R.I.P. Eddie “Umaga” Fatu
This morning I woke up to the news that Eddie Fatu aka Umaga passed away yesterday. It’s definitely a sad in the wrestling world again. Umaga was such a great talent and came from the great Samoan family. I remember when I first saw him on TV and that was in 2002. He made his debut as Jamal as part of 3 Minute Warning with his cousin Rosey (Matt Anoa’i). He then returned as Umaga in 2006 and the first guy he attacked was the legendary Ric Flair one day after Wrestlemania 22. He had some great matches with Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and John Cena that summer. He also became Intercontinental Champion on two separate occasions. Some of my favorite matches with Umaga are the ones he had with Jeff Hardy. They worked really great together and help get Jeff Hardy back on the map when Jeff first came back. Who could forget the match he and Bobby Lashley had at Wrestlemania 23 when Donald Trump and Vince McMahon were involved.
Umaga definitely lived up to the Wild Samoan ways in his time during the WWE. I was privileged enough to watch Umaga at a few times, once as Jamal and twice as Umaga. He always had a great style in the ring. I always appreciated how quick he was for as big as he was. Eddie Fatu was only 36 years old and leaves behind a wife and his children. He just returned home after the Hulkamania Tour and was in really good health. Here is what some of his friends had to say on their Twitters:
* Shannon Moore: R.I.P Ecki….Mad love and respect. We will miss you and I will cherish the times we had together.
* Christopher Daniels: RIP Eddie Fatu. I’m glad I got to know you in the short time you were here.
* D’Angelo Dinero: This is rough, very rough. My heart and prayers goes out to Umaga’s wife, his boys, and family.
* Allison Danger: RIP Umaga. I thank you for your kindness when we met. My heart aches for your family and my thoughts are with them in their time of need.
* Ken Anderson: go out and tear the house down. We both had something to prove that night and in my opinion: Mission Accomplished! Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Fatu family. Ecki absolutely adored his wife and was extremely proud of his children. I have so many amazing, funny, and heartwarming (sometimes gut wrenching belly-laughing) memories.
* Matt Hardy: Just landed in Shreveport to go to work tonight-I’m very saddened to hear about Ecky (Umaga) & his family-please keep them in your prayers.
* Hurricane Helms: Heartbroken. No words.
* Jeremy Borash: RIP Eddie Fatu
* TNA Online: RIP Eddie Fatu
Eddie Fatu’s presence in the wrestling ring will truly be missed. He was a true warrior, and a true Samoan in every sense of the word. RIP Eddie Fatu, we will never forget you and what you brought to the wrestling world. My condolences go out to Eddie’s friends, family and all of his fans worldwide. God Bless you all.
