Post by MGH on Dec 4, 2009 16:35:55 GMT -5
The fact that I even have to do this is embarrassing enough, so I'm only saying this once. Learn some damn respect for one another, and for this serious situation. Next person who derails this thread like the other one or the next two people who begin sniping at one another won't be around here for the next thread. This is a thread paying respect to one of the workers who entertained us over the years, if you can't deal with that like adults then don't post.
Will someone please add the most recent update and continue on from here?
Edit from Psy: And if I see someone going on about their sig - you're out. Your sig doesn't freaking matter.
Guys, any talk of WWE or anything outside of paying respect to Umaga will result in your post getting deleted. This is a thread for paying your respect, anything else can go to another thread. - Ric
FORMER WWE STAR EDDIE 'UMAGA' FATU HOSPITALIZED, SERIOUSLY ILL
by Mike Johnson & Buck Woodward @ 2:40 PM on 12/4/2009
Former WWE Intercontinental champion and one-time Wrestlemania headliner Eddie "Umaga" Fatu is hospitalized in a ICU unit in Houston, Texas. There have been reports making their way among wrestlers that Fatu has died and/or is brain dead but sources close to Anoia family will only confirm that he is hospitalized at this time. A WWE source, when contacted, noted that the company was aware and that it was a "grave situation."
Eddie Fatu, best known to wrestling fans as Umaga, was born on March 28, 1973. A part of the famous Anoai Samoan wrestling family, his early career was spent mostly in tag team action with his cousin Matt Anoai as The Island Boys in WWF developmental HWA.
After working various territories here and overseas, Fatu and Anoai were christened "3-Minute Warning" (Jamal and Rosey) by WWE in 2002, where they were essentially henchmen for then Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff. He was released from WWE in the summer of 2003, reportedly after being involved in a fight in a restaurant. Matt stayed on as Rosey, best known as Hurricane Helms' Super Hero In Training.
Fatu then wrestled as Ekmo for TNA, and also began working for All Japan Pro Wrestling. During his time in All Japan, his work improved greatly, and in 2005 he resigned with WWE and the Umaga character debuted in 2006. Before signing with WWE again, he also made regular appearances for the now-defunct Major League Wrestling promoted by Court Bauer in Florida.
Initially managed by Armando Alejandro Estrada, Umaga wrestled main event level stars such as Ric Flair, Triple H, Shawn Michaels and had what was considered one of John Cena's best matches ever at the Royal Rumble in January 2007. This was followed by the highest profile match of his career, as he was Vince McMahon's "hand-picked" wrestler against Bobby Lashley (who was representing Donald Trump) at Wrestlemania 23, which was the centerpiece of that year's promotion for the event in Detroit. Umaga lost and as a result, Lashley, Trump and special referee Steve Austin shaved Vince McMahon bald.
Umaga remained a mid to upper card performer for the company, until a torn PCL sidelined him in 2008. During that time off, he was suspended by WWE when his name came up among a list of performers who had received prescriptions from an online pharmacy, a violation of the company's Wellness Policy. He returned to the ring in January 2009, and appeared to be geared up for another big push with rumors of a big program with The Undertaker on the Smackdown brand. He was released suddenly in June of 2009 after his second Wellness Policy violation. WWE later disclosed that Fatu refused to enter rehabilitation, as outlined in their policy (a second violation meant automatic rehab), and he was promptly was let go.
Fatu then wrestled on international and independent shows using variations on the Umaga name (like "Rumaga"). He claimed several months back that he might be returning to the company while booking out of a scheduled DVD interview, but nothing came of it. He ended up booked on Hulk Hogan's Australia tour as his brother, the former Rikishi, booked the undercard talent, working with Ken Anderson.
Our best wishes to the Anoai family and Fatu's friends, family and fans during this sad time.
Death confirmed by WWE.com:
Will someone please add the most recent update and continue on from here?
Edit from Psy: And if I see someone going on about their sig - you're out. Your sig doesn't freaking matter.
Guys, any talk of WWE or anything outside of paying respect to Umaga will result in your post getting deleted. This is a thread for paying your respect, anything else can go to another thread. - Ric
Former WWE star Umaga hospitalized in life-threatening condition
Edward Fatu, 36, is hospitalized in Houston and in what was described as life threatening condition by a long-time friend. He was just removed from life support.
His family was told to come into town as quickly as possible. Family members have been told they believe he suffered a heart attack.
Details are sketchy at this point but he apparently fell asleep last night while watching television, and several hours later, his wife found him not breathing with blood coming out of his nose and he was rushed to the hospital.
Fatu, who lives in nearby Spring, TX, wrestled under a number of names including Ekmo, Jamal and most notably Umaga. He had just returned a few days ago from the Hulk Hogan tour of Australia.
He was released by WWE in June after failing a drug test and refusing the company's wishes to send him to rehab.
Edward Fatu, 36, is hospitalized in Houston and in what was described as life threatening condition by a long-time friend. He was just removed from life support.
His family was told to come into town as quickly as possible. Family members have been told they believe he suffered a heart attack.
Details are sketchy at this point but he apparently fell asleep last night while watching television, and several hours later, his wife found him not breathing with blood coming out of his nose and he was rushed to the hospital.
Fatu, who lives in nearby Spring, TX, wrestled under a number of names including Ekmo, Jamal and most notably Umaga. He had just returned a few days ago from the Hulk Hogan tour of Australia.
He was released by WWE in June after failing a drug test and refusing the company's wishes to send him to rehab.
FORMER WWE STAR EDDIE 'UMAGA' FATU HOSPITALIZED, SERIOUSLY ILL
by Mike Johnson & Buck Woodward @ 2:40 PM on 12/4/2009
Former WWE Intercontinental champion and one-time Wrestlemania headliner Eddie "Umaga" Fatu is hospitalized in a ICU unit in Houston, Texas. There have been reports making their way among wrestlers that Fatu has died and/or is brain dead but sources close to Anoia family will only confirm that he is hospitalized at this time. A WWE source, when contacted, noted that the company was aware and that it was a "grave situation."
Eddie Fatu, best known to wrestling fans as Umaga, was born on March 28, 1973. A part of the famous Anoai Samoan wrestling family, his early career was spent mostly in tag team action with his cousin Matt Anoai as The Island Boys in WWF developmental HWA.
After working various territories here and overseas, Fatu and Anoai were christened "3-Minute Warning" (Jamal and Rosey) by WWE in 2002, where they were essentially henchmen for then Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff. He was released from WWE in the summer of 2003, reportedly after being involved in a fight in a restaurant. Matt stayed on as Rosey, best known as Hurricane Helms' Super Hero In Training.
Fatu then wrestled as Ekmo for TNA, and also began working for All Japan Pro Wrestling. During his time in All Japan, his work improved greatly, and in 2005 he resigned with WWE and the Umaga character debuted in 2006. Before signing with WWE again, he also made regular appearances for the now-defunct Major League Wrestling promoted by Court Bauer in Florida.
Initially managed by Armando Alejandro Estrada, Umaga wrestled main event level stars such as Ric Flair, Triple H, Shawn Michaels and had what was considered one of John Cena's best matches ever at the Royal Rumble in January 2007. This was followed by the highest profile match of his career, as he was Vince McMahon's "hand-picked" wrestler against Bobby Lashley (who was representing Donald Trump) at Wrestlemania 23, which was the centerpiece of that year's promotion for the event in Detroit. Umaga lost and as a result, Lashley, Trump and special referee Steve Austin shaved Vince McMahon bald.
Umaga remained a mid to upper card performer for the company, until a torn PCL sidelined him in 2008. During that time off, he was suspended by WWE when his name came up among a list of performers who had received prescriptions from an online pharmacy, a violation of the company's Wellness Policy. He returned to the ring in January 2009, and appeared to be geared up for another big push with rumors of a big program with The Undertaker on the Smackdown brand. He was released suddenly in June of 2009 after his second Wellness Policy violation. WWE later disclosed that Fatu refused to enter rehabilitation, as outlined in their policy (a second violation meant automatic rehab), and he was promptly was let go.
Fatu then wrestled on international and independent shows using variations on the Umaga name (like "Rumaga"). He claimed several months back that he might be returning to the company while booking out of a scheduled DVD interview, but nothing came of it. He ended up booked on Hulk Hogan's Australia tour as his brother, the former Rikishi, booked the undercard talent, working with Ken Anderson.
Our best wishes to the Anoai family and Fatu's friends, family and fans during this sad time.
Umaga update
Just to clear things up that have been reported, Eddie Fatu at this point is still alive and in a hospital in Houston. The family is being gathered and without a miraculous recovery, it is just a matter of time. But he has not passed away.
Just to clear things up that have been reported, Eddie Fatu at this point is still alive and in a hospital in Houston. The family is being gathered and without a miraculous recovery, it is just a matter of time. But he has not passed away.
Death confirmed by WWE.com:
WWE would like to express its deepest condolences to Mr. Fatu’s family, friends and fans on his tragic passing. Mr. Fatu was under contract with WWE at various time periods and most recently performed under the name "Umaga." Mr. Fatu's contract was terminated on June 11, 2009.