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Tag: Umaga

  • Zilla Fatu Reveals Why Father Umaga Didn\’t Want Him To Wrestle

    Zilla Fatu feels closer to his father after his wrestling debut.

    The 25-year-old wrestling star recently spoke to Chris Van Vliet for a new interview. He talked about things such as working with Booker T in his Reality of Wrestling promotion, Shelton Benjamin being a father figure for him and more.

    Fatu began his wrestling career in 2023 and currently wrestles in the indie circuit. He was asked about following the footsteps of his father Umaga into the business. Zilla revealed that growing up his family always advised kids to try their hands at something else before trying to become a pro wrestler:

    “My dad used to tell us every Thursday, we had a family meeting, he always used to tell us, ‘I don’t want you guys doing this. I need you guys to be better than me. I don’t want you guys going through what I went through. I don’t want you guys putting your body on the line or whatever, I need you guys to do something more safe.’\”

    I\’m Happy: Zilla Fatu

    The fourth-generation wrestler obviously did not follow this advice. Though he explained that he understands the words of his father much better now than he did during his childhood. He also revealed that he now feels closer to his father because he is able to understand all the struggles his dad went through:

    \”And at that time, I didn’t really understand it. But now, obviously, since I’m in the business, I definitely understand why, and there’s a lot that comes with this that I feel like people don’t see, the media don’t see. Just being able to kind of embrace it,

    And then not run from it. I’m happy that I chose to wrestle, because it brought me closer to him, and now I’m learning who my dad was through wrestling. So I’m so happy that I started wrestling.”

    Umaga was a second-generation wrestler who was most famous for his WWE run between 2005 to 2009. He won the IC title twice during this time and feuded with top stars such as John Cena, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels. He unfortunately passed away in December 2009 at the age of 36 after suffering a heart attack.

  • Umaga & Hollywood Hogan Funko Pop Exclusives Drop at WWE Shop

    WWE Shop has released two exclusive Funko Pop! figures. The latest drops feature the likenesses of WCW legend \”Hollywood\” Hogan and the late Samoan Bulldozer, former Intercontinental champion Umaga.

    Hollywood Hogan Funko Pop (WWE Shop)

    \"Hollywood
    • Price: $14.99 at WWE Shop
    • Availability: Ships no later than Wednesday, July 31, 2024
    • Description: At Hog Wild 1996, \’\’Hollywood\’\’ Hulk Hogan defeated The Giant with the help of his nWo cohorts Scott Hall and Kevin Nash and spray painted the group\’s infamous letters across the face of the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. Commemorate the legacy of Hulk Hogan and the three letters that forever changed the sports entertainment landscape with this by grabbing this \”Hollywood\” Hulk Hogan Fanatics Exclusive Funko Pop! vinyl figure. This miniature version of the WWE Hall of Famer comes complete with fitting black and white gear, making it a must-have for any devout sports entertainment fan and avid collector.

    Umaga Funko Pop (WWE Shop Exclusive)

    \"Umaga
    • Price: $14.99 at WWE Shop
    • Availability: Ships within 2 business days
    • Description: The Samoan Bulldozer wasn\’t just a clever moniker for Umaga, it\’s what he was! He relentlessly attacked any unfortunate Superstar that stood opposite him, a habit that took him all the way to two Intercontinental Championships reigns and a Battle of the Billionaires match at WrestleMania 23. Fortify your WWE collection by grabbing this Umaga Fanatics Exclusive Funko Pop! vinyl figure. This miniature version of the deceptively quick super heavyweight features authentic details, making it a must-have for any devout sports entertainment fan and avid collector.

  • Umaga\’s Son Zilla Fatu Reflects On His Time In Prison

    Zilla Fatu had a rough teenage. After losing his father Umaga in 2009, the Anoa\’i family member got mixed up with the wrong crowd early in his life and ended up going to prison at a young age. Though he is now trying to put his life back together. His father was a legend of the wrestling business and he is now trying make a name for himself in the industry as well.

    The 22-year-old was recently interviewed by Muscle Man Malcolm. He discussed his past life and his future aspirations. Fatu was charged with aggravated robbery at the age of 15. He spent six years at the Texas State Penitentiary before being released in March 2022. When asked what led to him going to prison, Fatu attributed it to lack of a plan:

    \”What led up to me going in prison I want to say just me not having a plan. Me just being lost bro, just being a kid. Then obviously at that time, my mom or anybody that I was dealing with, we were just living in poverty. When you’re living in poverty there\’s so much things that\’s going on that\’s out of your control.\”

    \’I Didn\’t Want That For Me\’: Zilla Fatu

    Now that he is finally out of prison, Zilla Fatu is trying to put his life back together. He has announced his entry into the wrestling business. For this, he has joined Booker T\’s Reality of Wrestling school. Speaking about his struggles and aspirations, the young star said that he wants to re-establish himself:

    \”Obviously, when I lost my dad, I mean, I don\’t want to use it as a excuse, but it was kind of a big on not just me but my whole family. After my dad died, we went downhill from there.  But going in there and seeing that prison is not a joke.

    That a lot of people does not make it home, a lot of people die in there. I didn\’t want that for me. I wanted to come out here and regroup and re-establish myself into a better man. A man that my mom and my dad grew to raise me.\”

    You can check out Zilla Fatu\’s full interview below:

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    If you use any quotes from the article, please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

  • Umaga\’s Son Zilla Fatu Begins Pro Wrestling Training

    Zilla Fatu, son of Umaga, is beginning his pro wrestling training at Booker T\’s Reality of Wrestling school in Houston, TX.

    Fatu is the latest in a long line of warriors from pro wrestling\’s wrestling\’s legendary Anoa\’i family. Elders such as The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, Rikishi, Umaga and The Rock paved the way for today\’s generation, which includes Roman Reigns, the Usos and Solo Sikoa.

    On Tuesday evening, ROW welcomed Zilla Fatu as he embarks on a journey to follow in his father\’s footsteps.

    Zilla Fatu received congratulatory messages from several family members.

    MLW star Jacob Fatu wrote on Twitter, “!! BLOODLINE JUST KEEPS GETTING STRONGER WELCOME MY UNCLE RIP #UMAGA YOUNGEST SON #ZILLAFATU”

    Rikishi responded to the announcement on Instagram and thanked Booker T, writing in the comments section, “Thank you @BookerTfivex @realityofwrestling\”

    Zilla Fatu, 22, was recently released from prison. He spent six years behind bars after being convicted of aggravated robbery at the age of 15. He documented his experience on his YouTube channel.

    Umaga has been in the news this week because December 4 was the 13-year anniversary of his untimely passing. Bloodline members Jey Uso and Solo Sikoa paid tribute to Umaga are among the wrestlers who paid tribute to their uncle.

  • The Bloodline Honors Umaga on the Anniversary of his Passing

    Sunday, December 4 marked the 13 years since the passing of former WWE Superstar Umaga (Edward Smith Fatu). He was a member of legendary Anoa?i family.

    Bloodline member Jey Uso honored The Samoan Bulldozer on social media on the anniversary of his untimely death.

    As seen below, he posted photos on Instagram remembering his late uncle. The caption reads, \”Dec 4th be a sad day. Then, ALL the great memories brightens it up.??? Love u mane.\”

    Several wrestling personalities liked and commented on the post, including Chris Jeriocho, Chavo Guerrero, Bayley and Renee Paquette.

    Jey Uso is very proud of his uncle and his family heritage. In a 2021 interview with Yahoo! Sports, he credted the Samoan people for \’making\’ wrestling.

    \”I think the Samoan people have made wrestling,\” he said. “Pro wrestling is right down our alley, we’re just physical people, strong, quick. I feel like we were just made to do this. Being a part of it now and seeing all of the blood that has been laid before me, the whole family tree, it’s very humbling and I’m so proud I am part of this.”

    Both Uso brothers have spoken candidly about the way Umaga changed their lives:

    Umaga Lives on

    The Bloodline faction is comprised of Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, The Usos, Solo Sikoa (plus honorary Uce, Sami Zayn). WWE broadcaster Corey Graves recently compared Sikoa to Umaga on the After the Bell podcast.

    \”His reactions reminded me very much of Umaga,\” said Graves. \”I said it on the air with all due respect, because I know in what regard the family looks at Umaga and with what reference he is viewed within the family. So I would never say that as a flippant comment. A smaller, more compact version, but the same hard-hitting impact. The same savagery once he gets going.\”

    Remembering Umaga

    WWE has created this playlist recapping some of Umaga\’s greatest in-ring moments. He was an active Superstar from 2001-2003 (as Jamal of the \’Three Minute Warning\’ tag team) and later 2005-2009 (as Umaga).

  • Rikishi Calls For Umaga To Be Inducted Into The WWE Hall Of Fame

    Rikishi took to social media recently to call for the \”Samoan Bulldozer\” Umaga to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2022.

    Umaga had two different stints in WWE. He first signed with the company in 2001 and debuted as Jamal of 3-Minute Warning along with Rosey. He was released in 2003 but would return to the company in 2005 and was repackaged as Umaga.

    Umaga was Vince McMahon\’s representative in the hair vs hair match at WrestleMania 23. He lost to Bobby Lashley resulting in Vince McMahon having to have his head shaved.

    Umaga was also a 2x Intercontinental Champion in WWE. In 2009, WWE released him due to his refusing to go to rehab following a violation of the company\’s wellness policy. He would pass away due to a heart attack just 6 months later at the age of 36.

    Last year, Jim Ross spent some time on his Grillin Jr. podcast speaking about Umaga.

    \”Umaga was the prototype that in a different era would’ve been a perfect NFL nose tackle. He had amazing athleticism for a guy that big. He was a super heavyweight that had light heavyweight feet. Just was so athletic and good-hearted. I just loved being around him – he was just a big kid and a good dude. Like you said, he left us way too early,\” Ross said on the show.