Pro Wrestling Chronicle

You spend a few hours off the web, not expecting terrible news like this. I was quite shocked to learn just a few minutes ago the passing of Edward Fatu, better known as Umaga.

He was only 36 when he died in a hospital earlier today. As one might expect, he had his issues (WWE fired him this summer after a second Wellness Policy violation and he refused to enter rehab). With one glaring exception two and a half years ago, I’ve chosen not to harp on the lifestyles these guys lead (smarter and more experienced people than I already do that) and think back to career highlights. In Fatu’s case, it was as an entertaining old school monster heel. When he first popped up on the Raw after WrestleMania 22, I thought he was pretty goofy and in the wrong decade, but he eventually won me over with his entertaining squash matches and demeanor. He’ll be remembered for being a part of main focus of WrestleMania 23 with McMahon and Trump, but I’ll remember him more for his Last Man Standing Match with John Cena at the 2007 Royal Rumble, a damn fine night for both men.

Early on, he was the result of everyone taking up “3 minutes” of Eric Bischoff’s time. He held the Intercontinental Title a couple times. He slaughtered poor souls with his rapid fire ass in the corner and hitch-hiking into their throat. He just recently toured Australia with The Nature Boy and that Hollywood blond jabronie. Most importantly, he beat the piss out of annoying pseudo-celebs who couldn’t sell. Thanks for the memories, ya beast.