WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi recently showered praise on one-half of the Women's Tag Team Champions, Jade Cargill, and addressed whether he was behind her mysterious attack. The Storm hasn't been seen on WWE television since the November 22, 2024, edition of SmackDown, where she was brutally attacked backstage.
The 32-year-old superstar was found laid out on the hood of a car with the windshield broken. As a result, she was pulled from Survivor Series: WarGames and the ongoing Women's United States Championship tournament.
Since then, there have been conflicting reports on the condition of Jade Cargill. Some suggest that she was written off TV to cover her legitimate injury, while others called her injury angle a work.
Fans have discussed several WWE Superstars who could have orchestrated the backstage assault.
Speaking on the Off The Top podcast, Rikishi revealed his whereabouts during last week's episode of SmackDown and said he is innocent.
"I like Jade [Cargill]. Listen, I would never run her over. I just pick her up, right? Well, I mean, pick her up. I mean, who's to say? I could have been driving Uber that night...I was on flight Delta 747, headed to Mohegan Sun," Rikishi said.
The Samoan Stinker called Jade Cargill "the hottest chick" on the entire roster and stated that anyone would be an idiot to attack her.
"Whoever freaking assaulted Jade [Cargill], you're a freaking idiot. I mean, why would you want to assault her like that and just leave her on top of a car like that, right? I mean, look, Jade is the hottest chick that's out there...I did it! I did it! I did it! I did it! I did it! Oh, shut up! I wasn't there...I'm absolutely 110% innocent." (9:13 - 12:31)
Check out the full podcast below:
When will Jade Cargill return to WWE TV?
Assuming her injury is real, Jade Cargill is expected to remain on the sidelines for at least three months.
Recent reports have suggested that WWE has plans to strip Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair of the Women's Tag Team Championship.
Cargill was also replaced by Bayley in the Women's WarGames match, which will take place at the Survivor Series Premium Live Event on November 30.
As for her replacement in the Women's United States Championship tournament, fans must tune in to the go-home episode of SmackDown tonight to find out.
If you use the quotes from this article, please credit the Rikishi Fatu Off The Top podcast and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for transcription.