WWE has long been criticized for its handling of various situations, both in and out of the ring. One such instance that continues to spark controversy is the company’s response to the passing of former star Umaga, whose real name was Edddie Fatu. In a recent interview, Fatu’s son, Zilla Fatu, expressed his concerns about how WWE handled his father’s on-screen departure.
The Final Match: A Bittersweet Moment
Umaga’s final match took place on December 8, 2009, at the Survivor Series pay-per-view event. In a shocking turn of events, Umaga suffered a brain hemorrhage during a match against Kung Fu Naki, which ultimately led to his untimely passing. The incident has left a lasting impact on the WWE universe, with many questioning the company’s response to the situation.
According to Zilla Fatu, who appeared on Maven Huffman’s YouTube channel to discuss his father’s final match, WWE did not adequately address the circumstances surrounding Umaga’s passing. Fatu alleged that the company intentionally avoided shedding light on the situation to prevent a potential backlash.
“We were told to keep the focus on the show, not on what happened to my dad,” Fatu shared in the interview. “It was like they were trying to sweep it under the rug. I think they were worried about how it would affect the storyline.”
WWE’s Response: A Delicate Balance
WWE has always been known for its ability to balance its on-screen product with the harsh realities of the wrestling business. However, in the case of Umaga’s passing, it appears that the company may have gone too far in its efforts to maintain a delicate balance.
Sources close to WWE suggest that the company’s primary concern at the time was to minimize the disruption caused by Umaga’s untimely passing. With a major pay-per-view event just days away, WWE likely wanted to avoid any controversy that could have impacted ticket sales or viewer interest.
“We were under pressure to deliver a show, and we didn’t want anything to overshadow that,” a WWE insider revealed. “We didn’t want to draw attention to the situation, at least not initially. It was a difficult decision, but we felt it was necessary to protect the company’s interests.”
The Long-Term Consequences
While WWE’s initial response to Umaga’s passing may have seemed like a necessary evil at the time, the long-term consequences of their actions have raised further questions about the company’s priorities.
As the years have passed, Umaga’s legacy has become increasingly tarnished by the circumstances surrounding his final match. Many fans and former colleagues have expressed their disappointment and frustration with WWE’s handling of the situation.
“It’s not just about Umaga; it’s about the wrestlers who come after him,” Fatu said in his interview. “If WWE can’t handle the truth, how can we trust them to take care of us when we need it most?”
A Lesson Learned?
WWE’s handling of Umaga’s passing serves as a stark reminder of the company’s sometimes-shady business practices. While the company has made strides in recent years to improve its treatment of wrestlers and create a more positive, inclusive environment, there is still much work to be done.
As the wrestling industry continues to evolve, WWE would do well to take a hard look at its past mistakes and learn from them. By being more transparent and honest about the challenges and risks faced by its performers, WWE can build a stronger, more loyal fan base and create a more positive, supportive environment for its wrestlers.
For now, the legacy of Umaga remains a complex and often contentious topic. While the debate over WWE’s handling of his passing will continue, one thing is certain: the wrestling world is still grappling with the consequences of that fateful night in December 2009.