Zilla Fatu Slams Rikishi for Disrespecting His Father Umaga In Now-Deleted Tweet

Zilla Fatu is not holding back after his uncle Rikishi had some incredibly disrespectful words for him following Fatu’s TNA debut at Slammiversary.

While speaking on his Off the Top podcast, Rikishi was asked about his nephew Zilla Fatu’s debut in TNA at Slammiversary. He said Zilla has been working hard on the independent wrestling scene and building his name as the son of Umaga.

But Rikishi didn’t understand why Zilla wore face paint that looked like Jeff Hardy’s. He felt it wasn’t a smart choice because it made it seem like Zilla was trying to copy or promote Jeff Hardy, who is already a legend and doesn’t need any extra attention.

Rikishi mentioned that Jeff Hardy also wore similar face paint that same night. He questioned who told Zilla to do that and said it would’ve been better if Zilla came out just being himself instead of using Jeff’s style. Rikishi understood that Zilla might admire Jeff, especially since Jeff was close to Zilla’s father, but he felt Zilla should focus on creating his own identity.

“You know, I get it—your pops’ friend was Jeff Hardy, right? If Zilla had long hair, I would’ve thought it was Jeff Hardy out there. On the independent circuit, Zilla’s been building his brand as Umaga’s son. But that Slammiversary debut was probably his first real big TV broadcast moment.

I didn’t really understand why he painted his face. To me, that wasn’t good marketing. It looked like he was trying to market Jeff Hardy. And let’s be real—Jeff Hardy doesn’t need any marketing. Jeff’s an icon already. I get it, Zilla loves Jeff, and Jeff loved his pops. But Zilla’s pops isn’t here anymore. And I just feel like coming out as himself, as who we see him as, would’ve helped him more than trying to channel Jeff with that paint.”

In a now-deleted tweet, Zilla Fatu made it clear he was upset that Rikishi talked about him publicly on the podcast instead of calling or texting him directly. He felt it was wrong for Rikishi to speak negatively about him just to get attention. Zilla said Rikishi had his number and could’ve spoken to him privately. He also said that to him, his dad is still with him and hasn’t gone anywhere.

“FOR YOU TO TALK DOWN ON ME AND CHASE FOR CLOUT IS OUTTA POCKET 💯.. YOU GOT MY NUMBER SO WHY YOU AIN’T TEXT ME OR CALL ME PERSONALLY AND PUT ME ON GAME? @TheREALRIKISHI instead you went on your podcast & do the most.

And FYI UNK,
MY POPS IS HERE…. He ain’t never left.”

Regardless, it’s obvious that Zilla Fatu felt Rikishi crossed the line with his comments about Umaga. Therefore, we’ll have to see if Rikishi will issue an apology to Fatu soon enough.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.