)
6. [2008.05.14] Double Star (Mini Album)
7. [2010.04.29] The Happiness 4 Us 2nd

Singles[link]

1. [1999.11.25] Ring My Bell
2. [2000.05.01] 사랑+
3. [2000.06.14] Day By Day
4. [2006.12.14] I Wanna be a Christmas
5. [2008.04.03] Sponge Remake 2008 As One
6. [2008.09.01] Zza Zza La!! (Drama Version)
7. [2010.06.16] As One Season 1
8. [2010.09.08] History - As One 연애
9. [2011.01.17] Taste of Love
10. [2011.01.28] NEPA SONG(네파송)
11. [2011.07.07] As One Season 2
12. [2011.11.21] As One Season 2.5

Collaborations[link]

• 사랑도 돈이 되나요 (I'm Still In Love), Can Love Become Money OST, 2012
• Only U, with Donghae, 2012
• Xoxo, with Humming Urban Stereo, 2011
• Lovin Ice Cream, with Ez-Life & (Haro), 2011
• Flight 101, with Oneway, 2011
• 그대도 나처럼, with Yurisangja, 2010
• 그대 뒤에서 (Behind You), The Reputable Family OST, 2010
• 홀로 크리스마스 (White Winter), with Lee Jun (of Solid), Alex, Navi, and Bizniz, 2009
• 사랑할 수도 미워할 수도 (Neither Love Nor Hate), De La Musique Vol.1 - Part 1, 2009
• Cool Running, with Soul Dive, 2009
• 헤어져 (Breakup), Love Tonic OST, 2009
• To Heart, Listen Campaign OST, 2008
• 사랑은 너 하나뿐 (You Only Love), The Rival Project with GO and Shogun, 2008
• 마지막 사랑 (Last Love), with E Sang, 2008
• Smile, with JED, 2007
• White Love Story, The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince OST, 2007
• 네잎클로버 (Four-leaf Clover), MBC Creative Children's 25th Anniversary, 2007
• Happy My Star (Drama Version), Couple of Fantasy OST, 2006
• 가시나무 (Bramble), The Wave - Blessing & Caroling, 2005
• Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Groovy Christmas, 2005
• 미안해야 하는거니 (Do I Have To Say Sorry), Sassy Girl, Chun Hyang OST, 2005
• Sleigh Ride, 2004 Christmas Story, 2004
• 원하고 원망하죠 (Want & Complain), Black Coffee 4, 2004
• Loving You, Classic CF, 2004
• 투명에 가까운 블루 (Transparent Blue), Classic CF, 2004
• 하늘정원 (Garden of Heaven), Garden of Heaven OST, 2003
• 스물다섯 (Precious You), with Kim Jin Pyo, 2003
• Feel...Me, with Park Hyo Shin,2002
• 소중한 너 (Precious You), with Cho Kyuchan, 2002
• Born Twice, with DVS, 2001
• Gook Thuggin, with DVS, 2001

References[link]

Rikishi
Rikishi at the Big Apple Convention, May 22, 2011.
Ring name(s)	Fatu[1] The Sultan[1] Alofa the Polynesian Prince[1] Rakishi Fatu Rikishi[1] Rikishi Phatu[1] Rikishi Fatu[1] J.R Smooth[1] Samurai Sultan Kishi[1] Sumo Rikishi Junior Fatu[1]
Billed height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[2]
Billed weight	425 lb (193 kg)[2]
Born	(1965-10-11) October 11, 1965 (age 46)[3] San Francisco, California[1]
Resides	Poinciana, Florida[1]
Billed from	The Isle of Samoa[2]
Trained by	The Wild Samoans[2] (Afa Anoa'i and Sika Anoa'i)[1]
Debut	1985[1]

Solofa F. Fatu, Jr.^[1][4] (born October 11, 1965) is an American professional wrestler, best known under the ring name Rikishi.

Professional wrestling career[link]

The Samoan Swat Team (1985-1992)[link]

Solofa Fatu, Jr. first got the fans attention in 1985 as he worked for Gino Brito and Dino Bravo’s “International Wrestling" territory based in Montreal. While in Montreal, Fatu worked as Prince Alofa, a high flying babyface often working as a team with the territory’s top faces. While working in Montreal, Solofa hung out with his cousin Samula Anoa'i who was working in the area as the heel "The Great Samu". When the Montreal territory closed up, the two cousins signed with the World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico and became The Samoan Swat Team (Samu & Fatu). The team adopted the “Samoan savage" gimmick that had made their fathers so well known and feared throughout the wrestling world, working barefoot and never speaking English on camera. The team became the first ever WWC Caribbean Tag Team Champions on November 7, 1987 when they beat Invader I and Invader III.^[5] The duo held the title for just over a month before dropping them to Mark and Chris Youngblood^[5] before leaving the promotion.

Samu and Fatu next appeared in Texas, working for Fritz Von Erich’s World Class Championship Wrestling promotion. The storyline was that Buddy Roberts brought the team in to fight his fights against the Von Erich family and former Fabulous Freebirds partner Michael Hayes. The SST was given a big push right away; presented as an unstoppable force, the team was even allowed to beat hometown heroes Kerry and Kevin Von Erich for the WCCW Tag Team Titles on August 12, 1988.^[5] The Samoans remained undefeated in WCCW until they came up against Roberts’ former partner Michael Hayes and Hayes new partner, “Do It To It" Steve Cox on September 12.^[5] The duo was not without the gold for long as they recaptured the titles only four days later.^[5] Hayes and Cox beat the Samoan Swat Team for the titles once again on October 15,^[5][6] but this time they only held the gold for two days before they lost it back to the SST. On September 12, 1988, The Samoan Swat Team become double champions as they beat "Hollywood" John Tatum and Jimmy Jack Funk for the WCWA Texas Tag Team Championship.^[5] The Samoan Swat Team made their pay-per-view debut at AWA SuperClash III, the first (and only) PPV that the American Wrestling Association ever presented. The Samoans successfully defended their WCCW Tag-Team titles against Michael Hayes and Steve Cox.^[7] In the beginning of 1989, the Samoans left WCCW, forcing both tag team titles to be vacated due to the sudden departure.^[5]

The Samoan Swat Team signed with Jim Crockett Promotions and was brought in as manager Paul E. Dangerously’s replacements for the "Original" Midnight Express who had left the promotion. The Samoans also took over the "Original" Midnight Express’ feud with the Midnight Express, winning at Clash of the Champions VI on April 2, 1989.^[8] The Samoans teamed with former rival Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, and Jimmy Garvin at the 1989 Great American Bash, losing a WarGames match to the Road Warriors, the Midnight Express, and Steve Williams.^[9] In the fall of 1989, Paul E. Dangerously was phased out and the Samoans were given a new manager: "The Big Kahuna" Oliver Humperdink. Their ranks were also bolstered by the addition of The Samoan Savage, who is Fatu’s brother. The Samoans started to lose more and more matches as 1989 drew to a close, but their fortunes appeared to be changing due to the injury to Sid Vicious. Because Vicious was injured, the Skyscrapers had to pull out of the "Iron Team Tournament" at Starrcade 1989 and the Samoan Swat Team were chosen to be their replacements.^[10] Fatu and the Samoan Savage participated while no explanation was given as to why the more experienced Samu was not chosen. For the remainder of the Samoan Swat Team’s time in WCW, Fatu and the Samoan Savage competed under the name while Samu made a few singles appearances.

After leaving WCW in the summer of 1990, the Samoan Swat Team worked for a number of independent promotions in the US, Europe, and Japan, often teaming up with family member Rodney Anoa'i who competed as "Kokina Maximus".^[11] The family worked for the Universal Wrestling Association in 1991 with Fatu, Kokina, and The Samoan Savage winning the UWA Trios Tag-Team titles^[5] and holding it for just under two months.^[12] They also made a headline appearance on the UWA’s 16th anniversary show losing to Dos Caras, El Canek, and Mil Máscaras.^[13]

World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment[link]

The Headshrinkers (1992–1995)[link]

In 1992, Samu and Fatu signed with the company, managed by Samu’s father Afa.^[14] The team changed their name to the Headshrinkers, but their gimmick of Samoan wildmen remained the same. Rodney Anoa'i also signed with the WWF but he was repackaged as "Yokozuna" and the family ties between him and the Samoans were not mentioned on air. The team first made their presence known when they helped Money Inc. beat the Natural Disasters to win the World Tag Team Championship.^[15] Early in their run with the WWF, the Headshrinkers feuded with the Natural Disasters and the recently formed High Energy.^[16]

Between 1992 and the early parts of 1994, the Headshrinkers maintained a position in the middle of the tag team division. They occasionally challenged for the titles and made sporadic PPV appearances feuding with teams like The Smoking Gunns^[17] and Men on a Mission.^[18] The Headshrinkers assisted their relative Yokozuna in a casket match against The Undertaker at the Royal Rumble.^[19] In April, the Headshrinkers turned face and challenged then tag team champions The Quebecers; with the addition of manager Lou Albano the team won the gold on April 26.^[20] At King of the Ring on June 19, the Headshrinkers successfully defended their tag team titles against Yokozuna and Crush.^[21] Their run with the titles came to an end on an untelevised card on August 28 where they lost the titles to Shawn Michaels and Diesel.^[22] The title change happened just one day before they were scheduled to defend against Irwin R. Schyster and Bam Bam Bigelow.^[23] Soon after the title change, Samu left the WWF to recover from injuries and was replaced by Sionne, who formed the "New Headshrinkers" with Fatu.

The storyline reason given for Samu’s departure was that he was not coping well with manager Lou Albano’s attempts to civilize the Headshrinkers, especially wearing boots. For the first time ever, one half of the Samoan Swat Team/Headshrinkers was not a member of the Anoa'i family nor a Samoan, as Sionne was from the island of Tonga. The New Headshrinkers made only one PPV appearance as a team which was at the Survivor Series where they were quickly eliminated.^[24] They were also both participants in the Royal Rumble. The only other notable appearance of the New Headshrinkers was as part of the tournament to crown new WWF tag team champions in late 1994/early 1995. The New Headshrinkers lost to Bam Bam Bigelow and Tatanka in the Semi-Finals.^[25] By July, the New Headshrinkers ended as Sionne signed with WCW. By the time Sionne left the WWF, the team was used to put over new teams such as Jacob & Eli Blu.^[26]

Singles competition (1995–1998)[link]

Fatu during his "Make a Difference" gimmick in 1995

Fatu became a singles wrestler in 1995; the WWF repackaged Fatu by dropping the “savage" gimmick and revealing that Fatu could speak English and was raised in the US.^[27] Fatu became a "man of the streets" who spoke about growing up in the hood and being shot during a real-life drive-by. During this time he was referred to as “Make a Difference" Fatu. After a short while, two men started to show up whenever Fatu was in the ring: Samu and his brother Lloyd Anoa'i, also known as "The Samoan Gangster Party".^[27] The Samoan Gangster Party, however, never got in the ring or confronted Fatu before he was repackaged and the whole angle was dropped.^[27]

The WWF then decided to give Fatu a total change, as he became a stereotypical “Middle Eastern" known as The Sultan, complete with a face mask to hide who was playing the gimmick.^[27] In storyline The Sultan's tongue was removed thus he never spoke in promos. He was managed by the Iron Sheik and Bob Backlund.^[27] He was given a shot at Rocky Maivia’s Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania 13 but failed to win the gold.^[28] Fatu left the spotlight when the Sultan gimmick was dropped in early 1998 as Dory Funk Jr's. DOJO to get better training.^[27]

Too Cool (1999–2000)[link]

Rikishi at King of the Ring in 2000.

He returned on the November 13, 1999 episode of WWF Metal as Rikishi Fatu beating Julio Fantastico, the Rikishi name being a sumo wrestling term similar to his cousin Yokozuna's professional wrestling name. Then the name would become Rikishi Phatu, but was eventually shortened to Rikishi when he started teaming with Too Cool. He had gained a great deal of weight, bleached his hair blonde, and exchanged his long trousers for a thong.^[29] Rikishi had a brief feud with Viscera before aligning with Too Cool, which consisted of Grand Master Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty. It was at this point that Rikishi's popularity began to soar as their post-match dance routine became popular with fans. During the 2000 Royal Rumble, Rikishi eliminated seven opponents in the Royal Rumble match; he was eliminated by six wrestlers working together.^[30] Two of those seven were Too Cool themselves, whom Rikishi eliminated after they performed their dance routine in the middle of the match.

Rikishi became famous for giving wrestlers the Stink Face, as his butt was rubbed in the face of an opposing wrestler. This move became very popular with the fans. In May 2000, Rikishi and Too Cool feuded with Edge, Christian, and Kurt Angle, culminating in a victory at Judgment Day.^[31] After winning the Intercontinental Championship on the June 22 episode of SmackDown! from Chris Benoit,^[32] Rikishi qualified for the 2000 King of the Ring tournament. On June 25 he defeated Benoit and Val Venis in the quarter and semi-finals respectively, but both his opponents hit him with a steel chair after losing, weakening his shoulder and helping Kurt Angle defeat him in the finals.^[33] Stemming from Venis's attack at King of the Ring, Rikishi faced Venis on July 6 and lost his title after Tazz hit him with a television camera.^[32] Rikishi faced Venis in a Steel Cage rematch at Fully Loaded. In the course of the match, Rikishi ascended the cage and, in a move reminiscent of Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, leapt from the top, splashing Venis. Rikishi was defeated by Venis shortly after when Tazz once again hit him with a television camera.^[34]

Heel turn (2000-2001)[link]

On October 9, Commissioner Mick Foley used a slip of the tongue from Scotty 2 Hotty to implicate Rikishi as the person who had run over Stone Cold Steve Austin at Survivor Series, as Scotty stated that he had been hanging out that night with Grand Master Sexay and Rikishi. However, Foley stated later that night in the ring that Rikishi at that point had not debuted yet. In actuality, this is not true, as Rikishi had debuted on the Saturday night before the '99 Survivor Series on WWF Jakked. Rikishi admitted injuring Austin, claiming that he had done so in order to allow his cousin The Rock to achieve stardom, insisting that Buddy Rogers, Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund, Hulk Hogan, and Austin - "The Great White Hope" - had always been pushed over Samoan performers such as High Chief Peter Maivia and Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, who he believed had been held back, this turned Rikishi heel in the coming weeks. Austin immediately set out to obtain revenge, facing Rikishi in a No Holds Barred match at No Mercy.^[35] The match went to a no contest when Austin dragged Rikishi to the parking lot and attempted to run him over, but a police car drove in front of Austin's car, saving Rikishi. Though Austin was arrested, he had badly injured Rikishi, inflicting numerous cuts and bruises to his face. Later that night, Rikishi attempted to help The Rock retain the WWF Championship in a match against Kurt Angle, but "accidentally" kicked and crushed The Rock, allowing Angle to Angle Slam both men and win the title.^[36] After a number of instances where Austin was attacked backstage by an unseen assailant, it became clear that Rikishi had an accomplice. During a handicap match pitting Rikishi and Kurt Angle against Austin, Triple H came to the ring, seemingly to aid Austin, but swerved the audience by attacking Austin with a sledgehammer. This led to Triple H revealing that he had masterminded the assault, relegating Rikishi to his hired muscle. Rikishi never reclaimed the popularity he enjoyed throughout his initial run as Rikishi.

Rikishi lost to The Rock at Survivor Series.^[37] He then participated in the six-man Hell in a Cell match at Armageddon for the WWF Championship, during which Vince McMahon drove a flatbed truck to ringside in an effort to dismantle the cage and stop the match. However, Rikishi was chokeslammed from the top of the cell into the truck bed by the Undertaker.^[38] He won a match entitling him to enter the 2001 Royal Rumble at number 30. He even eliminated the Undertaker but he did not last long in the Rumble match before being eliminated by The Rock.^[39] After the return of Haku at the same event, Rikishi and Haku formed a tag team, and feuded with Kane and The Undertaker and The Hardy Boys. The team split when Rikishi was sidelined with an eardrum injury in May, and Haku was later released. Rikishi returned from injury on May 7, 2001 and was urged by Mick Foley to become a good guy again before delivering the Stink Face to Stephanie McMahon. He wrestled for several weeks before suffering a shoulder injury in May 2001 which caused him to miss much of the year.

SmackDown; teaming with Scotty 2 Hotty and departure (2002-2004)[link]

Rikishi at Tribute to the Troops in 2004.

Rikishi returned on December 6, 2001, delivering a Stink Face to Vince McMahon and solidifying his face status. Upon the WWE Brand Extension, Rikishi was drafted to SmackDown!. At Judgment Day, he faced Billy and Chuck in a "secret partner" match. His partner turned out to be Rico, Billy and Chuck's stylist. Despite Rico's best efforts to unfairly help Billy and Chuck, Rikishi and he won the match and became the Tag Team Champions.^[40] Rico would later cost his partner to lose the titles in a rematch.^[41]

Rikishi was not featured much in late 2002 and early-2003. He feuded with John Cena, Bill DeMott, and the Full Blooded Italians on SmackDown!. The return of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper led Rikishi to challenge him as Piper had hit Jimmy Snuka with a coconut years ago on Piper's Pit. At Backlash 2003, Piper's protege Sean O'Haire defeated Rikishi after Piper got hit with a coconut by Rikishi giving O'Haire time to hit the Widowmaker on Rikishi.^[42] Rikishi eventually formed a tag team with Scotty 2 Hotty, and the duo defeated the Basham Brothers for the WWE Tag Team Championship on February 5, 2004,^[43] holding them for two and a half months before losing them to Charlie Haas and Rico.^[43] Fatu, however, was released by WWE on July 16, 2004, following repeated requests from WWE to lose weight.

Independent circuit (2005-2007)[link]

Fatu continued to wrestle on the independent circuit. In October 2005, he shortened his ring name to Kishi after being notified by WWE legal representatives that WWE owned a trademark on the name "Rikishi". Fatu, as Kishi, would go on to operate Nu-Wrestling Evolution, a professional wrestling promotion based in Italy.^[44] On February 17, 2007, Fatu competed as SUMO RIKISHI in a tag team contest at an All Japan Pro Wrestling event, as he was brought in by Keiji Mutoh to feud with Akebono.^[45] On August 12, 2007, Fatu competed in an 8-man tag, as Rikishi, at Asistencia Asesoría y Administración's TripleMania event. On August 23, Fatu competed in a Triple Threat match against Samoa Joe and Sterling James Keenan at Ballpark Brawl VIII in Buffalo, New York. On November 17, wrestling as Rikishi once again, Fatu defeated Mike Rollins at a Heavy on Wrestling event in Duluth, Minnesota.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2007)[link]

On the September 13, 2007 episode of Impact!, Fatu debuted in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling under the ring name Junior Fatu. Fatu faced Christian Cage on the September 20 episode of Impact! in his first match, which he lost due to a distraction by Christian's partner A.J. Styles. On the October 25 episode of Impact!, Fatu faced Robert Roode in a Fight for the Right Tournament match, which he won due to interference by Samoa Joe. On October 30, however, it was reported that Fatu had been released from TNA, due to he and TNA management failing to reach an agreement about a pay raise.^[46] Chris Harris took Fatu's spot in the Fight for the Right semifinal match.

Return to independent circuit (2009-present)[link]

On March 28, 2009, Fatu debuted in Revolución Lucha Libre, a Chile based promotion, under the ring name "Kishi". In his first show, he faced Ariki Toa for the Absolute International Championship, RLL's major title. Kishi defeated Toa by pinfall with a Banzai Drop to win the title. After the match, Savio Vega assaulted Kishi. On November 21, 2009, Kishi reunited with Grandmaster Sexay, and the duo defeated Orlando Jordan and Kishi's real-life brother, Umaga in a tag team match on the Hulkamania Tour of Australia.

On August 20, 2011, Fatu, wrestling again as Rikishi, teamed up with Grandmaster Sexay. The two were accompanied by Maria and defeated the Diamonds in the Rough at Tribute to the Fairgrounds III in Nashville, Tennessee. Maria Kanellis performed a stinkface during this match on Rikishi's behalf.

Fatu now wrestles in the Territory League under his TNA alias Jr. Fatu. he is a member of the Las Vegas Highrollers along with his friends Scott Garland (Scotty 2 Hotty) and Brian Christopher (Grand Master Sexay) formerly known as Too Cool.

Rikishi made an appearance at the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, he represented his cousin Yokozuna.

Personal life[link]

Fatu and his wife Talisua Fuavai-Fatu have five children.^[47] He rubs his nose twice en route to the ring to tell his children that he loves them.^{[citation needed]} Fatu is a member of the famous Anoa'i wrestling family.^{[citation needed]} He is the father of the Samoan Soldiers; his twin sons Jonathan Solofa and Joshua Sammy (born August 22, 1985).^[48][49] The pair are currently known as Jimmy and Jey Uso on WWE's SmackDown brand. Fatu also has a daughter Thavana Monalisa (born June 12, 1984)^[50] and two younger sons: Jeremiah Peniata (born August 30, 1986)^[51] and Joseph (born 1994). Fatu is the nephew of Sika Anoa'i and Afa Anoa'i, known as the Wild Samoans.^{[citation needed]} is also the brother of Eddie Fatu (Umaga/Jamal) and Sam Fatu (The Tonga Kid) and cousin of Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) Rodney Anoa'i (Yokozuna), Samula Anoa'i (Headshrinker Samu), and Matt Anoa'i (Rosey).

On April 27, 2008, Fatu's mother Vera died after a seven-year battle with cancer.^[52]

Fatu's brother Eddie "Umaga" Fatu died of a heart attack on December 4, 2009.^[53][54]

In wrestling[link]

• Finishing moves
  • Banzai Drop / Rump Shaker (Seated senton, sometimes from the second rope)^[1]
  • Camel clutch^[55] – as The Sultan
  • Pele Hold (Camel clutch with a sleeperhold)
  • Rikishi Driver^[1] (WWF/E) / Over the shoulder reverse piledriver (independent circuit)
  • Samoan drop, sometimes to an oncoming opponent^[1]
  • Samoan Splash (Diving splash)^[55] – as Fatu

• Signature moves
  • Chokeslam – TNA
  • Headbutt,^[1] sometimes to a grounded opponent
  • Kish Leash (Standing arm trap crossface)
  • Savate kick^[1]
  • Side belly to belly suplex
  • Stink Face,^[2] usually preceded by a butt bump to an opponent in the corner

• Managers
  • Paul E. Dangerously
  • Oliver Humperdink^[56]
  • Afa
  • Captain Lou Albano
  • The Iron Sheik
  • Bob Backlund
  • Buddy Roberts

• Entrance Themes
  • "You Look Fly Today" by Jim Johnston (1999–2000, 2001–2004)
  • "Bad Man" by Jim Johnston (2000–2001)
    • "At Beach" by Joe Bradson (1996)
  • "Cool Dude" (2007)

Championships and accomplishments[link]

• Portland Wrestling
  • Portland Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship (1 time)^[5]

• Power Pro Wrestling (Memphis)
  • PPW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
  • PWI ranked him #27 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2000^[57]
  • PWI ranked him #347 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003^[58]
  • PWI Comeback of the Year (2000)

• Revolución Lucha Libre
  • Campeonato Internacional Absoluto (1 time, current)

• Universal Wrestling Association
  • UWA World Trios Championship (1 time) – with Kokina Maximus and The Samoan Savage

• World Class Wrestling Association
  • WCWA Texas Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Samu
  • WCWA World Tag Team Championship (3 times) – with Samu

• World Wrestling Council
  • WWC Caribbean Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Samu

• World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment
  • WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Scotty 2 Hotty
  • World Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Samu (1) and Rico (1)
  • WWF Intercontinental Championship (1 time)

• Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
  • Worst Worked Match of the Year (1993) with Samu, Bastion Booger, and Bam Bam Bigelow vs. The Bushwhackers and Men on a Mission at Survivor Series

References[link]

External links[link]

Professional wrestling portal

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Rikishi (wrestler)

• Solofa Fatu at MySpace
• WWE Alumni Profile
• Rikishi (wrestler) on Twitter