Rikishi has heaped praise on Chelsea Green, stating his belief that the SmackDown star has all the tools to be a top name in the industry. During a discussion on his Off The Top podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer urged the company to recognize the talent they have on their roster.
Rikishi argued that Green should be presented with the same level of importance as established multi-time champions. He stressed that her presentation, from her entrance to her booking, needs to reflect her potential as a main event player.
“I feel 100% that Chelsea Green is a main eventer,” Rikishi said. “It’s not that Chelsea can’t do the work. It’s not that Chelsea is not a prime talent performer. But the thing is, it’s how you’re writing stuff for this girl. Give Chelsea a fair opportunity. Build Chelsea up as much as you would give Charlotte Flair an opportunity. Give Chelsea that big, crazy entrance that I mean, really, really put it all out for her, and don’t worry about the work. Let her do that. She’s got that on point, but she can’t get over by herself if she’s out there having great, great matches, and continue to do jobs for whoever.”
A Diamond On Their Hands
The Anoa’i family member emphasized the rarity of finding a talent who understands the business as well as Green does. He advised WWE to be careful with her booking and to protect her character, even if it means keeping her off television briefly to reset her creative direction.
“My thing is, with good talent, you only get good talent once in a while when you come through, and when you finally find that good talent, such as a Chelsea Green, you want to make sure you protect her,” he said. “If you don’t have nothing for her, put her down on the shelf for a second, right? But let it marinate. When that time comes, just in case that angle doesn’t go through, or that person gets hurt, you have a person like Chelsea Green waiting here. This girl, just Chelsea Green, she has a very special part in my heart. I told her, one day you’re gonna be up in a big show, and you’re gonna be big. And then here she is. So y’all continue to support Chelsea, to stay with her, ride with her. Be patient with her. And WWE, y’all be patient with this one, because this one here, y’all got your diamond on your hands.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Off The Top with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
