Jey Uso has spoken about why he thinks modern-day wrestling is easier than wrestling in eras of the past.
Jey Uso believes the life he is living in WWE today comes with far fewer hardships than the one endured by the generation before him, particularly his father, Rikishi. Appearing alongside Cody Rhodes on What Do You Wanna Talk About?, the current World Tag Team Champion reflected on how becoming a wrestler himself has given him a deeper appreciation for what his family went through to make a living in the business.
“Just being a wrestler now, and I know today it’s an easier hustle,” Uso said. “And I’m not saying that, this sh*t’s still hard. Being a wrestler, this life is hard. I think when my dad was coming up though, man, he went through the wringer.”
Uso pointed out that while the modern era still demands physical and mental toughness, the industry has evolved in ways that allow performers to have longer careers and healthier lives. He also highlighted how meaningful it is to have Rikishi still around and fully supportive of his success.
“He’s still alive today. He’s healthy,” Uso added. “My dad is our biggest fan, though. I cannot lie about that.”
Rhodes agreed with Uso’s assessment, noting that while today’s wrestlers may not face the same financial instability or nightly physical punishment, the job has simply changed rather than become easy.
“It’s certainly not the bumping each night and the lighter envelopes, because the money and economy was different for wrestling then,” Rhodes explained. “But what was house shows has been replaced by a lot of other things that are equal in an opportunity standpoint. It’s just different. Like, we’re navigating a new hustle.”
What Is Jey Uso Doing In WWE Now?
Jey Uso and his twin brother Jimmy Uso are currently enjoying a successful run as WWE World Tag Team Champions, having reunited after Jey’s standout singles run in 2025.
That journey, Uso suggested, has only reinforced his respect for those who paved the way before him.
