How a dancing wrestling trio became an unlikely pop culture phenomenon in the ring
In short: Before they were household names, Grand Master Sexay, Scotty 2 Hotty, and Rikishi were just two vain wrestlers known as Too Much. Their transformation into the hip-hop-loving, dance-obsessed trio Too Cool turned them into fan favorites, forever changing the landscape of the World Wrestling Federation with their signature post-match routines.
Originally debuting as the duo Too Much in 1998, Brian Christopher and Scott Taylor portrayed vain characters with homoerotic undertones. It was not until June 1999 that they rebranded as Too Cool, adopting hip-hop personas that resonated with audiences. The addition of Rikishi to the group in late 1999 solidified their status as fan favorites. Their popularity was driven by a unique blend of wrestling and entertainment, most notably their post-match dance routines accompanied by flashing lights and music, alongside iconic maneuvers like Scotty 2 Hotty’s 'The Worm' and Rikishi’s 'Stink Face'.
The trio’s chemistry was famously displayed during the 2000 Royal Rumble. In a moment of pure spectacle, Rikishi and Grand Master Sexay paused the match to dance, only for Rikishi to abruptly eliminate his partners. Despite the betrayal, the group maintained their camaraderie. Their peak success arrived in mid-2000, with Scotty 2 Hotty and Grand Master Sexay capturing the Tag Team Championship in May, followed by Rikishi winning the Intercontinental Championship in June. They were frequently featured in high-profile feuds against the McMahon-Helmsley Regime, including matches involving The Rock and Cactus Jack.
The group’s trajectory was marked by injuries and real-world complications. Scotty 2 Hotty suffered a neck injury that sidelined him for over a year, and Grand Master Sexay was released from the company in 2001 after a border incident. Although Scotty 2 Hotty and Rikishi reunited to win the WWE Tag Team Championship in 2004, the original trio’s era had largely passed. They made a final televised reunion in 2014, but their legacy remained rooted in that brief, electric period at the turn of the millennium when they proved that charisma and a well-timed dance routine could be just as powerful as any wrestling hold.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Too Cool
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