Zilla Fatu didn’t need a WWE makeover before walking into NXT. The company apparently knew from the beginning exactly what it wanted to call him: Zilla Fatu.
According to False Finish, WWE had settled on Zilla Fatu keeping his established name well before his August 11 NXT debut, with sources indicating there was never any serious discussion about renaming or rebranding him before he made his surprise debut.
That explains why WWE didn’t play coy when Fatu suddenly crashed the NXT Championship No. 1 Contender’s Match between Cruz Montana and Grayson Waller. Commentary immediately identified him while Fatu wrecked both men and stared down NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo to close the show.
It was also previously reported that NXT was always supposed to be Fatu’s starting point, following a similar path to Solo Sikoa before his eventual main-roster call-up.
Fatu’s debut has already created plenty of conversation. Some fans immediately complained about WWE bringing in another member of the Anoa’i family, especially after watching him use a Samoan Drop, Superman Punch and Uso Splash during his first appearance.
But WWE isn’t hiding where he comes from. Zilla walked through the door carrying the Fatu name, and there was apparently never another name waiting for him backstage.
Was keeping Zilla Fatu’s established name the obvious call, or did you expect WWE to rebrand him before his debut? Let us know in the comments.
