Zilla Fatu voiced his frustration over being publicly called out following a now-deleted tweet aimed at Rikishi on July 31, 2025. In his message, Zilla questioned why Rikishi, who had his number, would personally text or call him yet bring their issues into the public eye. He also referenced his late father by saying, “My pops are here… he will never leave.”
The conflict originated after Rikishi criticized Zilla’s debut at TNA Slammiversary on his “Off the Top” podcast. Rikishi, Zilla’s uncle, disapproved of his choice to wear face paint during the event, describing it as poor marketing and likening it to Jeff Hardy’s style. He voiced confusion and concern over the decision on his podcast, stating it missed the mark in promoting Zilla’s unique identity. Rikishi also expressed disappointment with the way the match was put together, suggesting he had hoped it would better showcase Zilla’s abilities.
This situation sheds light on the intricate family relationships within the Anoaire Wrestling lineage. Rikishi has previously commented on Zilla’s wrestling growth, noting that although Zilla once showed promise, he still needs more experience on the independent circuit to hone additional skills. Zilla, the son of the late Umaga, is part of the extended wrestling legacy but is striving to carve out his own path. Deleting the tweet might indicate that Zilla reconsidered airing family grievances publicly, but it also clearly reveals his dissatisfaction with being criticized in public forums.
Fan Take: This drama is significant for TNA Wrestling fans because it exposes the pressures and expectations on new wrestlers from legendary families, highlighting the challenges of stepping out of established shadows. How Zilla handles this criticism could influence his growth as a wrestler and shape the future narrative within TNA, possibly impacting how legacy and individuality balance in the sport.
