Rikidōzan features in wrestling-centric episodes set during his US tour, riding a sixty-match winning streak that has earned him significant recognition in the American wrestling scene. This reputation draws challenges, including one from American wrestler Tam Rice, the Red Scorpion, scheduled as Rikidōzan's seventieth opponent.

Before their bout, Rikidōzan seeks Ken Asuka's help to refine his signature karate chop. He believes perfecting this strike is vital to defeat Rice, specifically aiming to land it before Rice can unleash his finishing move, the Scorpion Punch. Expressing high confidence during training, Rikidōzan even boasts he will knock out Rice within one minute.

However, during the match against Rice, Rikidōzan struggles. He exhausts himself relentlessly pursuing the karate chop, neglecting other wrestling techniques that could have strategically conserved his energy or weakened his opponent. This single-minded focus leaves him vulnerable. Rice capitalizes, activates his rapid-fire Scorpion Punch, and defeats Rikidōzan by knockout.

Following the loss, Rikidōzan apologizes to Ken Asuka backstage. He acknowledges his defeat and explicitly requests that Asuka challenge Rice to avenge him. This confrontation and its aftermath define Rikidōzan's primary narrative arc within the series.