Umaga (wrestler)

2025-10-25T01:33:03Z

2600:1700:36A0:D2C0:9346:6750:F0D6:E688:

{{Short description|American professional wrestler (1973–2009)}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Umaga
|image = UmagaWrestler2009.png
|caption = Umaga in May 2009
|birth_name = Edward Smith Fatu
|birth_date = {{Birth date|1973|3|28}}<ref name="slambio" /><ref name="Death" />
|birth_place = [[American Samoa]]<ref name="Grinberg"/>
|death_date = {{Death date and age|2009|12|4|1973|3|28}}
|death_place = [[Houston]], [[Texas]], U.S.<ref name="Emanuella">{{cite news|title=Wrestlers grapple with problems in, out of the ring|author=Emanuella Grinberg|newspaper=[[CNN]]|date=December 6, 2009|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/12/05/umaga.edward.fatu/index.html|access-date=December 6, 2009}}</ref>
|death_cause= [[Heart attack]]
|spouse = {{marriage|L.T. Fatu|2001}}<ref name="Grinberg"/>
|children = 4, including [[Zilla Fatu]]
|family = [[Anoaʻi family|Anoaʻi]]
|ring_names = Armageddon 1 Eddie Fatu<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kreikenbohm|first1=Philip|title=Umaga " Wrestlers Database " CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1087|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=November 24, 2017}}</ref> Ekmo Ekmo Fatu<ref name="slambio"/> Jamal<ref name="slambio"/> Uso Fatu Umaga
|height = 6 ft 4 in<ref name="WWEProfile">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/umaga|title=Umaga|access-date=March 18, 2012|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
|weight = 350 lb<ref name="WWEProfile"/>
|billed = "The Isle of [[Samoa]]"<ref name="WWEProfile"/>
|trainer = [[Afa Anoaʻi]]<ref name="slambio"/>
|debut = 1995
|retired = June 8, 2009
}}
'''Edward Smith Fatu'''<ref name="Grinberg">{{cite news |last=Grinberg |first=Emanuella |date=December 5, 2009 |title=Wrestler 'Umaga' Edward Fatu dies of heart attack, friend says |newspaper=[[CNN]] |agency=[[Turner Broadcasting System]] |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/12/04/umaga.eddie.fatu/index.html?_s=PM:US |access-date=July 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126234547/http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/12/04/umaga.eddie.fatu/index.html?_s=PM:US |archive-date=November 26, 2022}}</ref> (March 28, 1973 – December 4, 2009) was an American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], best known for his time with [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) under the [[ring name]] '''Umaga'''. Fatu was also known for his time with [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] in the mid-2000s, where he was a main eventer under the ring name '''Jamal'''.

He was a member of the [[Anoaʻi family]], a renowned [[Samoans|Samoa]]n wrestling family. During his first stint with WWE billed as Jamal, he was part of tag team [[3-Minute Warning]], with his cousin [[Rosey (wrestler)|Matt Anoaʻi]], billed as Rosey. He was released from the company in June 2003, later going to [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW) and becoming a mainstay for the company from late 2003 to 2005. In April 2006, Fatu returned to WWE under the ring name Umaga. Fatu went undefeated on the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] brand throughout the year before finally suffering his first defeat in January 2007 at the hands of then [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] [[John Cena]]. The following month, he won the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] for the first time, and won it for the second time in July 2007. He also appeared in the "Battle of the Billionaires" [[WrestleMania 23]] match as [[Vince McMahon|Mr. McMahon's]] representative. He was released by WWE in June 2009 and wrestled on the independent circuit until his death in December of that year.

==Early life==
Edward Smith Fatu was born in American Samoa on March 28, 1973, to Vera and Solofa Fatu. He was a member of the [[Anoaʻi family]]. His mother was the sister of [[Afa Anoaʻi|Afa]] and [[Sika Anoaʻi|Sika]] of [[The Wild Samoans]].<ref name="Grinberg"/><ref name="Dynasty">{{cite web|url=http://www.wildsamoan.com/Jamal.htm?30,90|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218062833/http://www.wildsamoan.com/Jamal.htm?30,90|archive-date= December 18, 2007|title=Umaga biography|access-date=August 29, 2007|publisher=Samoan Dynasty}}</ref> He has two older brothers who are also professional wrestlers: [[Sam Fatu|Sam]] (The Tonga Kid) and [[Rikishi (wrestler)|Solofa Jr.]] (Rikishi). He was also the uncle of [[Jacob Fatu]], [[Jimmy Uso|Jonathan]] (Jimmy Uso) [[The Usos|and]] [[Jey Uso|Joshua Fatu]] (Jey Uso), and [[Solo Sikoa|Joseph Fatu]] (Solo Sikoa), as well as a cousin of several professional wrestlers, including [[Yokozuna (wrestler)|Rodney Anoaʻi]] (Yokozuna), [[Rosey (wrestler)|Matt Anoaʻi]] (Rosey) and [[Roman Reigns|Joe Anoaʻi]] (Roman Reigns).<ref name="Grinberg"/> Fatu grew up in Samoa and played football in high school.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Faria |first1=Colby |title=Rikishi On Umaga Playing Football: 'He Couldn't Run In Cleats, So He Played Football Barefoot' |url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1260866-rikishi-on-umaga-playing-football-barefoot |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021141252/https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/1260866-rikishi-on-umaga-playing-football-barefoot |archive-date=October 21, 2021 |date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>

==Professional wrestling career==

===Early career (1995–2001)===
Fatu trained with his cousin [[Rosey (wrestler)|Matt Anoaʻi]] at the Wild Samoan [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#School|professional wrestling school]] operated by members of their family. In 1995, with his training complete, Fatu debuted in his uncle [[Afa Anoaʻi|Afa]]'s [[World Xtreme Wrestling]] (WXW) promotion.<ref name="slambio">{{cite web |last1=M. Milner |first1=John |last2=Kamchen |first2=Richard |title=Umaga Bio |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/umaga.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714090846/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/umaga.html |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |access-date=July 30, 2007 |website=SLAM! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> From 1999 to 2000, he worked for [[Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling]] in Japan.<ref name="Death" />

===World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (2001–2003)===
{{Main|3-Minute Warning}}
In 2001, Fatu, along with his cousin Matt, signed [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental contract]]s with the [[WWE|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF), and were assigned to [[Heartland Wrestling Association]] (HWA), adopting the tag team name the [[Island Boyz]], and with Fatu using the ring name Ekmo. They won the [[HWA Tag Team Championship]] in November by defeating [[Evan Karagias]] and [[Shannon Moore]]. They also competed for [[Memphis Championship Wrestling]] (MCW), holding the [[MCW Southern Tag Team Championship]] on three occasions.<ref name="slambio" />

Fatu (renamed to Jamal) and Anoaʻi (renamed to Rosey) made their main roster debut on the July 22, 2002, episode of ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' as [[3-Minute Warning]], a pair of [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villainous]] thugs.<ref name="slambio"/><ref name=encyclopedia>{{cite book|title=WWE Encyclopedia|author=Shields, Brian and Kevin Sullivan|publisher=DK/BradyGAMES|year=2009|isbn=978-0-7566-4190-0|page=[https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/8 8]|url=https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/8}}</ref> They were hired as enforcers of [[Eric Bischoff]], attacking random wrestlers each week, after Bischoff either gave people three minutes to entertain him before they were attacked or decided that three minutes of a segment was enough before the team appeared to end it.<ref name="Death" /><ref name=encyclopedia/> They attacked numerous wrestlers at the orders of Bischoff, including [[D'Lo Brown]] and [[Shawn Stasiak]]. They also attacked non-wrestlers, including [[ring announcer]] [[Lilian Garcia]] and former wrestlers [[Jimmy Snuka]], [[Mae Young]] and [[The Fabulous Moolah]].<ref name="slambio"/> Their most notable event came when they attacked two [[lesbian]]s on the September 9 episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web |date= |title=WWE Raw Results – September 9, 2002 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/020909.html |access-date=October 1, 2008 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>

3-Minute Warning then began a [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] with [[Billy and Chuck]], interfering in their [[Kayfabe|storyline]] [[Wedding|commitment ceremony]], and defeating them on September 22 at the [[Unforgiven (2002)|Unforgiven]] [[pay-per-view]] [[List of WWE pay-per-view events|event]].<ref name="encyclopedia" /> [[Rico Constantino|Rico]], Billy and Chuck's former [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], also began to manage 3-Minute Warning during this time.<ref name="slambio" /> On November 17 at [[Survivor Series (2002)|Survivor Series]], they competed in an [[Elimination match|elimination]] [[tables match]], which was won by [[Dudley Boyz|The Dudley Boyz]] ([[Bubba Ray Dudley]] and [[D-Von Dudley]]).<ref name="encyclopedia" /> The team lasted just shy of a year, with Fatu being released from his WWE contract in June 2003, reportedly after his involvement in a bar fight.<ref name="slambio" /><ref name="Death" />

===Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2003–2004)===
On September 10, 2003, Fatu debuted in [[Impact Wrestling|Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA) under the ring name of Ekmo Fatu, helping [[Sonny Siaki]] defeat [[D'Lo Brown]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Container-based variations|casket match]]. He then formed a tag team with Siaki. From October to August 2004, he teamed with Sonny Siaki to defeat the teams of [[Shark Boy]] and Mad Mikey, [[Danny Doring and Roadkill]], and [[America's Most Wanted (professional wrestling)|America's Most Wanted]]. Fatu made his final appearance on August 11, 2004, where he lost to [[Alex Shelley]].<ref name="slambio" />

===All Japan Pro Wrestling (2003–2005)===
[[File:Jamal_2003.jpg|thumb|140px|Jamal at an AJPW [[house show|live event]] in November 2003]]

Fatu debuted in [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]] (AJPW) in November 2003 under his former ring name Jamal, immediately aligning himself with [[Taka Michinoku]]'s [[Roughly Obsess and Destroy]] (R.O.D.) stable. He most often teamed with fellow members [[Taiyō Kea]] and [[Bull Buchanan|Buchanan]], though he began to receive a push as a singles wrestler in early 2004. Entering that year's [[Champion Carnival]], he failed to advance past the group stages, though earned a major upset win over [[Keiji Mutō]]. In May, he began a feud with [[Toshiaki Kawada]], setting his sights on Kawada's [[Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship]]. The two fought for the belt on June 12 in [[Nagoya, Aichi]], where Kawada was victorious.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Umaga profile |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/umaga |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220125511/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/umaga |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |access-date=March 29, 2023 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> After this loss, Jamal spent the rest of 2004 primarily focused on the tag division, and on December 1, 2004, he and frequent partner Taiyō Kea won the [[World's Strongest Tag Determination League#2004|World's Strongest Tag Determination League]] tournament, beating [[Kaz Hayashi]] and [[Satoshi Kojima]] in the final.<ref name="slambio" />

The following month on January 16, 2005, they won the [[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|World Tag Team Championship]] for the first time, beating [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) representatives [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] and [[Yutaka Yoshie]].<ref name="slambio" /> Following this win, he was once again pushed in that year's Champion Carnival, earning big wins over established names such as Kawada and Kojima on his way to the final, where he lost to [[Kensuke Sasaki]] in [[Tokyo, Japan|Tokyo]]. With a strong record of wins against champion Satoshi Kojima, Jamal began to pursue the Triple Crown once again in August, culminating in a match between the two in [[Sapporo, Japan|Sapporo]] on September 1, where Jamal was once again defeated.<ref name=":0" /> After this, he once again entered the Real World Tag League with Kea, however, they failed to advance past the group stages. Jamal left All Japan Pro Wrestling in December 2005.<ref name="slambio" />

=== Return to WWE (2005–2009)===

==== Undefeated streak (2005–2007)====
[[File:UMAGA.jpg|thumb|right|Umaga at a WWE [[house show|live event]] in 2006]]
In December 2005, Fatu had re-signed with [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]].<ref name="slambio" /> Fatu returned on the April 3, 2006, episode of ''Raw'' with a new [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Gimmick|character]] called Umaga, the same name of the final and most painful part of the [[History of tattooing#Samoa|Samoan tattooing process]], meaning "the end"; he was depicted as a destructive [[Barbarian|savage]] who could be controlled only by his [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], [[Armando Estrada|Armando Alejandro Estrada]]. Umaga attacked [[Ric Flair]] in his debut at the orders of Estrada.<ref name="Umaga1">{{cite web|title=RAW Results – April 3, 2006|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/060403.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=July 10, 2007}}</ref> He then defeated Flair at [[Backlash (2006)|Backlash]] on April 30.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2006|title=Backlash 2006 results|access-date=August 5, 2006|publisher=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref>

In mid–2006, Umaga started a winning streak against the majority of the Raw roster, including going over top stars [[John Cena]], [[Shawn Michaels]], and [[Triple H]]. His next feud started on August 20 at [[SummerSlam (2006)|SummerSlam]], where he was supposed to be an [[Enforcer (professional wrestling)|enforcer]] on behalf of [[Vince McMahon]] and [[Shane McMahon]] during their match against [[D-Generation X]] ([[Shawn Michaels]] and [[Triple H]]), only to be attacked by [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] as he made his entrance.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=121}}</ref> Umaga feuded with Kane for the next two months until Umaga won a [[Professional wrestling match types#Loser Leaves Town match|Loser Leaves Raw match]] on the October 9 episode of ''Raw'', sending Kane off of the brand.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW results – October 9, 2006 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/061009.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| access-date=July 10, 2007}}</ref> After being separated by different brands, Umaga and Kane had one final match at [[Cyber Sunday (2006)|Cyber Sunday]] on November 5, where Umaga again defeated Kane.<ref>{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work=Wrestling's Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|page=122}}</ref>

Umaga, having still not been pinned, was then deemed the number one contender for the [[WWE Championship]] and placed into a feud with then-champion John Cena over the title. Cena retained his belt at the [[New Year's Revolution (2007)|New Year's Revolution]] [[pay-per-view]] on January 7, 2007 by pinning Umaga with a [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Roll-up|roll-up]], officially ending his undefeated streak.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Year's Revolution 2007 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/newyearsrevolution07/|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=July 10, 2007}}</ref> In that time, Umaga was never pinned or made to submit on television, but he suffered two losses by disqualification and another in a double [[Professional wrestling#Countout|countout]].<ref name=":0" /> For the rest of the month, Armando Alejandro Estrada played down Cena's victory, claiming it was a fluke, until a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man/Woman Standing match|Last Man Standing]] rematch was signed for the [[Royal Rumble (2007)|Royal Rumble]] on January 28.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW results – January 8, 2007|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070108.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=July 10, 2007}}</ref> On an episode of ''Raw'' between the two pay-per-views, Umaga attacked Cena causing a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Work (noun)|worked]] injury to his [[spleen]] and putting the match in jeopardy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2007|work=Arena Reports|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=May 2007|page=132}}</ref> Cena ([[kayfabe]]) refused a medical exam, the results of which could cause him to forfeit his title, and then defeated Umaga at the Royal Rumble after wrapping a loosened ring rope around his neck during an [[Professional wrestling holds#STS|STFU]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2007|work=Arena reports|publisher=Kappa Publishing|date=June 2007|page=130}}</ref>

====Intercontinental Champion (2007–2008)====
[[File:Umaga Vince Shane.jpg|thumb|left|Umaga (left) at One Night Stand in June 2007 with Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon]]
On the February 19 episode of ''Raw'', Umaga was named Vince McMahon's representative for "Battle of the Billionaires" with [[Donald Trump]] at [[WrestleMania 23]]. Immediately after choosing Umaga, McMahon granted him a match against the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Champion]] [[Jeff Hardy]], which he won to win the Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW results – February 19, 2007|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070219.html| publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=July 10, 2007}}</ref> After [[Bobby Lashley]] was named Trump's representative, the two began a feud which lasted even beyond WrestleMania.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070226.html|title=RAW results – February 26, 2007|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> At WrestleMania on April 1, Umaga lost the Battle of the Billionaires' [[Professional wrestling match types#Luchas de apuestas|hair versus hair match]] and caused McMahon to get his head shaved.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/mania.html#23|title=WrestleMania 23 results|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref> On the April 16 episode of ''Raw'', Lashley interfered in a match and helped a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Plant|planted]] fan, [[Santino Marella]], defeat Umaga for the Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW results – April 16, 2007|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070416.html| publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=July 10, 2007}}</ref> On April 29 at [[Backlash (2007)|Backlash]], Umaga, Vince, and [[Shane McMahon]] wrestled Lashley for his [[ECW Championship|ECW World Championship]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Handicap match|handicap match]], winning the title for Vince.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2007|title=Backlash 2007 results|access-date=August 4, 2007| publisher=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref> Umaga would continue to be involved with that feud, competing at [[Judgment Day (2007)|Judgment Day]] on May 20 in a rematch for the ECW World Championship, which was once again a handicap match with the McMahons and Umaga taking on Lashley, which Lashley won. However, Lashley did not win the ECW World Championship because he pinned Shane and not the champion, Vince. The feud culminated on June 3 at [[One Night Stand (2007)|One Night Stand]], with Umaga aiding Vince in defending the ECW World Championship against Lashley in a Street Fight, which Vince lost.

[[File:Umaga Triple H.jpg|thumb|right|Umaga facing [[Triple H]] in November 2007]]
In June, Umaga was re-entered into a feud with Marella. When they met at the [[Vengeance: Night of Champions|Vengeance]] pay-per-view on June 24, Umaga was solidly in control of the match, but lost by disqualification when he disregarded the referee's instructions and continued to punch Marella.<ref>{{cite web| title=Vengeance 2007 Results|url=http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/venge.html#2007|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=August 4, 2007}}</ref> In a rematch on the July 2 episode of ''Raw'', Umaga defeated Marella to win the Intercontinental Championship for the second time.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW results – July 2, 2007|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070702.html|publisher= Online World of Wrestling|access-date=July 10, 2007}}</ref> On the August 6 episode of ''Raw'', Umaga turned [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]] by joining forces with John Cena to face [[Carlito (wrestler)|Carlito]] and [[Randy Orton]] in a tag team match on August 13,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070806.html|title=RAW results – August 6, 2007|access-date=August 14, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> which they won.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070813.html|title=RAW results – August 13, 2007|access-date=August 14, 2007| publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> He defeated both Carlito and [[Ken Anderson (wrestler)|Mr. Kennedy]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|triple threat match]] at [[SummerSlam (2007)|SummerSlam]] on August 26 to retain the Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/summerslam07.html|title=SummerSlam 2007 results|access-date=August 29, 2007| publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> He then interrupted a match between Kennedy and the returning Jeff Hardy the following night on ''Raw'', assaulting Hardy and leaving him lying in the ring,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070827.html|title=RAW results – August 27, 2007|access-date=August 29, 2007| publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> thus turning heel once again. One week later, on the September 3 episode of ''Raw'', Umaga lost the Intercontinental Championship to Hardy.<ref name="slambio" />

Later that night, he teamed with Carlito in a handicap match against [[Triple H]], after which Triple H struck him several times with his signature sledgehammer, injuring him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070903.html|title=RAW results – September 3, 2007|access-date=September 4, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> He was given a match against Triple H on October 7 at [[No Mercy (2007)|No Mercy]], which was changed to a title match for the WWE Championship during the event when Triple H won the title earlier that night. Umaga was defeated by Triple H in their match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/october/2007.htm|title=No Mercy 2007 Results|access-date=October 22, 2007|publisher=PWWEW.net|archive-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413104154/http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/october/2007.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2007)|Survivor Series]] on November 18, his team lost to Triple H's team in a [[Survivor Series match]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Hardy and The Game survive team turmoil |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2007/matches/43349641/results/ |access-date=November 19, 2007 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305125746/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2007/matches/43349641/results |url-status=dead }}</ref> On March 30, 2008, at [[WrestleMania XXIV]], Umaga was defeated by [[Dave Bautista|Batista]].<ref name="slambio" />

==== Final feuds (2008–2009) ====
On the June 23 episode of ''Raw'', Umaga was drafted to the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] brand, as a part of the [[2008 WWE draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06232008/|title=A Draft Disaster|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|date=June 23, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=June 25, 2008}}</ref> Umaga suffered a torn [[Posterior cruciate ligament|PCL]] at a live event in [[Johnson City, Tennessee]], on August 2. After two promos hyping his return to the brand, on the January 30, 2009, episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'', Umaga returned with a new entrance theme, defeating [[James Yun|Jimmy Wang Yang]]. Umaga then suffered his first defeat since his return against Triple H by disqualification on the March 6 episode of ''SmackDown'', after [[The Legacy (professional wrestling)|The Legacy]] attacked Triple H.

On the May 1 episode of ''SmackDown'', Umaga returned from a two-month hiatus, attacking [[CM Punk]] on multiple occasions, repeatedly interrupting Punk's attempts to cash in his [[Money in the Bank ladder match|Money in the Bank briefcase]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/05/01/9320941.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106214117/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/05/01/9320941.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 6, 2015|title=Punk wins, but Hardy stands tall|date=May 1, 2009|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=May 2, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On May 17 at [[Judgment Day (2009)|Judgment Day]], Umaga defeated Punk,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/05/17/9488606.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519111711/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/05/17/9488606.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2015|title=Hardy feud reignites at Judgment Day|date=May 17, 2009|access-date=May 25, 2009|last=Elliot|first=Brian|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> but lost to Punk at [[Extreme Rules (2009)|Extreme Rules]] on June 7 in a Samoan Strap match, ending their feud in what was Umaga's last appearance in WWE.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/uncategorized/8632-extreme-rules-ppv-results-6-7-09/|title=Extreme Rules PPV Results – 6/7/09|date=June 7, 2009|access-date=August 28, 2024|last=Martin|first=Adam|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> On June 8, 2009, WWE announced that Fatu was released from his WWE contract.<ref name="Release">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/10461872|title=Umaga released|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|date=June 8, 2009|access-date=June 8, 2009}}</ref> It was later revealed that his termination was due to violation of the [[WWE#Drug testing and wellness program|Wellness Policy]]; even though this was only his second failure, his refusal to enter rehabilitation led to his dismissal.<ref name="Emanuella"/>

===Independent circuit (2009)===
On July 11, 2009, Umaga appeared at the [[World Wrestling Council]] (WWC) in Puerto Rico, defeating [[Ken Anderson (wrestler)|Mr. Anderson]] (formerly Mr. Kennedy).<ref>{{Cite web |title=World Wrestling Council 36th Anniversary Show results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/wwc/anniv.html#36 |access-date=March 29, 2023 |publisher=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref> In November, Umaga appeared on [[Hulk Hogan]]'s Hulkamania Tour of Australia under the ring name Uso Fatu.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pilone |first=Antonio |date=November 21, 2009 |title=11/21 Hulkamania Tour in Melbourne: Very detailed report on Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair's first matches back, Hogan and Flair bleed heavily, Undercard matches re-create Attitude Era |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_36909.shtml#.ZCRmcXbMKbh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100810012701/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_36909.shtml |archive-date=August 10, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2023 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On November 24, Fatu defeated [[Brutus Beefcake|Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake]], and two days later, he and [[Orlando Jordan]] lost to Beefcake and Mr. Anderson.<ref name=":0" /> On November 28, 2009, Fatu wrestled his final match, where he was defeated by Anderson.<ref name=":0" /> Shortly before his death, Fatu reportedly reached an agreement to return to WWE at the [[Royal Rumble (2010)|Royal Rumble]] in January 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=December 10, 2009 |title=New report on final days of Umaga |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/3118-new-report-on-final-days-of-umaga/ |access-date=March 29, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Fatu and his wife L.T. had four children,<ref name="Grinberg"/> one of whom, being his son [[Zilla Fatu|Isayah]], is also a professional wrestler, having trained in [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]]'s [[Reality of Wrestling]] promotion in December 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carey |first=Ian |date=December 7, 2022 |title=Umaga's son joins Booker T's Reality of Wrestling training school |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/zilla-fatu-son-of-umaga-joins-booker-ts-reality-of-wrestling-training-school |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208215105/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/zilla-fatu-son-of-umaga-joins-booker-ts-reality-of-wrestling-training-school |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |access-date=March 29, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> He would make his professional wrestling debut on July 15, 2023 under the ring name "Zilla Fatu", but left the promotion three months later with Booker T citing irreconcilable differences. They later reconciled and Isayah returned to working for ROW.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tessier |first=Colin |date=July 16, 2023 |title=Zilla Fatu Comments On In-Ring Debut, Says He's Team Jey Uso |url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1387954-zilla-fatu-comments-on-in-ring-debut-says-hes-team-jey-uso |access-date=July 19, 2023 |website=wrestlezone.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Everett |first=Max |date=2023-09-10 |title=Why Zilla Fatu, Son Of WWE's Umaga, Is No Longer A Part Of Reality Of Wrestling |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1390029/zilla-fatu-son-wwe-umaga-no-longer-part-reality-of-wrestling/ |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=Wrestling Inc. |language=en-US}}</ref>

During the weekend of August 30, 2007, articles posted by ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'', the ''[[Daily News (New York)|New York Daily News]]'', and ''[[The Washington Post]]'' named Fatu as one of many superstars to have purchased pharmaceuticals from an [[online pharmacy]], which was a violation of the WWE "Talent Wellness" program. Fatu specifically was said to have received [[Growth hormone|somatotropin]], a growth hormone, between July and December 2006, after the "no drugs from online sources" rule was instituted.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 30, 2007 |title=Fourteen wrestlers tied to pipeline |publisher=[[Sports Illustrated]] |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/08/30/wrestlers/index.html |access-date=August 31, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604122102/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/08/30/wrestlers/index.html |archive-date=June 4, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Farhi |first=Paul |date=September 1, 2007 |title=Pro Wrestling Suspends 10 Linked to Steroid Ring |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/31/AR2007083101961.html |access-date=September 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311040335/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/31/AR2007083101961.html |archive-date=March 11, 2016}}</ref> In June 2009, Fatu violated the Wellness Policy once again; due to his uncooperation and refusal to attend drug rehabilitation, he was released from his WWE contract.<ref name="Emanuella"/>

On April 27, 2008, Fatu's mother Vera died after a seven-year battle with cancer.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 27, 2008 |title=Elevera Anoaʻi Fatu passes away |publisher=[[WWE]] |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/industrynews/6975114 |access-date=April 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430211053/https://www.wwe.com/inside/industrynews/6975114 |archive-date=April 30, 2008}}</ref>

==Death and legacy==
On December 4, 2009, Fatu was found by his wife on the couch in their [[Houston, Texas]] home, unresponsive and with blood coming from his nose. A 911 call was made and Fatu was rushed to a hospital by ambulance. Paramedics determined Fatu was suffering a heart attack and they were able to restart his heart, although he showed no signs of brain activity. He was kept on life support for much of that Friday, and later suffered a second heart attack; he was ultimately pronounced dead at around 5:00{{nbsp}}p.m. CST.<ref name="Death">{{cite web |last=Waldman |first=Jon |date=December 4, 2009 |title=Umaga dead at age 36 |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/12/04/12042796.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714131240/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2009/12/04/12042796.html |archive-date=July 14, 2015 |access-date=December 4, 2009 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=December 4, 2009 |title=Umaga passes |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/12849630 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206123036/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/12849630 |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |access-date=December 4, 2009 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Houston |date=December 4, 2009 |title=Former WWE star Umaga dead at 36 |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/12/former-wwe-star-umaga-dead-at-36.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203105619/https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/sports-now/story/2009-12-04/former-wwe-star-umaga-dead-at-36 |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |access-date=December 4, 2009 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> He was 36 years old. Toxicology reports revealed that Fatu had the drugs [[hydrocodone]] (a painkiller), [[carisoprodol]] (Soma, a muscle relaxant), and [[diazepam]] (Valium) in his system. Houston medical examiners also found that Fatu had both heart and liver disease. It was determined that the combination of Fatu's repeated drug use and his heart disease ultimately led to his death, which was officially ruled to have been due to a heart attack brought on by an acute toxicity of multiple substances.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muchnick |first=Irvin |date=March 1, 2010 |title=Umaga died of 'acute toxicity' |url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2010/03/01/umaga-died-of-acute-toxicity/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216085822/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2010/03/01/umaga-died-of-acute-toxicity/ |archive-date=February 16, 2022 |access-date=March 29, 2023 |website=Slam! Wrestling |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the day of his death, his nephews [[The Usos]] ([[Jimmy Uso|Jonathan]] and [[Jey Uso|Joshua]]) signed their developmental contracts with the company through [[Florida Championship Wrestling]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1426670-jey-uso-dedicates-title-match-on-12-4-wwe-raw-to-umaga | title=Jey Uso Dedicates Title Match on 12/4 WWE RAW to Umaga | date=December 4, 2023 }}</ref>

His other nephew, [[Solo Sikoa|Joseph]] (better known as Solo Sikoa) uses the Samoan Spike as his finisher in tribute.

His son, [[Zilla Fatu|Isayah]] (better known as Zilla Fatu), also uses the Samoan Spike as his finisher.<ref>{{cite web |last1=LOWSON |first1=THOMAS |title=Umaga's Son Zilla Fatu Has Eyes on WWE After Making In-Ring Debut |url=https://www.sescoops.com/news/umagas-son-zilla-fatu-has-eyes-on-wwe-after-making-in-ring-debut |website=Sescoops |access-date=July 19, 2023 |language=en-US |date=July 16, 2023}}</ref>

==Other media==
As Umaga, Fatu appears as a playable character in ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dunham |first=Jeremy |date=September 4, 2006 |title=SmackDown vs. Raw '07 Roster |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/04/smackdown-vs-raw-07-roster |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312010958/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/04/smackdown-vs-raw-07-roster |archive-date=March 12, 2013 |access-date=March 29, 2023 |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Greg |date=September 3, 2007 |title=SmackDown vs. Raw '08 Roster |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/04/smackdown-vs-raw-08-roster |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014142248/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/04/smackdown-vs-raw-08-roster |archive-date=October 14, 2012 |access-date=March 29, 2023 |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Greg |date=September 19, 2008 |title=The SmackDown Countdown: Umaga |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/19/the-smackdown-countdown-umaga |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219185137/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/09/19/the-smackdown-countdown-umaga |archive-date=February 19, 2014 |access-date=March 29, 2023 |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 16, 2009 |title=SmackDown vs. Raw 2010: The Full Roster Revealed |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/smackdown-vs-raw-2010-the-full-roster-revealed/1100-6233617/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114170117/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/smackdown-vs-raw-2010-the-full-roster-revealed/1100-6233617/ |archive-date=November 14, 2013 |access-date=March 29, 2023 |publisher=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K22]]'' as [[downloadable content]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Ben |date=July 22, 2022 |title=WWE 2K22 DLC guide to downloading Ronda Rousey, RVD and Stacy Keibler |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k22-dlc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103021954/https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k22-dlc/ |archive-date=November 3, 2022 |access-date=March 29, 2023 |publisher=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K23]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodrow |first=Ryan |date=February 13, 2023 |title=WWE 2K23 roster reveal: every wrestler confirmed so far |url=https://videogames.si.com/guides/wwe-2k23-roster-reveal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314035516/https://videogames.si.com/guides/wwe-2k23-roster-reveal |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |access-date=March 29, 2023 |publisher=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K24]]'', and ''[[WWE 2K25]]'' as both Jamal and Umaga.

==Championships and accomplishments==
[[File:Umaga-Intercontinental-Champion.jpg|thumb|Umaga was a two-time [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|WWE Intercontinental Champion]]]]

*'''[[All Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)|World Tag Team Championship]] ([[World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Taiyō Kea]]<ref name="WT-AJPWUWTT">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/alljapan/aj-t.html|title=World Tag Team Title (All Japan Pro-Wrestling)|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=Wrestling-Titles}}</ref>
**[[World's Strongest Tag Determination League]] ([[World's Strongest Tag Determination League#2004|2004]]) – with Taiyō Kea
**January 2 Korakuen Hall Heavyweight Battle Royal (2004)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/alljap/ajtourn.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=April 9, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103153959/http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/alljap/ajtourn.htm |archive-date=January 3, 2011 }}</ref>
*'''[[Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling]]'''
**[[FMW/WEW Hardcore Tag Team Championship]] ([[FMW/WEW Hardcore Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Rosey (wrestler)|Matty Samu]]<ref name="WT-FMW">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/fmw/fmw-wew-hc-t.html|title=WEW Hardcore Tag Team Title|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=Wrestling-Titles}} {{small|name misspelled as "Eddy"}}</ref>
*'''[[Heartland Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[HWA Tag Team Championship]] ([[HWA Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Rosey (wrestler)|Kimo]]<ref name="WT-HWA">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/oh/hwa/hwa-t.html|title=Heartland Wrestling Association Tag Team Title|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher=Wrestling-Titles}}</ref>
*'''[[Memphis Championship Wrestling]]'''
**[[MCW Southern Tag Team Championship]] ([[MCW Southern Tag Team Championship#Title history|3 times]]) – with Kimo<ref name="WT-MCW">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/memphis/mcw/mcw-s-t.html |title=MCW Southern Tag Team Title|access-date= August 4, 2007|publisher=Wrestling-Titles}} {{small|listed as '''The Island Boys'''}}</ref>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**Ranked No. 22 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]]'' in 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2007.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2007|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=August 23, 2015}}</ref>
*'''[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
**[[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|2 times]])<ref name="WT-IC">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wwf/ic.html|title=WWF/WWE Intercontinental Heavyweight Title|access-date=August 4, 2007|publisher= Wrestling-Titles }}</ref>
*'''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
**[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Tag Team|Worst Tag Team]] (2002) {{small|with [[Rosey (wrestler)|Rosey]]}}<ref>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|periodical=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}</ref>

== ''Luchas de Apuestas'' record ==
{{see also|Lucha_libre#Luchas_de_Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100% style="text-align: center"
!width=20% scope="col"|Winner (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Loser (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Location
!width=20% scope="col"|Event
!width=15% scope="col"|Date
!class="unsortable" width=5% scope="col"|Notes
|-
|[[Bobby Lashley]] ([[Donald Trump]]'s hair)
|Umaga ([[Vince McMahon]]'s hair)
|Detroit, Michigan
|[[WrestleMania 23]]
|{{dts|2007|04|01}}
|<ref group=Note>[[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] was the special guest referee.</ref>
|}

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist|group=Note}}


==See also==
* [[List of premature professional wrestling deaths]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Umaga (wrestler)|Umaga}}
* {{IMDb name|1242655|Eddie Fatu}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}

{{Navboxes|
|list1=
{{WEW Hardcore Tag Team Championship}}
{{World Tag Team Championship (AJPW)}}
{{World's Strongest Tag Determination League}}
{{WWE Intercontinental Championship}}
{{Anoa'iFamily}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Umaga}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:2009 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American Samoan male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Anoaʻi family]]
[[Category:Drug-related deaths in Texas]]
[[Category:WEW Hardcore Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:World's Strongest Tag Determination League winners]]
[[Category:World Tag Team Champions (AJPW)]]
[[Category:WWF/WWE Intercontinental Champions]]

Vero - Wikipedia - User contributions [en]

Umaga (wrestler)