Insight with Chris Van Vliet - Zilla Fatu On His Legendary Father Umaga, The Bloodline, TNA Debut, Wrestling Booker T, WWE Tryout

Episode Date: August 12, 2025

Zilla Fatu (@Zillafatu) is a professional wrestler who has competed in TNA and Reality of Wrestling. He sits down with Chris Van Vliet in New York City to discuss being the son of the late Umaga and memories of his father, what it means to have the surname Fatu and the pressure that comes with it, how a match with Booker T came together, the possibility of signing with WWE, his TNA debut match at Slammiversary and more!   Quote I'm thinking about: You are not what you have done, but what you have overcome. - John Geiger   Please support our sponsors!   PURE PLANK: The future of core fitness! Use the code CVV to save 10% on Pure Plank designed by Adam Copeland & Christian: https://gopureplank.com/?ref=tibcloux   SUPERPOWER: Go to https://Superpower.com and use code CVV to get $50 Off your annual Superpower subscription. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod   SEAT GEEK: Use my code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/CVV Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount PRIZEPICKS: Download the app today and use code INSIGHT to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!  TIMELINE: Go to https://timeline.com/insightto get 10% off your order of Mitopure!   VUORI: Get 20% off your first purchase! Get yourself some of the most comfortable and versatile clothing on the planet at https://vuori.com/cvv   ROCKET MONEY: Join Rocket Money today and reach your financial goals faster: https://rocketmoney.com/cvv MIRACLE MADE: Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to https://trymiracle.com/CVV and use the code CVV to claim your FREE 3 PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF   ZOCDOC: Instantly book a top-rated doctor today at https://zocdoc.com/insight   BONCHARGE: Use the code CVV to save 15% off your infrared sauna blanket at https://boncharge.com/cvv   BLUECHEW: Get your first month of BlueChew for free with the code CVV at https://bluechew.com   PLUNGE: Get $150 off your Plunge with the coupon code CVV150 at https://plunge.com   For more information about Chris and INSIGHT go to: https://podcast.chrisvanvliet.com If you have ever enjoyed any of these episodes, could I ask you to please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast or Spotify? It takes less than a minute and makes a huge difference in helping to spread the word about the show and also to convince some hard-to-get guests.    Follow CVV on social media:  Instagram: instagram.com/ChrisVanVliet Twitter: twitter.com/ChrisVanVliet Facebook: facebook.com/ChrisVanVliet YouTube: youtube.com/ChrisVanVliet TikTok: tiktok.com/@Chris.VanVliet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ladies and gentlemen, Chris Van Fleet. Welcome back to another one here on Insight. I'm CVV. Chris Van Fleet, thank you for hitting play on this episode. And thank you for making Insight the number one wrestling podcast on the planet. Tape up your thumb right now and hit a Samoan Spike on that follow button on Apple or Spotify or wherever you're listening right now. You don't have to tape up your thumb. I just thought it'd be a little bit more fun.

If you did, it'd be an authentic Samoan Spike then. And if you watch these interviews on YouTube, make sure to hit a superplex on that subscribe button over there as well. Zillifatu is on the show today, the son of the late, great Umaga. Zilla is a fourth generation wrestler. Part of the Anawaii family. Yes, the bloodline. He's related to Roman Reins, the Usoos, Yokozuna, the Rock, Rikishi, Rosie.

And as you know, the list goes on and on and on. We actually go through how he's related to everybody during this interview. And there's some where he's like, yeah, I actually don't know how I'm related to them. But what a story he has. At 15 years old, he went to prison for six years for armed robbery. And while he was in prison, he decided he wanted to turn his life around and try to work to get into wrestling when he got released. He made his in ring debut two years ago, Booker T's reality of wrestling in the Houston area. in that time he's had matches with people like Booker T himself and bully Ray and the future is

so, so bright for him. And I love the path that he's on right now. I hope you enjoy this conversation. If you do, snap a screenshot and tag us. Let us know that you're listening to this. He's at Zilla Fat 2 on social media. I'm at Chris Van Fleet and here we go. Please enjoy this conversation with Zilla Fat 2. You know, I was there for your debut. I was there at Roe when you came out and like the reaction for you was crazy. What did that moment feel like for you? To be honest, leading up to that, no, first thing I just want to say thank you for pulling up. I've been watching your content way before that. And leading up to that day, obviously there was a lot of butterflies, really nervous. And I just want to say big thanks to Jacob,

you know, Fatu for just making me comfortable and at ease. He did pull it up like three, four days before they debut. And just having him by my side was just, you know, he made me feel at peace within myself. And then obviously leading up to the show, you know, meeting different people, meeting yourself and seeing how my very first show goes, it was just, I had deja vu pulling up to the venue. you know, obviously I'd never wrestled, you know, step foot in the ring ever in my life other than when I was a kid and just receiving all the love and support from not only the fans, but from my peers, it just meant a lot. And I think the foundation at Booker T and reality wrestling, it just fits so right for me,

you know, in my story. So, yeah. Was the deja vu going back to like when you were a kid? kid going to the arena with your dad? Yes, yes, definitely. Especially, you know, instead of going through the front, we go through the back with my dad. And I think just having that and I guess it was just me like walking through the venue and it hit different because I'm not a child no more. I'm not just a normal person just pulling up to the show. I'm part of the show now. I'm the talent. I think that's what hit home with me.

And then obviously, you know, my dad did it. So now I'm doing it. Growing up with a family that is so synonymous with wrestling, what's your earliest memory of wrestling? Oh, earliest memory. To be honest, growing up us, I'm going to keep it 100. Growing up, I just remember me and Dom, Raymond's son. Me and him just growing up backstage, just running around, doing little boy stuff and just being wild and not. listening to our parents. That's the only thing I remember. And I remember out of all the kids,

you know, because they have other wrestlers families, you know, backstage, running around. I couldn't connect with them. Dom was the only person that I could connect with, you know, and obviously Ray Mysterio was one of my favorite wrestlers. And I just remember traveling with, with Ray, you know, my dad. At one point of time, I did not go to kindergarten. You know, I skipped the whole kindergarten a year just to travel. with my dad. And that's all I remember, just me and Dom. I always see them here, here, here, here, and then we're always, like, running around, you know, getting in the ring, you know, hitting a 619, just normally, naturally. You're hitting a 619 as a kid? Yes, that was my first move. That was the first

thing that I ever did when I was a kid in the ring. And I used to hit it real smooth, like, like, for real. You think you got a 619 in you now? Oh, no, no. No, no. Not anymore? After 250 pounds? No, no, no. Definitely, no. What other wrestlers do you remember meeting when you were a kid? Oh, Shelton Benjamin. He was at your debut. Yes, he was. He was a close friend of my dad's. He was there.

Charlie Haas was there as well. Charlie Haas and Carlito. Carlito was there. There's so many, obviously Ray. And Artruth, our truth was one of the ones that I remember growing up, always seeing my dad with. And, oh, Shad, part of crime time. If you know, you know.

Yeah. Is it amazing that our truth looks the exact same now? Exactly the same. Yeah, yeah. Maybe the hair, but yeah. What Dom's done in the last two years is incredible. Yeah. It's so inspiring, man, just seeing him, you know, when we was younger.

And then obviously all the way to now is just, it's inspiring to me and it's motivating to me because, you know, I know his pressure and I know. you know, what he's going through, especially us being who we are, you know, having our families come before us. And then now we have to live up or if not excel the expectation of our family. And I just love it because he's, he's killing it and he's doing it with a smile on his face. You were 10 years old when your father passed away? I was 9 years old. 9 years old.

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. What's the thing you remember most about your dad? Oh, man, just eating everything. eating everything, telling me, son, can you go grab that food right there? And we just ate, man. But yeah, I just remember him eating everything and just him being a big teddy bear because I know everyone thinks that, you know, due to his character, he would be like cocky or like arrogant or just, you know, mean.

But my dad was totally the opposite, man. My dad was very loving, caring, you know, obviously he was very family oriented. And, man, he was the glue, man. He was the glue to all of us. Do you have a favorite memory of him? Oh, man, I just shared this. Yes, I would love to. I remember my dad, it was for football.

I used to play for a little league football team. And one day, I didn't know he was going to pull up to the game. And he surprised me, right? And I remember right before the football game, I was stretching. And he was like, hey, son. I got a little proposal for you, okay? I was like, what's up, Dad? He was like, look, every touchdown you get, I give you $20.

I say, really? He said, yes, I got you. And I remember after the game, I scored five touchdowns the whole game. And as soon as I seen him after the game, he already came, you know, with the money and gave it to me. But that wasn't the most, you know, surprising memory I had. It was when after that he brought his T-shirts. He brought eight by tens for the team. And he just showed love, man.

He was, you know, signing autographs, taking pictures with, you know, my friends. My friends was, my friends knew who he was, but they never met him. You know, they seen him on TV, you know. And when they seen him there, you know, it was, they embraced it. And me as a kid, having my friends, you know, oh, man, that's your dad, man. just, you know, so overwhelmed and overexcignment, it hit home for me. And I was just so happy. And I remember after that, man, everyone at school was talking about it. And that made me feel good, you know, so. When you grew up the son of a legend like him, I feel like people either run towards that.

I want to do what he did or they run away from it. I don't want to do what he did. What made you want to run towards it? I think it's when, obviously, when I came home from prison, from jail, I had my back against the wall. And, you know, growing up, our family always told us, man, do something else, man. Wrestling always going to be an option. Just try to go, you know, do something else. And then not only that, my dad, my dad used to tell us, like, every Thursday, you know, we had a family meeting. He always used to tell us, I don't want you guys doing this.

You know, I need you guys to be better than me. I don't want you guys going through what I, you know, what I went through. I don't want you guys putting your, you know, your body online or whatever. I need you guys to do something more safe. And at that time, I didn't really understand it. It was, you know, but now, obviously, since I'm in the business, I definitely understand why, you know. And there's a lot that comes with this that I feel like people don't see.

The media don't see. And just being able to kind of embrace it and then not, like, run from it. I'm happy that I chose to wrestle because it brought me closer to him. And now I'm learning who my dad was through wrestling. So I'm so happy that, you know, I started wrestling. You feel like he's still with you when you're wrestling? Oh, yes.

Talking about that debut, I was talking about those butterflies earlier. It went away soon as I hit the curtain. And then speaking of the debut, it was like when I went out there, there was a moment, if you guys go watch, there was a moment that I was just, I wasn't trying to,

to be like the rock, but I was just, you know, I was smelling everything. I was embracing everything. And as soon as I did that, everything just went away. And like I said, I found my purpose that day at my debut. What were you going to do if you didn't wrestle? Oh, wow. Like when you got out of prison, what was the path going to be? I wanted to do something with training, something with personal training. My mom, she already had credentials doing that. So I was just going to be under her tree and she was going to, you know, show me because she was a, she was a kickboxing teacher. She was a cycling teacher. So I was like, man, let me do something with health.

And at that time, I was, you know, I'm still big on health. But I wanted to do something along the lines with sports, maybe sports meds and then like be a trainer or just I wanted to be able to help out others while I'm helping out myself. So then what was the moment where it clicked where you went, I'm going to try this wrestling thing out? I think when I was broke and I was sleeping on the couch for 10 months and I didn't have no motion going on. And I remember I just woke up one day and I told myself, man, I'm going to do this, you know, I'm going to do this. And I remember my mom, she was cooking me breakfast and stuff. And then she was like, why are you looking at me like that? Because I was quiet.

And then I looked at her. I said, Mom, I'm going to do it. She said, do what? I'm a wrestle. She said, shut up. Man, eat your, eat your food. And then I was like, no, Mom, I'm serious. I'm going to do it.

She was like, she was quiet for a little minute and she was like, well, let's do it. If you're really serious about it, let's do it. You know, let's sit down, let's talk. And I remember that whole night, we was just chopping it up, just how I'm going to start. And obviously I had, you know, legal issues first to handle, which, is, you know, my parole classes, I had to finish all that. And once I was able to finish all my parole classes, I called the king, Booker T, you know, Mr. Five Time. And me and him, we chopped it up for like, like five, six hours. You know, he was just asking me different questions.

And I think he really wanted to, like, see if I was serious about this. And then he was like, I was, you know, I have a lot of love for your dad, you know, a lot of love for your family, and just know that I'm not going to steer you or mislead you in any kind of way. And, you know, he told me, you know, if you're serious, I got you, I got you, pull up, and we're going to take care of it. And I remember pulling up, it was, I'm thinking I'm about the, you know, I'm with Kev, you know, shot to Kevin, you know, Kevin's giving me the whole tour, the whole rundown.

And in my mind, I'm thinking I'm about to, you know, sign some paperwork, do all this paperwork, whatever for training, do a physical, do the blood work, do all that. I didn't do none of that. They just put me right in the ring. And then what? Do this. Wow. Yeah. So Kevin was a, Kevin and Johnny, man.

It was the first one that really showed me my first role. And I just remember the first, what, two weeks of training. It was like my body. ever experienced that type of pain. Yes, for real. And I remember after that, I was like, man, I don't know if this is for me, man. I don't know if this is the right, you know, choices that I'm making. But I think after just the whole, like, two, three months of training, the business

definitely gained my respect. Going into it, I thought it was going to be super easy. I thought it was going to be, you know, just a cake walk. But it wasn't. Were you like, it's in my blood? Like, literally, my father's was incredible. It's going to be so easy for me too. Yeah, yeah.

That's exactly what I thought. I was like, well, my dad's Umaga, he makes it seem so easy, I can do it. But after, like I said, after the very few, you know, a few months of training, man, it definitely gave my respect. And I was like, man, this is hard than when I thought it was. But, you know, through the foundation of reality wrestling, they have such a great core. they were able to just help me with anything that I need. And, you know, it took a village, you know, to bring me up. And it still does.

When you lost your father, did you feel like you kind of lost your way a little bit? Like you got in with the wrong crowd for a little while. Right. Who did you look to at that time to be a father figure for you? Oh, man, Shelton. To be honest, Shelton. I used to look at Shelton as a, you know, a father figure, obviously because he was our neighbor right next to us.

But he was always on the road. You know, he's always on the road. So those times where I don't see him, I'm always, you know, going to chilling with the wrong people. And then obviously when we move away from him, it was a culture shock for me because we then went to, you know, living in a nice area to the hood. And I think that transition, it was a culture shock for me. And then that's when I fell into, you know, the street.

streets and that's when I started hanging around the wrong crowd and one thing led to another and I started just you know just doing bad stuff and skipping school and just doing all the juvenile delinquies what they do so and then six years in the Texas Texas state penitentiary yes sir at 15 years old yes sir why was it the pen and not juvenile detention so during juvenile I was I was in and out of juvenile uh I had a history you know with juvenile And then obviously when I was 15, I committed this last crime. It was a class A felony. So from 15 in Texas, you can go to a place called TYC.

It's kind of like a rehab prison for juveniles. And you go there. And the time being there is going to determine whether you're going to go home or you're going to go to the big dogs, which is TDC. And that's the, you know, that's like 16 years older and up. And when I went there, obviously, I did not do good. I was getting in a bunch of fights, getting a lot of write-ups. I wasn't listening, you know.

And I was just lost. I was just really lost. I didn't know, you know, who I was. I didn't have a morale compass. And from there, I was able to go back to, court and then obviously you know with that they sent me to the big dogs you said you lost yourself where did you find yourself how did you get on the path you're on now oh man i would say the uh whenever i got transferred from tyc to t dc uh i would say maybe like the fourth year of me

being locked up uh i just got tired of the results that i was getting i was tired of of you know what was happening to me i was tired of the environment I was in. And not only that, there's so much stuff that I've seen in there that I just didn't, I don't want to see again and I don't want to experience it again. And I think in that moment, I had to, you know, tell myself, if I'm going to continue to, you know, do this, this is what's going to happen. Keep doing the same thing.

Yeah. Keep getting the same results. Right. Over and over. Yeah. So it had to be something that had to change. And guess what that was, that was the inside. I had to change this and I had to change this.

And I think after my fourth year of being in TDC, I told myself, man, I don't want to leave here the same way that I came in. So what can I do to leave here stronger and more wiser? And that's why I started, you know, hanging around the right OGs, the OGs that, you know, that just spread love and the knowledge to me. and the OGs that, you know, that's really there to help other, you know, kids like me. And all the OGs that I'm speaking for, they all, they're not coming home. But through the, through, like, you know, them getting locked up and them changing their lives around in there, they just wanted to help other people. And I'm so happy that I was able to, like, peep that because there's also other OGs that, you know,

do the other stuff that keeps you. there and I didn't want to be a part of that. So I started surrounding myself by the right people in there and I started getting counseling. I started doing just a little bit of therapy in there. I started reading, being in prison. That was the first time that I read my first book and I just wanted a change. So I started doing a lot of self-help stuff. I started experiencing workout.

I started coming up with good habits, which is I guess, clear. I was cleaning a lot. It was just a lot of bad habits that I was turning and it's a good habits after my fourth year of being in prison. And it felt good. It felt, it felt, it felt, it felt, it just felt right, you know. It sounds like up to that point you were angry, like, and maybe like acting out because of that.

What were you, what were you angry at? I think I was just angry at the world, man. When I lost my hero, I lost my dad, I just, I said, F it, and I'm just gonna do me. You know, I wasn't listening to my mom. I wasn't, I wasn't listening to Shelton. I wasn't listening to Carlito. I wasn't listening to No one.

And I think it took for me to go to prison and do all that and experience all that to finally realize, okay, hold on. What I'm doing is not me. It's not, this is wrong. I need to switch it up. And I think that's what, that's what made me transition from, you know, from just a little kid lost in the sauce to to the man that I know that my parents, you know, raised a beat. And like I said,

I just didn't want to leave there the same way that I came in. And I'm happy that I was able to go through that because it just made me the man who I am today. There's a real connection there with Booker T. Right? Very similar history. Yes. You know, he has a similar past. And look at the career he's had,

look at the man that he is now. Did you guys come together and connect on that? Oh, we definitely did. We definitely did. You know, he shared his story. He told me, you know, hey, man, you're not alone. You know, even though we have a different story, we have a lot of similarities. And I think Booker T was also, you know, one of the ones that obviously I looked up to.

But we was never that close growing up. But now when I, you know, obviously I came home from prison and I got with him and we connected, it, it's like I wish that I've been connected with him when I was in the streets. Because I think just having someone, you know, the person that he is and the stuff that he went through, I could connect to. So all I needed to hear was his story. And I think that's what helped me too with being in prison. I was listening to all the OG story.

I was listening to everybody's story. And I always used to take that one, like, positive. thing that I learned from each and every story and I applied it to my story and I applied it to my mind. And I think that's what helps me, you know, with all the decisions I make today. What was that day like when you woke up knowing it was your final day in prison? You were getting out. You're going to be a free man again. Oh, man. It was, it was, so before that, it was two days before that I did not eat. I told myself, I'm starved myself and I can't wait. When I go home, I'm going to eat everything. And it was I did not sleep. What were you eating in

prison. Oh my. You really want to know? No, it's just, it's just nasty, nasty food, man. But nine times of the ten, I was, I was always eating commissary, like, I was already eating commissary, which is stuff that, you know, the prison that you provide, it's like a little baby store of food you can go. But it's, it's nothing, it's not like a steak what I eat now, you know. It's more of ramen noodles, free fried beans, just rice and vegetables, vegetables with no seasoning. So two days before you said, I'm not going to eat anything. Yeah, two days I said, I'm not going to eat anything. And I said, I'm going to starve myself just so I can eat everything for the first day.

What was the first food that you were like, I can't wait to eat this again? Oh, I went to Chevron and spent $50 on nothing but junk food. Chevron was your first stuff. Yes, yes, because that was the closest gas station to the prison I was at. As soon as we passed it, we passed it up. And I told my mom, I said, Mom, stop right here. She was like, no, we're going to go, we're going to go eat somewhere else. I said, Mom, stop right here.

I need to get something. I went in there and I was so shocked, bro. I had a culture shock because when I went in there, I seen so many different varieties of food, I didn't even know which one to choose. It was, you know, I was like, man, so I just got everything. I got everything. It was like I even got like three different types of sodas, Gatorade,

got Doritos chips. I spent the whole $50 on gas station food. Like, were you able to sleep knowing that this was the day you were going to get out? Oh, no, no. I literally stayed up the previous day, working out, you know, trying to get prepared. And I try to stay away from the phone because every time I got on the phone and called my mom or my brothers, I always get, I always had these butterflies in my stomach. So I was like, man, I'm going to stop calling. Let me let me just focus on these last few workouts.

And then obviously, you know, in prison you had child time. You had to go to the cafeteria and you eat. I skipped all that. You know, I was like, man, I'm out to eat. and I'm about to go home, eat, you know, some good food. But for some of a reason, I was like, I seen Chevron. I was out. Let's go there.

But, yeah, I did not sleep. It's interesting because you went in as a kid and you came out as a man. And like a lot of that is tied to just, you know, the age that you went in, the age you came out. But a lot of it is also, you know, who you were and what your mindset was when you came out. Right. And that's a big difference. What did you feel like was the big? biggest difference for you after those six years?

I know who I am now. Who are you? I'm Zilifat, too. I'm a man of morale, and I'm a man of respecting loyalty and love, you know. And I'm a full Samoan. I fall off, you know, the Fatu and on Hawaii bloodline. And, you know, I'm me, you know, and I love what I do. And I do it out of love, man.

It's just love. What does that name Fatu mean to you? What does it mean to have that as your last name? It means everything. And to be honest, I don't know if you know, Fatu means heart, you know, in English. So it's all love. And not only that our culture, you know, our culture is just built off love and respect. And I think, you know, obviously me growing up, I didn't see that, but I felt it.

And now that, you know, I'm grown, everything, everything now just be. makes sense. All the questions I had growing up that was unanswered, it's answered now. Because now I'm grown. Now I understand. And now I'm, you know, I'm wise now. So it's just a hit different for me because obviously I've been in and out of jail. And then now it's like, okay, this is who I am. And it's just love, man. That's it. Do you feel the pressure that comes with that being your last name? And do you feel the pressure attached to like the way that people perceive you and what the expectations are that are on you? Oh, yeah.

Yes. Yes. Even leading up to the debut, it was like I knew, you know, I knew that there was going to be expectations so high, you know, not just because of my family, but of my dad. He set the bar so high. And, you know, in my mind, man, I want to be able to excel that. You know, I want to be able to take whatever my dad did to the next level. And I think that's a challenge for me now.

You know, I think it's a challenge for me to kind of separate Zillofatu from the Samoan dynasty. And like I was just talking with my team this morning. Maybe, maybe, you know, maybe that's not in my plan. Maybe, you know, maybe it's not to, you know, separate Zilofatu from the Samoan dynasty. Maybe it's time to embrace it and put on for it. What would that look like? Man, just doing what I'm doing now, you know, staying out of trouble. staying out the way, taking care of my family,

and, you know, keeping my nose clean and making sure everyone remembers my dad and remembers, you know, who we are and represent a culture and be able to represent my family, you know, but at a high level. It's hard not to look at you and see your dad. Yeah.

Right? Like, and then... Well, I hope I look better. And then when we see you, in the ring, you're doing the Samoan spike, but you're putting your own little spin on. Hello. So it's the super Samoan spike. Well, yeah, it's called the triple Z now.

Do you know why it's called the triple Z? Why is it called the triple Z? Well, you have iPhone, right? Yeah. If you go on iPhone and you click the emoji part, you type in Sleep. Yeah. You see the three Zs. So I just called it the triple Z.

And my mom actually came up with that. So shout to Mama Zilla. So this is kind of like, it's two moves in one, right? It's the Superman Punch with the Spike kind of put into one. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. I want to share that too. I remember I was at reality of wrestling. And I was just laying in a ring like this. Just laying in the middle of it. I was like, man, what am I going to do? What am I going to, you know, come up with that is, you know, different, but also, you know, it looks like I'm laying it in for real, for real. And I remember, you know, I wanted to pay homage. to my dad with a spike. I always knew that I wanted my finisher to be something with a spike. The question was, how could we evolve it?

So I started thinking, who is the biggest WWE superstar right now? That's a no-brainer, Roman Reigns. So I was like, okay, I seen him do his Superman punch. I see my dad, do the Samoa Spike. Like, you get the triple Z. So I started, I remember I started doing it. And at first I was like, man, this feels like the UFC Superman punch.

But maybe if I can get a little higher and then like really, you know, swing this back, it'll look better. Because, you know, just like I know, it just has to look cool. Yeah. You know, and I was able to like add a few touch up. And I was like, man, I just got to jump a little higher and then really like kind of keep this. It's backward, even the people in the nose bleed could see this. And I remember when I first did it, I was like, yeah, this is it. And then obviously, I was after my debut, for my debut, obviously I wanted to do the,

I wanted to lift him up and then spike him. But then after that, I was like, man, I just need my own. And that's when I came up with the triple Z. Solo's doing the spike in WWA. Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom. I feel like they should have reserved this for you.

Well, you know, timing is everything else. You know, just like I know, that E is real big on that. But nah, kudos to him. You know, kudos to Hunter, too, for allowing that. You know, and I remember that, too, a few years ago, he did that on the day that my dad passed away. And it was on a Monday Night Raw to Matt Riddle.

and when he did it, it sparked, you know, a lot of love that my dad had. Not only that, just in our family. And it felt right. And I think Hunter, he's seen something in that. And they are where they are now. It's funny because I interviewed Jake to Snake Roberts and I said, you know, people use the DDT, but it's not a finisher anymore. He goes, yeah, but what do people think of when they see the DDT?

He said, they think of you. That's so true. When Solo does the spike, who do they think of? Maga. That's right. Yeah. It's a pretty special thing. It is.

It is. That's why, you know, it's always, uh, it's always, uh, love, you know, using someone else's finisher, but it's different when it's in your family, when it's somebody, you know, blood-related. And, uh, like I said, shout out to, you know, WWE and Hunter for allowing that. Because I thought that was the most dopes thing that I've, I've seen. Especially when I came home from prison, I wasn't really watching a wrestling like that. And I think when he did it, it kind of like, that sparked something in me. Yes, let's go.

What's the goal for you in your wrestling career? Oh, I just want to be able to have people, you know, when they see, when I'm done with everything, they see all the, just the hard work. I just want them to see the, I'm not really big on the rewards, you know. I'm more focused on the journey. You mean like championships? Yeah. I mean, obviously I do want all the belts.

I want all of it. But to, you know, dive into a deeper level of, you know, where my mind is at. I think it's more of the journey, the grind. They seen that, you know, it wasn't no handout for me when I came home from prison. It wasn't no, oh, rely on the family's name or rely on, you know, Umaga's name. I think it took a little bit more than that. And I just want to be able to show people that, you know, it wasn't no handout. I really came home and got it out the mud and put the work in.

And I'm still putting in the work in. It was like I'm not, I'm nowhere near close to where I want to be. So, yeah, that's it. I just want to show people that it was just hard work and the love and the consistency and my team, man. So, yeah. A lot of your families in WWE now is the goal to join your family in WWE? Yes.

Yes, that's, yes, that's so obvious. Yes, I would love to, you know. I'm sure you're on WWE's radar. I hope I am, man. I'm sure you've been on the radar since you were a kid, but I'm sure they're aware of what you're doing now. Yeah, yeah. Have you had a tryout yet?

No, sir. No, sir. I literally just been training, man, just being patient. You know, I'm not in no rush to get anywhere. Like I said, previous, I have a, I have a, a long way to go. And I'm still growing. I'm still trying to figure out, you know, as far as within this business, I'm trying to

figure out who I am, you know, and I think that's just going to take time. It's just going to take, you know, repetition. And, but yeah, I think, I think I think I'm right where I'm supposed to be right now. You had a special moment with Randy Orton recently, a Fanatics Fest. Oh, man. Yes. Right? And Randy and Umaga were very close.

So what was that moment for you? I just want to say this, man. I'm not just a wrestler in the business. I'm a fan of the product, too. So meeting Randy Orrin, man, it was such a full circle moment, man. Because I remember, you know, just to double back on growing up. I remember me and Dom, we used to like, it's just funny stuff. Like we always used to try to RKO him backstage, but he's so tall.

We're so small. He always used to play with us, you know? But now that I'm grown, it just hits different. It's a full circle moment. So when I seen him, it brought back the same feeling to where, when I was younger, of us playing around. And it was a special moment for me. And just meeting my dad's friends, that means a lot because, you know, obviously they have memories and they have stuff that they did with him that they share with me. And to be honest, that's my favorite part of this journey.

It's learning who my dad is through wrestling and through his friends. And he probably hadn't seen you in close to 20 years. And he immediately recognized. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I was hoping. I told my team, I was like, man, I hope he recognizes me, man. I don't want him to be like, well, go back to the line. But I was just so happy that, you know, he embraced me.

And it felt good. It felt right, too. Another big moment, someone who was so close to your dad was Jeff Hardy. Yes, yes, Jeff Hardy. Jeff Hardy. He was definitely my favorite wrestler too growing up. Yeah? So when you reconnected with Jeff Hardy, what was that?

What was that like? Oh, oh, it was like we never separated. Like we never, you know, had that 20 years of separation. Isn't Jeff the best? He is. He's the best, man. And, you know, obviously now, we're closer now. And he's always, he's always a mentor.

He's always, you know, always coaching me on, you know, what I need to do. And I see him with his daughter and I love it. And it's just crazy because how time goes by fast and to see his kids grow and see that, you know, they're witnessing everything. I tell his kids, I say, hey, you guys are going to remember this. You guys probably don't know who your dad is because I didn't know who my dad was. But I promise you, man, you guys are going to remember your dad.

And then when you grow up, you're going to, like, feel special. You're going to feel, you know, bond. And so I told them like, man, embrace this, man. Embrace this. So that's my, that was cool. Do you have already credits Umaga for using the Paska paint pens? Yeah. To put on his face paint.

Yeah. That's pretty cool that all these years later, that's now the thing he does because of this one conversation with Umaga. Yeah, I was so shocked too. I didn't know that, you know, uh, obviously so I heard him say it. And, uh, Jeff, just being that, just being who he is, obviously he was using the water down the paint. Yeah.

But I'm happy he used the paint that my dad used because it's so, it's so natural. And it doesn't really, it doesn't, you know, get on the opponent's gear. And it's just safe, you know, so. But I do it. I do it every now and then, you know, so. How did you feel about Rikishi having an issue with you wearing Jeff Hardy's face paint when you debuted on TNA? You said, how did I feel?

Yeah. I didn't, I didn't really feel any type of way. Why Rikishi call you out for this? I just think he, you know, all the, every OG, not just him, but all the OGs in the game, man, they have their own way of, you know, criticizing younger talent. I think with him is, you know, obviously he was trying to put me on game. But, you know, when you mention someone you love, it just, it hits different because, Because with me, when I hear him talking about my dad, it wasn't really necessarily about the face pain.

It's just how he said it. And then you involved my dad, I kind of, you know, overreacted because it's someone that I love. And not only that, when people bring up my dad, I get very emotional. So I think I did overreact, but I think everything could have been settled just over a phone call. So that's why I was so upset because I'm like, you know, why not call? not, you know, do this over a convoy or meet up instead of, you know, going to the internet and doing all that. So, yeah.

That's a big moment for you, your TNA debut. You'll never have another TNA debut. Yeah. What made you decide you wanted to go out in the face paint? Man, because, obviously, you know, I do, obviously, man, I do this for my mom and dad, but, you know, Jeff Hardy plays a big role, you know, in my character, and he inspires me. And I think I was just doing that because I want to have fun. I want to have fun.

And that's what it was. You know, it was literally me and Jeff backstage chopping it up by my dad. And not only that, you know, us figuring out our next step, our next move. And I think it was just more of us bonding together. But I want to do this. You know, I'm still figuring it out. I'm still trying to figure everything out. And I just want to be able to do it my way.

on my time. You know, I don't want to have anyone else try to write it out for me because if they do, then it wouldn't be considered my story if I didn't write it. So I just want to be able to write my own story and be my own artist. And at the same time, didn't Jeff Hardy wear humongas face paint or something like that to like pay tribute to him? Yeah, yeah, yeah, him. And not only that, those sounds, man.

You know, how they look when they first came in the game. You know, it was just, it's all just paying how much. It's showing love. And I think that's the bigger picture, just showing love and most importantly, having fun. Your father's always with you literally and figuratively. Like you have a giant tattoo of him on your chest. How did you choose that specific photo of him? To be honest, it wasn't going to be this photo.

It was going to be him and my mom. But I remember I was down there in Tampa, Florida. And I was just looking at different photos in my dad. dad and I don't know what for some reason this stuck out. Maybe it was because I'm going to put it like this. There's a lot of photos of my dad that connects with me. And I think this kind of like symbolizes who I am too. But I wanted to, how do I say? I just wanted to keep him right here that way every time that I do looking in mirror, whatever, he's always right there. And then not only that, I always do this face.

Like when I used to score of touch, I used to be like, I used to do all that. And then not only that growing up, I always make this face, always makes this face. So yeah, I got this and I was so happy that I did it. And it came out the way it came out. And, you know, just to touch up on another thing, the reason why I do take my thumb is because it's like my dad is out there holding my hand, you know, guiding me. And to have this and to have this, it's like my ammo, you know, and it makes me remember who I am. So, yeah. When Enzo Amore introduced you in TNA, you.

He said you were the most dangerous Samoan in the bloodline. Are you the most dangerous Samoan in the bloodline? I can say there's a lot of arguments. You know, it's a great argument. I'm zealified too. You know, I'm zealified too. That's all I can say. And people will know who I am when I'm done with this wrestling business.

If you're going to put together like a dream team, if you only got to pick four, dream team of the bloodline. Who's it going to be? There he goes. You said four? Four. Four. Yeah.

Me, Jacob. Who's the other two? Oh, this man put me on the line. Okay. I say me, Jacob, my dad, and Tunga kid. Jacob's dad. Just case you guys don't know, big TK, man, TK. Yeah, so I go with that four right there.

I mean, you've got a lot to choose from. Yeah, I do. But I think that four right there, I think we're good. I'm going to go through your. family tree right now. Uh-oh, here we go. I want you to tell me how you're related to these people. Let's do it.

Let's do it. Yeah, yeah. Yoko Zuna. Uncle. Uncle. Rosie. Uncle. Yeah, yeah.

Roman Reins. So, uncle, but we call him cousin. We call him cousin, just because of the age bracket. He's actually your uncle? Yes. That's Rosie. So Rosie's my uncle, too. But Rosie is his little brother.

Yeah. So yeah. But we call him, you know, our cousin. Jimmy and Jay. My cousin. That's our dad's his brothers. So at the same time, then solo as well. Yes, sir.

Okay. The Rock. Cousin. Yeah, through marriage and blood. Ava. It's a Rock's daughter. Oh, man. She would have to be my second or third cousin because that's his daughter.

Still the same. Afa and Sika. Uncle. Everyone can't be your uncle here. A lot of uncles. Uncle, trust me. Trust me. Especially, Ouse, if you see the kids that our dad and our grandpas have, you would know why.

Like, the minimum of each person is like 11 kids. So if you do 11, 11, 11, you got to understand. There's more branches under those 11. Yeah, this bloodline goes on forever. For real. Hey, y'all, even though I'm part of this, I'm still learning. This is how big our family is. I'm still learning who my family is, you know, so.

Rakeshi. Uncle. A lot of uncles. Peter Maya Via. Oh, I would say. That's Rock's grandfather. So I would say grandfather, right? No, I don't.

If that's Rock's grandfather, then it's. It's probably a cousin. Some sort of cousin, right? Yeah, some, something. So I guess Rocky Johnson then is also a cousin? You can consider him. Yeah, a cousin or fourth cousin? I don't know.

They don't have to do a trivia on this. Who else? Who else? What about like Naomi? Naomi, that's the sis, man. She's a sister-in-law. That's Jimmy's wife. So that's a...

Sis-in-law. Trinity Fatu. There it goes. There's a lot. There's a lot. This is great. Yeah, you got Journey Fatu. That's Jacob's little brother.

There's so many. There's a who? Lloyd. Lloyd? Lloyd, that's my uncle. Yeah, that's on Alpha side. So, no, that's my second cousin. Bro, we can literally do a whole segment on this.

We'd be here for a couple hours. We'll be here for a couple hours, man. Do you know how you're related to Nia Jacks? No, I don't. I don't. Can you guys help? Can you help with that? I'm sure if we saw the diagram.

WWE put it up on WWE Unreal. And it's huge, right? Really? Like the font is so small. Oh, wow. I didn't watch it yet. Yeah, there's so many people because they're explaining, like, you know, how everyone is part of this.

and they put up the graphic for, I don't know, one second. Yeah. And it's so big. The font is so small and there's photos of everybody. Was I on there? Probably. Yeah, I don't. Oh, man.

I don't know how you couldn't be on there. If not, man, I'm like the lost child. It wouldn't just end at Umaga. Like, I'm sure that he has the little tricking off of him. Unless, uh, well, yeah, it makes sense. You know, my story. I was away. Nobody knew that I was off the island of a rough sea.

I was on a different island. I got to say one of the most impressive things about you is the way you market yourself. Like, you present yourself like you're a star. From day one, too. Who kind of planted that seed for you? Shelton. Shelton and Booker T. They just, they always plan it in my mind to keep the right people around.

And obviously my mom, my mom plays a big role. But I just give praises to my team, man. There's so many people that you guys don't see, you know, on camera or the media that plays a big role on who Zillifatu is. And I think just having the right people around, having the right energy around and having genuine energy around people that really, really, really want to see me win and thrive. I think that's what helped. And, you know, every day, every morning, or if not morning, every night, I'm always on a conference call with my team. You know, we're trying to figure out how to get better and better.

And we do this every day. Like, you're one of the, I think you're only one of two people I can think of on the Indies that has a foam finger. Matt Cardona has one. Yeah. You've got the thumb down, like a Samoan Spike. Yeah, yeah. Do you like it, though?

What was your first reaction? I thought that was great. Okay, good, good, good. I mean, I'm sure that kids love those. Oh, yes, yes. Like, throughout their whole match, it's like, I can't even lock up or another. They're like, Silla, do it, do it, do it. Like, I got you.

Hold on. So, yeah, I think that and, and, you know, with the phone fingers and the merch and everything I have going, man, it's because of my team. Yeah. You know, it's not just me. It's my team. You had a match with Booker T in reality of wrestling. Oh, man. And I found out through my good friend, our good friend, Brad Gilmore.

Yes. That that originally wasn't supposed to be a match. Nope. Nope. So how did that come together? Oh, I love this story. So obviously we have a breakout show at reality of wrestling, and that's where the students, you know, people that are in the beginner's class or the intermediate class, they go to this specific show.

and they showcase why they should be on the Platinum show, which is the show I'm on right now. And they have to prove to the people and to Booker T on why they need to be on the main car. And I go to all of the student shows. You know, I want to be able to help in any way that I can. I'm always helping the students out. They need help, you know, constructing a match, producing a match, or also help with the producers, anything they need. I just always pull up to, you know, put my two cents in. And I remember on this specific day, you know, I was just there.

And I was sitting in guerrilla watching, you know, the monitors with Booker. And then Booker was like, hey, Oos, you ready? You want to go do something? I'm like, yeah, why not? He was like, all right, well, we don't have no script, okay? So I need you to go out there and fill it. I said, fill it. I was like, all right, let's go, Ouse.

And then he was all right. And then he went out there. He cut his promo. Have it in mind, no, this is this plan, not even previous days leading up to this show. I was just there, right? And Booker T. went out there, cut his promo. And then as soon as my music hits, I go out there. And I basically just, you know, I was just going off.

We were just going off each other. And as soon as I think that the promo and the segment was going to be over, I forgot what date it was. And then he was like, I forgot what he said? January 11th. Be ready. And I'm like, I look at the fans. They all go crazy. And I'm like, I cut something.

And I'm like, I'm there. And then we get backstage. And then he pulls me to the side. He said, man, I don't know what the if I did. He said, man, I don't know what I did. but hey, we're going to rock with it. We're going to rock with it. And then Brad, Brad was like this.

And then Kevin, all of them, they were just clapping their hands so ready. And then after the match, you know, after every show, Booker T, he always has a meeting, which is I love too because he gets to, you know, put us on game and criticize, you know, our matches. And he told all of us, he was like, man, I don't know. I don't know what I got myself into, but we're going to figure it out, you know. And one thing with book, you know, especially on show days, the card is always subject to change. It was always subject to change. So I think that's what helps too with my career.

You know, I always got to be able to adapt in certain situations. I always have to, you know, if I have to switch it up or if I have to, you know, figure it out, we're going to figure it out. And I think that's the power of Booker T and reality wrestling have. And I'm so blessed to go through that. But that's what happened with literally me and Booker T. We were just going out there, just filling it. And then he set the date. And I was like, oh, okay.

You know me? I ain't going to back down those. Let's do it. Is there something from training with Booker and learning under him that you now have in the back of your mind every match when you go out there? Hell, yeah. I always have this in my mind. It's because of him. Make everything look cool.

Exaggerate everything. But as you're exaggerating everything or over-exaggerating everything, make it look cool. You know, and always put yourself in these nosebleeds. You know, how would you want to watch the match from the nosebleed? What would you want to see from the nosebleed? And every match, I try to do that. I try to incorporate that. And, you know, having that, having that.

that tool or knowledge in my mind has helped me progress. It's helped me to where I'm at today. You know, so shy to Booker T. And I'm still going to whip your ass. January 11th. Yeah, January 11th. Yeah, yeah. But yeah, that wasn't even a match too. Like, he set me up, you know, I was so young and green. I didn't even read the contract, signed the contract. I didn't even know I signed myself for a whole gauntlet match. And he came out last. Man, you got to be in the ring with a two-time Hall of Famer. Yes, yes.

That was a blessing. I think that override everything, even with the storyline. I was so fascinated that I'm in the ring with Booker T, man. One of the OGs, Hall of Famer. And he just made everything easier, man. Everything is so much easier working with him. And I just wish that I get to the level that he's at with the psychology and everything. within the ring. And, you know, I know what it takes. And that's just, it's just repetition,

you know, going there and just listening to him, being on the history. And just always, always, always, regardless of my status, always be receptive, always be open-minded. You know, don't be closed-minded. And I think the knowledge from Booker, like I said, it helped me to where I'm at today. He plays a big role in this. As the bloodline was continuing to grow, on TV and WWE, they were adding new members all the time, your name kept coming up. Your name kept coming up as like, well, it's just a matter of time now before they call Zilla.

Were you ready for that call if it happened? No. I thought I was. No. I'm going to keep a line on it. No. I think I still have more time to grow, you know, and I'm still green, man. I'm still green. I still have a long way to go, man. So I think when the timing is right, and not only that, when I feel right, just like the same feeling I had when, you know, in prison that I was tired, that I need to change my life, I'm just

waiting for that feeling. And once that feeling pops up, that's when I'm going to start pushing for it. But for right now, I'm just being patient and just, just waiting, you know, just grinding, enjoying the process, enjoying the journey, and just learning as I go and always be the student at a game. And I think, you know, time would tell. And I think the fans, I think the fans will, you know, play a big role in that. So I'm just, I'm just working like WWE never had their eyes on me, you know.

And I think having that mindset, I think I'm going to get there. I know I'm going to be there. I think it's just, it takes just repetition and it takes time. And I think where I'm at today, my brand is only going to excel. It's only going to excel because we're just, like I said earlier, We're still figuring out every day and brainstorming every day. What do you feel like you've improved on the most? Like, if we look at a match now versus a match a year ago,

what's the thing that you're really proud of that you've really honed? I think storytelling. I think my psychology has gotten a little better because there's more to it than just going out there and just spiking someone. Like, yes, I can just go out there do a squoss match and squash. them, but it's not going to be fun, man. Why can't we just milk it? Why can't we just let everything marinate? And I think now I let fans register what's going on. For example, if I'm punching you 20 times repeatedly, it's not going to make sense. Like, people know that I'm punching you,

but what if I punch you four times, but I'm going slow with the elbow up? Guess what? All the people in the noseblee, they're going to see that. Now, if I'm punching you fast 20 times, they're not going to be able to see that. They're not going to be able to register. So every match, I try to just take my time with it and try to let the fans register what's going on. Because guess what? If they're not registering what's going on, they're going to be lost. And I don't want that for my matches. I need the fans to be on point from the time I come out from the curtain from the time to I get to the ring from the time I go back to the curtain, you know, back to the gorilla.

So I need them involved every second. And that's my goal with every match. I want the fans to be in tune. Even when I'm just walking down the aisle, I still need them be in tune. Yeah, so. What's the match that if someone's never seen you wrestle before? What match, as soon as this interview's done, should they go watch on YouTube? Oh, I'll tell you, it's not yesterday's match with bully Ray.

I'll tell you, it's not that match. All right. But I would say, hmm, that's a good question. I would say, man, let me see, let me see, let me see. I would say me versus Enzo, me versus Enzo for fourth row in Atlanta. Obviously, Enzo has a very unique mind when it comes to this business. And with that match, we literally checked off all the boxes. So when you watch a professional wrestling match, what do you want to see?

And I think we checked off all the boxes. And that match actually sparked something in me. And I'm happy I get, because there's just little, you know, in life, there's always little stuff that like sparked something in you and I don't know why but that match there and the fans reaction was so loud but it felt so right and I knew okay I'm on the right I'm on the right you know timing when it comes to you know learning this game I'm on the right steps you know and I'm right right yeah thank you for coming in here and doing this I've known you for years come on us and it was like I know I know this is going to happen at some point in time it just seems to happen at the right

time. And I appreciate how you own where you come from. Yes, sir. You own it. You're not afraid to talk about it. And you know that that's a big part of who you are. And that's why you're the person you are now. Yes, sir. And I'm excited to see what's next for you. No, thank you. Thank you. I'm blessed to appreciate you so much for being here. And I also want to say thank you too for pulling up to the debut and covering that because you played a big role on, you know, getting Zilla Fatu's name out. And I just want to say, O'S I'm very blessed to have you pull up and show love because you didn't me know who I was. You know, you didn't have to do that. But just off the love, you know, everything about love. Just off the love, you did that. And I'm very appreciative and more than

blessed to us for that. I just made an iPhone video of you coming out and then an iPhone video of you doing the spike. Yeah. I got hundreds of thousands of views. Yeah. I like, I was laughing because I watched it back. You could clearly see your phone in your pocket. Yes. Oh my God. Ouse. Ouse, I thought no one recognized that. Why were you wrestling with your iPhone in your pocket? I just want to share this story, bro. I just let me share this because I would never forget this. Even Jacob will vouch for me.

Even Booker would vouch for it. Everyone backstage will vows for it. Bro, I was literally, obviously with every show, you know, they have medical there. And with me, I always take advantage of that. You know, I'm getting my body, massage or whatever, copyrighting doing all that. having mine, I'm halfway dressed. Remember, I'm green. I didn't know, you know, new to the game, new to the business.

I'm halfway dressed, right? As soon as I get done with the chiropractor and everything, they check in my body and everything, I go to the locker room where Jacob and everyone was at, I started putting my headphones on, boom. Oos, I didn't even have my, I wrestled in some jays. I didn't even have my shoes on. I just have my knee pads underneath, my pants, my phone,

and my shirt. Us, I'm just going through my bag. I'm on my phone. I'm putting some new music on. And as soon as I'm, like, going through my music, all I hear was, Zilla, your song is on. I'm like, I look back. I'm like, bro, stop playing with me.

He was like, Zilla, your song is on for real, man. I look back. I saw you for real, Oos? He was like, yeah, listen, listen. And I was like, oh, my song is playing. So next to you know, bro, I don't know why. I didn't take my phone out of my pocket. I left it in, I left it in, you know, my pan.

I put my shirt on everything. I do the tape real quick, whatever, whatever, put the necklace on, boom. And then that's why it took a little minute for me to come out. I was wondering, your song played for so long. Yeah, yeah, that's why. Oh, he's building the momentum here. He's building the anticipation. I almost missed it.

But that's what happened. And then, Ouse, I didn't even know that I had my phone in my pocket. I think in the match, I think I threw it out. I don't remember, but that's crazy because no one caught on to that. And guess what? There's so many views, so many angles of the match, your view is the only view you can clearly see the phone was in my pocket. And I think that was never, ever been done before.

Sorry, man. That's good. Put you on blast. No, it's good, man. It's good. You'll never do that again. Yeah, that's something called green. But again, I want to thank you.

And I'm going to end this with the question I ask everybody because gratitude means so much to me. I wake up every day. I say out loud three things I'm grateful for. It centers me. It allows me to focus on the things I have in my life instead of being upset about the things I don't. And I do it again before I go to sleep. So Zilla, what are three things in your life you're grateful for right now? Oh, man, I'm grateful for my mom.

I'm grateful, you know, for the love and the support that I received from my dad's fans and my fans and the wrestling world. And, uh, do you sign a lot of your dad's figures, a lot of your dad's merch? Yes. Yes. There's not one meeting, greet that I did, that I did not sign a piece of my dad's stuff. And, um, like I said, that's my favorite, uh, part of the journey right now is, is doing stuff like that. People bring in 15, you know, 15 years worth of my dad, you know, maybe, 20 years worth of my dad, bringing it to me and having me, you know, sign it, that's all I need.

That's all what fulfills my heart and the love that I had for my dad. And that's, you know, obviously my favorite part is learning who my dad was. So I would say that. And then I'm grateful for my team, man. I'm so, so grateful for my team because without my team, there would not be a Zillifatoo here. You know, there would not be, you know, me making the right decisions or none of that. there would be me, you know, overreacting a lot, you know, but through the grace of them and them sacrificing their time to help, you know, build me and trust me and see something that I don't

see in myself, it hits home. And I think, you know, I tell them every day, man, that I'm blessed to have them. And like I said, just without that and without, you know, them pouring the water on me with, you know, trying to build me up, it's like an unconditional love that I have for them and vice versa. And, you know, for those that's watching, you know, even with people that went through the same, you know, struggles as I did. Just please be careful and aware of who you surround yourself by, you know, and I really, I know that sounds so cliche to say, but it's so real. Like, it's so pure. So please just, you know, surround yourself by genuine love, genuine energy.

and I promise you you will get the genuine results. So yeah, those are the three things. I'm very, very grateful. Well, thank you again, man. Thank you. Yeah, so blessed to be here. Make sure you like, comment, subscribe. That's right.

All right, my friend, thank you for checking out this episode with Zillafatu. And make sure to subscribe to his YouTube channel. Check out some of his matches before you see him in WWE. I'm not saying it's going to happen. I'm just saying I'm sure they've been keeping a very close. eye on him. They've been keeping a close eye on, I feel like, all of the members of the bloodline. And then you can say when, if or when, he does debut in WWE, you can say, oh, man, I remember back in August of 2025 when he did that interview with CVV. Zappa screenshot. Let us know

you're listening to this and tag us. He's at Zillifah too. I'm at Chris Van Fleet and I will end this with a quote from John Geiger. You are not what you have done, but what you have overcome. Be great and be grateful, my friends. We will see you on the next one for some more insight. The live episode with Seamus is on Thursday. Dare I say, it's a banger. We'll see on Thursday for that one. Jim Rome takes on sports. Why? Because I have a job to do with rapid fire takes. So I don't want to hear from you lava pigs on this notion today. No idea what you're talking about. You're complaining more than you like to breathe air. It's like you get up in the morning only to complain and cry and moan on social media about things that you don't even understand.

He's the spitfire of sports smack. Take advantage of it, but get up in here. The Jim Rome Show podcast. What's your beef? Follow and listen on your favorite platform. You've been warned.