Hello guys, welcome back to Amolipi channel, where you can learn more interesting information
about your favorite actors and athletes. In today's video, let’s take a look back
at the glorious career of the wrestler Umaga.
Edward Smith Fatu was an American Samoan professional wrestler,
was born on March 28, 1973 and died on December 4, 2009, at the age of 36.
best known for his time with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) under the ring name Umaga.
Known as “The Samoan Savage,” he was a two-time International Champion in the WWE,
and part of the tag team known as the Samoan Gangstas and 3-Minute Warning.
Fatu was born to Vera and Solofa Fatu, Sr. Fatu was a member of the Anoaʻi family. His mother,
Vera, was the sister of Afa and Sika of The Wild Samoans.
His two older brothers, Sam and Solofa, are also professional wrestlers. He was
also the uncle of The Usos, and a cousin of several professional wrestlers, including
Yokozuna, The Rock, Rosey and Roman Reigns. Fatu and his wife L.T. Fatu had four children.
Fatu trained with his cousin Matt Anoaʻi at the Wild Samoan professional wrestling school
operated by members of their family. In 1995, with his training complete, Fatu debuted
in World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW) promotion. In 2001, Fatu, along with his cousin Matt,
signed developmental contracts with World Wrestling Federation (WWF), and were assigned
to Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA). During his first stint with WWE billed as Jamal, he was
part of tag team 3-Minute Warning, with his cousin Matt Anoaʻi, billed as Rosey. Fatu being released
from his WWE contract in June 2003, reportedly after his involvement in a bar fight. Fatu then
wrestled for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) under the ring name of Ekmo Fatu in 2003 and for
All Japan Pro Wrestling from 2004 to 2005. In April 2006, Fatu returned to WWE under
the ring name Umaga. Fatu went undefeated for many months on the Raw brand throughout much of 2006,
before suffering his first defeat in January 2007. The following month,
he won the WWE Intercontinental Championship for the first time, and won it for the second time in
July 2007. He also appeared in the "Battle of the Billionaires" WrestleMania match as Mr. McMahon's
representative. On June 8, 2009, WWE announced that Fatu was released from his WWE contract.
On December 4, 2009, Fatu was found by his wife in their Houston, Texas home, unresponsive and with
blood coming from his nose. A 911 call was made and Fatu was rushed to a hospital by ambulance.
He had suffered a heart attack and was pronounced dead at around 5pm. Toxicology reports revealed
that Fatu had drugs hydrocodone, carisoprodol, and diazepam in his system. Houston medical examiners
also found that Fatu had both heart and liver disease. It was determined that the combination
of Fatu’s drug use, along with his bad heart and liver ultimately led to his death, and his death
was officially ruled a heart attack brought on by an acute toxicity of multiple substances.
At the time of his death in 2009, the wrestler's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.
Being only 36 years old, Umaga’s sudden death shocked the wrestling world and still breaks
the heart of many. His legacy still lives on in the WWE today as his nephews and current
Smackdown Tag Team Champions, The Usos, still pay tribute to their uncle almost
every time they’re in the ring. Umaga, without a doubt, deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
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