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GCW’s Brett Lauderdale Responds to Zira Fatu’s Criticism
Brett Lauderdale, the owner of GCW, has fired back at scathing remarks made by Zira Fatu regarding the safety of the promotion and its leadership, calling them “bizarre as hell.” During a livestream on February 8, Fatu cautioned fans against bringing children to GCW events and directed pointed comments at Lauderdale.
In a lengthy Twitter thread posted on February 9, Lauderdale chose not to engage with Fatu’s harsh language but did respond substantively. He defended both the company and his support of Fatu’s early career, characterizing their relationship as fractured but worth addressing.
Lauderdale recounted Fatu’s challenging past at Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, stating that Zira joined GCW with limited experience and a questionable reputation. He emphasized that GCW took a risk by offering Fatu travel opportunities, mentorship, and exposure when many other promotions would not.
“This was a time when no one else would work with him,” Lauderdale added, reflecting on how their support was crucial to Fatu’s development. He subtly hinted at deeper issues plaguing Fatu’s career trajectory, suggesting that self-inflicted problems were preventing him from securing a TV deal.
Additionally, Lauderdale suggested that Fatu’s current circle of friends may be steering him wrong as they encourage reckless behavior to gain social media recognition. His concluding message served as both a warning and an invitation for Fatu to reflect on his choices—pointing out that while Fatu possesses talent and name recognition, his path to success is ultimately his responsibility.
“Young wrestlers need to be cautious about their company,” he stated, advising, “Those who laugh at you for making poor decisions are not your allies. Zira needs to figure this out soon if he wants to reach his potential.”
This situation transcends personal conflict, offering a reality check for Fatu. How he chooses to respond could shape the next chapter of his wrestling career—demonstrating that he must go beyond mere potential.
Fan Take: This drama highlights the complexities of personal relationships within professional wrestling, reminding fans that the sport is not just about in-ring talent but also about character and decision-making. For aspiring wrestlers, it serves as a crucial lesson about the importance of surrounding oneself with the right influences in a highly competitive environment.
