Zilla Fatu, a rising figure in the wrestling world, is on a mission to establish his own identity apart from his famous family. Speaking with Tim HANN Rivera, Fatu shared his journey of overcoming hardships, including a six-year prison sentence, and how these experiences have shaped him.

“I’m trying to separate my name Zilla from my family,” he explained, highlighting the struggle of balancing family ties with personal aspirations. Fatu acknowledges the profound impact his lineage has on his career but remains committed to creating his own story.

“I went through hardship at a young age… it just brought me closer to my pops,” he reflected.

Wrestling, for him, has become a vessel for both personal growth and family connection, marking a path of redemption and self-discovery.

One of Fatu’s remarkable aspirations includes a dream match featuring himself and his father against Jacob and his father, weaving familial bonds and rivalries into the wrestling narrative.

“Dream match… it would have to be me and my pops versus Jacob and his pops,” Fatu shared.

This pursuit highlights the complex interplay between personal identity and family heritage, positioning Fatu as a symbol of resilience within the wrestling arena. As he steps forward in his career, Zilla Fatu exemplifies how a legacy can serve as both a foundation and a challenge, as he aspires to establish Zilla as a distinct and recognized name in professional wrestling.

In moving forward, Zilla Fatu’s journey reflects broader themes of identity, redemption, and the enduring power of family, inspiring both wrestling aficionados and those seeking to carve their own path in the face of legacy.

Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Booker T proved he’s still got ‘it’ by defeating Zilla Fatu this week in Booker’s first singles match in over half-a-decade. The six-time World Champion got the win at the latest event for Reality of Wrestling, the promotion owned and operated by Booker and his wife Sharmell Huffman.

This win was Booker’s first singles match since a Reality of Wrestling event in January 2019 which saw Booker defeat Rex Andrews. The WWE NXT commentator’s most recent match for WWE was as part of the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble match won by Cody Rhodes.

Zilla Fatu

Zilla Fatu is the son of the late, great, Umaga, and expectations have been high for the Bloodline family member. In August 2024, Fatu was spotted at WWE SummerSlam, though despite speculation, he did not get involved at the event beyond being a spectator.

Fatu has yet to sign with WWE, though many feel it’s just a matter of time before he is a fully-fledged Superstar. Last October, Booker shared that he was pulling for Fatu to be signed, despite past issues that resulted in Fatu taking a hiatus from Reality of Wrestling. Fatu himself has said he wants a match with John Cena as part of the WWE icon’s farewell tour and has also taken aim at his own family.

Zilla Fatu Calls Out Solo Sikoa: “Where You At?!”

Fatu has also sparked interest from within TNA Wrestling, showing there’s multiple options for the young wrestler. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Zilla Fatu as intrigue continues to build around the son of Umaga.

Zilla Fatu is ready for a piece of WWE Superstar Solo Sikoa, as the son of Umaga made explicitly clear at a recent event for GLCW. At GLCW Blizzard Brawl on December 8, Fatu defeated Joey Avalon and delivered the Bloodline’s iconic hand gesture after his victory. Going even further, Fatu stared down a camera and asked “Solo! Where you at Solo?” before delivering a Jey Uso-inspired Yeet for good measure.

Fatu has yet to join Solo, Uso, Roman Reigns and the rest of his family in WWE, but speculation remains rife that he will join. Following the announcement of the WWE ID program, many assumed Zilla would be announced as a ‘Prospect’ but that has yet to happen.

What Is The WWE ID Program: Current Prospects Revealed

The idea of Zilla in WWE has been endorsed by his trainer Booker T, who currently serves as an NXT commentator. Last week, Zilla shared that he would back Roman Reigns’ Bloodline over the group led by Solo Sikoa. Reigns’ group, with CM Punk, defeated Solo’s Bloodline and Bronson Reed in a brutal WarGames match at Survivor Series that saw several Superstars injured.

Learn More About The WarGames Injuries: Who’s Out Of Action?

Zilla has not let his future be confined to just his family members, and he has shown interest in facing John Cena as part of the WWE icon’s farewell tour that will kick off next month. It remains to be seen if Zilla Fatu ever becomes a WWE Superstar, but the multi-generational star is ready to bring the fight to Solo Sikoa, should a deal be inked.

Zilla Fatu, who is the son of late WWE star Umaga, has gained recognition in recent years due to his incredible display of strength and athleticism in the independent scene. He has been endorsed to join top pro wrestling promotions and recently TNA Wrestling star Moose has advocated that the promotion should sign the Samoan wrestler.

Zilla Fatu recently made an appearance on the Busted Open Radio and pro wrestling legend Tommy Dreamer revealed that Moose has been pushing for Zilla to be signed in TNA Wrestling. Dreamer said that people have been talking about Zilla Fatu not because pro wrestling runs in his family but due to his talent.

“I’ve seen a lot of people talk about you. Not just because of your father, but because ‘this guy has the talent, by the way, he’s Umaga’s son.’ That’s the family part of the industry, which I now understand that you are understanding that love.

Beyond the fans, we talk about a brotherhood. Your father was a brother to a lot of men and women. He was awesome. Your attitude is great and I feel, and most of us feel in the industry, you will have success.”

Tommy Dreamer to Zilla Fatu

Moose Pushing for TNA Wrestling to sign Zilla Fatu

Dreamer then spoke about Moose endorsing Fatu as the former TNA World Champion was impressed and saw potential in the 25-year-old wrestler.

“I have Moose pushing for you all the time. I’m like, ‘I know who he is. You don’t need to push for him. If there is a position or spot.’ Moose didn’t know you, but he was like, ‘This guy is really good.’ Then, when he said your name, I was like, ‘Yeah, I know who he is.’ This is how we get into the industry. It has nothing to do with nepotism, it all has to do with talent. It’s so natural for you because, your father was so gifted and talented.

Jacob (Fatu) is up there as well, but for your dad’s size and what he could do, was next level. I wrestled him at least 30 times. You have a whole bunch of people pushing for you because you’re you.”

Tommy Dreamer to Zilla Fatu

TNA Wrestling could be a great stepping stone for Zilla Fatu at this stage in his career. Especially with TNA’s working relationship with NXT, it could be an interesting entry point for him as he makes a name for himself outside of the Bloodline universe.

Zilla Fatu trained at Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling school and made his pro-wrestling debut at ROW Summer Of Champions IX in July last year. He is the reigning ROW Heavyweight Champion. He has also competed for GCW and HOG in the past.

Fatu had previously won the HOG Crown Jewel Title during the promotion’s event on July 26th. Zilla is part of the Samoan bloodline and several members of the family have made their way into WWE. Zilla could follow suit as well. A few months back, the rumor mill churned about Fatu possibly making a move to WWE when he was spotted at WWE SummerSlam PLE.

Zilla Fatu will certainly be an impactful addition whichever promotion manages to bag the signing. Recently, Zilla Fatu expressed his desire to face John Cena during the latter’s WWE farewell tour. He has also picked a side in the Bloodline Civil War.

The Bloodline Civil War remains one of WWE’s most captivating storylines, with tensions escalating between the original Bloodline led by Roman Reigns and the newer faction centered around Solo Sikoa. Recently, Zilla Fatu, a member of the legendary Anoa’i family, revealed which side he would align with if he joined WWE’s ongoing saga.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Zilla Fatu expressed his allegiance to Roman Reigns’ OG Bloodline. Explaining his choice, he stated,

“I might have to go with … Imma break it down why I have to go with him, but Imma have to go with Team OTC baby, Roman Reigns.”

Fatu also voiced discontent with Solo Sikoa’s adoption of the Samoan Spike, a finisher made famous by his late father, WWE Hall of Famer Umaga. “For him to you know … try and take my dad’s move or whatever, I don’t like it, so I’m going with Roman Reigns, whatever he needs, I’m there,” Fatu remarked, suggesting a personal reason for siding with Reigns over Sikoa.

Paul Heyman Believes Bloodline Story Ranks Above nWo, McMahon vs. Austin

The rivalry between the two Bloodline factions took center stage at WWE’s recent Survivor Series, where the original Bloodline, bolstered by CM Punk, defeated Solo’s faction and Bronson Reed in a brutal WarGames match. However, the tensions between the two sides appear far from resolved.

Zilla Fatu, currently carving his path in professional wrestling outside WWE, hinted at an eventual debut in the promotion. With his allegiance to Roman Reigns now clear, fans eagerly anticipate how his arrival could impact the ongoing Bloodline saga.

Rikishi Feels Solo Sikoa Will Dethrone Cody Rhodes

In 2025, John Cena will end his in-ring career in WWE, finishing one of the most iconic and influential wrestling careers in the industry’s history. Speculation has been running rampant as to what Cena’s final 12 months in the ring will look like, and Zilla Fatu is ready to be a part of it.

While speaking to MuscleManMalcolm, Zilla Fatu expressed how much he would love the chance to wrestle John Cena before John hangs up his jorts for good.

“I have met John Cena before, plenty of times. I would love to wrestle John Cena. Who wouldn’t? Just to have the bragging rights to say you wrestled John Cena. I think that’s dope. I don’t care if I, well, nah, I do care if I win. But he’s a legend, definitely a Hall of Famer. So, I would love to put him on my resume, for sure.”

Cena is no stranger to facing those in Zilla’s family, including John Cena, The Rock, and more recently, Solo Sikoa. In early 2007, Cena faced Zilla’s father Umaga in back-to-back pay-per-views and was able to end the undefeated streak of the Samoan Bulldozer.

Zilla Fatu’s Path to WWE

This week has also seen WWE launch its WWE ID program which will give independent wrestlers a more direct path to a future in the promotion. With Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling (where Fatu is currently a champion) already linked, WWE ID could be the method by which Zilla officially becomes a WWE Superstar. Booker has already endorsed Zilla as a future WWE signing, as the two-time Hall of Famer/NXT commentator has high expectations for the 25-year-old.

Cena’s Retirement Tour

Cena is expected to make several appearances for WWE in 2025, including as part of Monday Night Raw’s move to Netflix. Zilla Fatu is not the only name who hopes to step in the ring with John before the WWE icon calls it a career.

• Matt Cardona has thrown his name in the hat after previously sharing the screen with John in 2012.
• WWE Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker is ready to defend his title against Cena next year. 
• The Miz is hoping to get one last match with Cena after previously headlining WrestleMania 27 in 2011.
• RVD, who faced Cena at ECW One Night Stand 2006, is also ready for a rematch with the WWE icon.
• CM Punk hopes to team with John after having an acclaimed series of matches with the 16-time WWE World Champion in the past.

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T reckoned that Zilla Fatu, who is the son of late WWE star Umaga, has a future in WWE.

During his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T advocated for Zilla Fatu, who is learning the ropes in the legend’s Reality of Wrestling. The legendary wrestler highlighted the youngster’s potential in the business and noted the challenges in his career. Booker T also talked about Fatu parting ways with GCW.

Booker T is committed to guiding Zilla Fatu for his eventual move to WWE, where a handful of his family members have thrived. He said:

“My thing is this, we concentrate on Reality of Wrestling and our thing is I can’t think about anything other than trying to get that young man, Zilla, because he’s talent, get him to the next level, and the next level for me for Zilla, is the WWE. That’s his landing zone. That’s his safe zone, the WWE and his family. I really believe that. One thing about this business is you’re going to need people that are going to watch your back because you are going to make mistakes when you’re young, and if everybody just turns their back on you, I don’t know. That’s on them, but for me, this young man has nothing but talent.”

Booker T further spoke about Fatu’s progress and made it clear that he will try his best to get him to WWE. He said:

“Has he made some mistakes? Of course. We all make mistakes, but I’m definitely going to try to get him all the way to the WWE and beyond just because he’s family. His old man is looking down on him. When he won the Reality of Wrestling Championship, his dad was looking down on him. Reality of Wrestling is Zilla Fatu’s safe zone because one thing about this business, you’re going to deal with a lot of different people, and you have to know who to trust. At Reality of Wrestling, he’s at home.”

Zilla Fatu has trained at Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling school and made his pro-wrestling debut at ROW Summer Of Champions IX in July last year. He is the reigning ROW Champion. He has also competed for GCW and HOG. Fatu had previously won the HOG Crown Jewel Title during the promotion’s event on July 26.

Several members of the family has made their way into WWE and Zilla Fatu could certainly follow suit. Even ‘Main Event’ Jey Uso has teased some surprises. A few months back, there were rumors that Fatu will make a move to WWE when he was spotted at WWE SummerSlam PLE.

As the son of the legendary Umaga, Zilla Fatu has the eyes of the wrestling world on him with fans excited to see how far he goes in the ring. The 25-year-old already holds gold in House of Glory and Reality of Wrestling but fans shouldn’t expect to see him in GCW anymore.

On Twitter, GCW shared that Fatu had been pulled from their September 20, Aura event and won’t be appearing at any future GCW events for the foreseeable future. Fatu was set to face Matt Tremont at the show, who instead faced SLADE at the show.

Fatu made his GCW debut in January 2024, teaming with his cousin Jacob Fatu, who has since joined WWE. His most recent match for the promotion came just last week and saw Zilla defeat Gringo Loco at Tha G-Code 2024.

A Potential WWE Move?

Zilla’s abrupt exit from Game Changer Wrestling has had fans speculating that the multi-generation wrestler will soon be appearing for WWE. Fatu was spotted last month at SummerSlam in Cleveland and it was reported at the time that WWE “naturally has their eyes on him.”

Jey Uso recently teased some surprises for the Bloodline story, including the possible inclusion of “other family members,” another potential nod to Fatu’s arrival. With Fatu himself saying in May that he’d prefer to join WWE over AEW, it could be just a matter of time before the 25-year-old talent makes waves as part of The Bloodline.

Zilla Fatu, who is the son of late WWE star Umaga, was recently spotted at last Saturday’s WWE SummerSlam PLE in Cleveland. Zilla was promoted for a UPW Wrestling show in Michigan on Saturday and GCW’s New Jersey show on Sunday. However, he missed both the shows which led to speculation that he officially signed with WWE during the SummerSlam weekend. Well, that is not the case.

Fightful Select has reported that Zilla Fatu ended up having travel delays and cancelations that would put him at the show on time. The report suggested that WWE “naturally has their eyes on him”, but he is still expected to make appearances for GCW in the future.

The real-life Bloodline member trained at Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling school and made his pro-wrestling debut at ROW Summer Of Champions IX in July last year. He has also competed for GCW and HOG. Fatu also won the HOG Crown Jewel Title during the promotion’s event on July 26.

WWE SummerSlam proved to be an important event for the Bloodline storyline. Solo Sikoa failed to dethrone the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in a Bloodline Rules Match. Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa interfered in the match but things didn’t work for them. Roman Reigns made his blockbuster return wearing the “Original Tribal Chief” (OTC) shirt. ‘The Head of The Table’ then laid out his cousin Solo Sikoa with a Superman Punch before hitting a Spear. This helped Cody Rhodes to capitalize and retain the title.

• Roman Reigns Set for SmackDown

Fans of Reality of Wrestling will soon see Zilla Fatu back in action despite his previous exit from the promotion being over “irreconcilable” differences. 

Fatu is part of the famed Anoa’I wrestling family, which includes industry staples such as The Rock, Rikishi, Roman Reigns, and the late Yokozuna. Zilla is the son of the late WWE Superstar Edward ‘Umaga’ Fatu, who would become a two-time Intercontinental Champion and challenged for the WWE Championship multiple times before his passing in 2009.

Returning to Reality of Wrestling

In late 2022, Zilla began training in professional wrestling to follow in the footsteps of his father. The following year, Zilla made his in-ring debut for the Reality of Wrestling promotion, which he was also training with. In September of last year it was announced that Fatu had left ROW due to irreconcilable differences. Fatu would later explain that his vision for his wrestling career differed from what ROW had planned. 

It now appears that these irreconcilable differences could be reconciled after all. Taking to Twitter, Zilla shared that after “heartfelt discussions” he and ROW head Booker T have agreed to work together again. Fatu tagged the two-time WWE Hall of Famer and the official ROW account. 

Fatu Outside Reality of Wrestling

ROW isn’t the only place fans have been able to see Zilla Fatu. Last month, Fatu made his debut for GCW. Zilla teamed with his relative Jacob Fatu to defeat Jay Lyon and Midas Black at the Look At Me event. 

Zilla Fatu is ready to take Game Changer Wrestling by storm when he makes his debut for the promotion at their upcoming January event. 

Fatu is the son of the late Umaga, who is best remembered for his WWE run from 2006 to 2009 that saw him become a two-time Intercontinental Champion. Zilla began training to be a wrestler in late 2022 and had been training at Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling training school. In September, Fatu shared that he’d left the ROW promotion, and later explained that there were ‘irreconcilable’ differences that meant he had to leave. 

Zilla Fatu in GCW

With a handful of matches to his name, Zilla Fatu is now ready to make his presence felt in Game Changer Wrestling. On Twitter this week, GCW announced that Fatu will be a part of the Look at Me event in Tampa on January 26. Other names promoted for the show include Andrade El Idolo, Nick Gage, Blake Christian, and Maki Itoh. AJ Francis and Mansoor, who were both released from WWE in September of this year, will also work the event.

A Potential WWE Run? 

With Zilla being part of the famed Anoa’i Family of wrestlers, there has been speculation as to whether he could one day join his relations in WWE. After a successful in-ring debut in July of this year, Zilla was asked about possibly joining The Bloodline. Fatu had a different idea in mind for his WWE arrival and said he plans to ‘own’ WWE and the Superstars currently there. 

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

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.

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