Real-life Bloodline member credits WWE legend for guiding him after prison time
A real-life Bloodline member recently shared insights into his relationship with WWE Hall of Famer Booker T. The multi-time World Champion has served as Zilla Fatu's mentor and guiding figure throughout his career.
After serving a six-year prison sentence for aggravated robbery, The Main One embarked on a wrestling career following March 2022. Later in the summer of 2023, Zilla made his professional wrestling debut at Reality of Wrestling (ROW), a promotion owned by WWE NXT commentator Booker T.
During an interview on the Busted Open podcast, the late Umaga's son discussed his relationship with Booker T and explained how the latter played a crucial role in his wrestling career. Zilla Fatu claimed that after his release from jail, he chose Reality of Wrestling as his training ground and sought guidance from the former World Heavyweight Champion.
"When I came home [from jail], and I decided to wrestle, it was no doubt in my mind that Reality of Wrestling was the first school that popped up, and not only that, it's local. So I went there, and I called him [Booker T]. He pulled, and then we just worked," he said. [From 22:27 to 22:46]
You can watch the full video below:
Zilla Fatu says WWE legend told him to stay out of trouble
In his first-ever wrestling match, the real-life Bloodline member locked horns with Jonny Lyons at the ROW Summer Of Champions IX event on July 15, 2023. Zilla Fatu defeated his opponent in his debut match.
During the same interaction on the Busted Open podcast, The Main One stated that WWE Hall of Famer Booker T. helped him stay on the right track, forming a strong mentor-mentee relationship.
"And then after that we talked, and he [Booker T] was like, 'Uce, I need you to be locked in, I need you to get in shape, I need you to make sure that you're staying out of the trouble, make sure you're finishing your classes,' because with parole, you have certain classes, and rules, and regulations, that you have to follow. 'Make sure you finish that. And then, I got you.' So ever since then, it's been a rollercoaster with that. But me and Booker, we talk every day, he checks up on me and makes sure that I'm okay. It's a blessing to have him in my corner as a friend, as a mentor, as an uncle that I look up to," Fatu added. [From 22:47 to 23:24]
Zilla Fatu also disclosed that he was not in any rush to sign with WWE. However, fans are eager to see if the company plans to incorporate the 25-year-old Samoan star into The Bloodline storyline.
Please credit Busted Open and provide an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.