Roman Reigns Talks Working With The Rock, Triple H, How He's Related To Rock And Usos

Reigns was asked about The Shield hitting The Rock with a triple power bomb through a table at last year's Royal Rumble. Reigns said that it was cool, even though it was in the dark (the lights went out for the attack). He called the Rock "a really cool dude" and said that he enjoyed hanging out with him earlier in the day before the show.

Reigns was asked about people thinking that he's the next big thing. Reigns said his goal it to be the top guy, and that should be everybody's. He said that everybody in The Shield wants to be the top guy, and noted how close they have all become. He said that they are always going to be a good team.

He credited Triple H for giving him a lot of advice, and called him a great resource. He also named Road Dogg, Michael Hayes and Jamie Noble as guys who have helped him. He said that the one person who has helped him the most is Joey Mercury, and that he's a "great help" anytime he's around.

Reigns was asked about his family and he said that he learns a lot from them. He noted that he's been close with The Usos since he was four years old. He was asked how he's related to some of the other members of his legendary family, and he replied:

Rikishi: First cousin.

The Usos: Second cousins.

The Rock Second cousin.

Umaga: First cousin.

Yokozuna: First cousin.

This Day In Wrestling History

Alex Aberg draws with Ed "Strangler" Lewis at the Manhattan Opera House.
December 4, 1915

In a rather controversial segment, Rowdy Roddy Piper blamed Vince Russo for the death of Owen Hart live on NWA TNA's weekly PPV event.
December 4, 2002

Paul Heyman made his exit from World Wrestling Entertainment. Heyman was sent home from a Raw/ECW taping in North Carolina following a meeting with Vince McMahon, one day after the disastrous ECW December to Dismember Pay-per-view. Heyman was removed from the ECW Creative team, while a storyline reason for his departure was posted on WWE.com, stating Vince sent him home because: "The WWE Chairman cited slumping television ratings and a disgruntled talent roster as causes for Mr. Heyman's dismissal." Heyman had been portraying the heel "ECW Representative" on television.

The backstage story was that Vince McMahon was irate about how awful the PPV was and wanted to pin the blame on Heyman for it, despite many feeling that the poor PPV (which ended a half hour early) was the result of what the McMahons (Vince and Stephanie) booked for the show. Heyman was said to be unhappy with the way that the PPV was booked and backstage sources claim he voiced that concern both before the show began and after it. It was obvious that there were issues between Vince McMahon and Heyman because of the how the show played out on PPV, with everyone knowing it was a disaster.

A number of sources stated that a meeting was held around two o'clock with Heyman, Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon-Levesque. Heyman came out of the meeting and seemed like his normal self, with no one realizing what had just taken place. Shortly thereafter, Heyman gathered his things and left the building to go home.
December 4, 2006

Eddie Fatu, better known to WWE fans as Umaga, passes away.
December 4, 2009

partial source: pwinsider.com

This Day in Wrestling History

Alex Aberg draws with Ed "Strangler" Lewis at the Manhattan Opera House.
December 4, 1915

In a rather controversial segment, Rowdy Roddy Piper blamed Vince Russo for the death of Owen Hart live on NWA TNA's weekly PPV event.
December 4, 2002

Paul Heyman made his exit from World Wrestling Entertainment. Heyman was sent home from a Raw/ECW taping in North Carolina following a meeting with Vince McMahon, one day after the disastrous ECW December to Dismember Pay-per-view. Heyman was removed from the ECW Creative team, while a storyline reason for his departure was posted on WWE.com, stating Vince sent him home because: "The WWE Chairman cited slumping television ratings and a disgruntled talent roster as causes for Mr. Heyman's dismissal." Heyman had been portraying the heel "ECW Representative" on television.

The backstage story was that Vince McMahon was irate about how awful the PPV was and wanted to pin the blame on Heyman for it, despite many feeling that the poor PPV (which ended a half hour early) was the result of what the McMahons (Vince and Stephanie) booked for the show. Heyman was said to be unhappy with the way that the PPV was booked and backstage sources claim he voiced that concern both before the show began and after it. It was obvious that there were issues between Vince McMahon and Heyman because of the how the show played out on PPV, with everyone knowing it was a disaster.

A number of sources stated that a meeting was held around two o'clock with Heyman, Vince McMahon and Stephanie McMahon-Levesque. Heyman came out of the meeting and seemed like his normal self, with no one realizing what had just taken place. Shortly thereafter, Heyman gathered his things and left the building to go home.
December 4, 2006

Eddie Fatu, better known to WWE fans as Umaga, passes away.
December 4, 2009

partial source: pwinsider.com

Blast From The Past: Triple H Saves Jeff Hardy

Family Legacy Important to Rikishi Fatu

Solofa Fatu has been known by many names in wrestling circles. He's been a Headshrinker, "made a difference," been a Sultan, and made an "ass" of himself as his most famous character, Rikishi. As part of the legendary Samoan Anoa'i family he is part of a rich wrestling history.

Being part of a huge wrestling family has its attractions, but it also seems to attract tragedy. There are many comparisons between the Anoa'i family and the Hart Family in triumphs and tragedies. Most recently for Fatu himself, it was the loss of his brother Eddie, who wrestled as Umaga, on December 4, 2009.

"With or without wrestling, any time you lose a loved one in your family is very difficult. Unfortunately, it had to be, you know, God's time is God's time," he started...More?

source: slam wrestling

Report on Edward 'Umaga' Fatu's Death

ESPN Columnists on Deaths in Wrestling

ESPN's Bill Simmons and Malcolm Gladwell have a discussion at this link about the recent death of Eddie "Umaga" Fatu, Roddy Piper's reaction to it and the wrestling business as a whole.

Rumor Mill - Umaga's Condition During His Final Days

It is being reported that Umaga had been telling friends that he expected to return to WWE, and that he had reached some sort of agreement with the company that would have seen him return either at or around the time of the Royal Rumble PPV. Apparently the deal was reached with WWE at the time that he committed to working the "Hulkamania" tour, and WWE was attempting to secure Umaga's deal in an effort to thwart Hogan's tour. Umaga of course worked the tour anyways, even though WWE was not happy about it.

Additionally, Hulk Hogan did make an attempt to bring Umaga into TNA, however he told Hogan that he has already committed to working with WWE, and that he felt a certain amount of loyalty to Triple H and Stephanie McMahon as they were the ones who pushed hard for him during his first run with the company.

source: wrestling observer

WWE Fans Rage at Umaga Snub

WWE were under fire today, as British fans slammed the company for refusing to acknowledge Umaga's passing on their flagship TV show...More?

source: the sun

Triple H vs. Umaga Lumberjack Match

WWE Reports Eddie "Umaga" Fatu Dead at Age 36

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.

Statement from the Anoa'i Family:

"On behalf of my family, the Anoa’i and Fatu family, we are devastated and shocked by the loss of our Eki...We are making our plans now for our farewell to Eki, but I wanted to take this time to thank everyone for all of the thousands of posts, emails, letters, and cards. Although I have not been able to bring myself to answer them personally, your kindness does not go unnoticed. I want to especially thank our WWE family and Stephanie McMahon for everything, and her phone call was very comforting to me in my time of sorrow."...More?

Former WWE Star Umaga Hospitalized with Life Threatening Issues

Former WWE wrestler Umaga (a/k/a Eddie Fatu) has been hospitalized with a serious medical condition. A friend of the family stated earlier today that rumors of Umaga's death were untrue, yet noted that the situation is serious enough that he is on life support.

source: prowrestling.net

"Hulkamania" Australia Tour with Former WWE Talent

Shannon Moore, Umaga, Ken Anderson and Val Venis have been confirmed for the tour. Ric Flair is in talks with the promotion.

Umaga Released for Drug Test Failure & Rehab Refusal

Statement from wwe.com:

As reported on WWE.com on Monday, June 8, 2009, WWE Superstar Umaga (Edward Fatu) has been released from his World Wrestling Entertainment contract. However, consistent with the practice of announcing wellness policy violations, it should be noted that Umaga's termination was due to his second violation of the WWE Wellness Program and his subsequent refusal to attend a rehabilitation facility.

Umaga Released

Standard line from wwe.com:

World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of SmackDown Superstar Umaga as of today, June 8, 2009. WWE wishes Umaga the best in all future endeavors.

Umaga Injury Update

Apparently, Umaga was not injured during his match against Triple H last week. There was no talk backstage regarding an injury and he has worked recent house shows. The injury angle was used to keep him from ringside while the Triple H and Legacy angle was happening. The referee sold the injury to the crowd by signaling an X sign, which indicates that there was a legit injury.

Premiere Date for WWE Superstars on WGN

The new WWE Superstars show will premiere on Thursday, April 16, 2009 on WGN America. The show will air at 8 PM and again at 11 PM. It will last for one hour and will feature superstars from all three WWE brands. As far as we know, new material will be taped for the show.

Current advertisements for WWE Superstars feature Triple H, John Morrison, Rey Mysterio, Batista, The Undertaker, Jeff Hardy, Umaga, and MVP.

Triple H vs. Umaga 03/06

Rumor Mill - Umaga Injured

According to several live reports sent in from fans who were at this week’s double SmackDown tapings at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Umaga suffered a leg injury.

The former IC champion was wrestling WWE Champion Triple H in the main event of Friday's SmackDown. During the match, the Samoan Bulldozer went down and the referee did the “x” hand signal that means an injury has occured. Umaga did not wrestle on the second show taped later in the night for next week.

At this time, there is no confirmation on how serious the injury is. Umaga recently returned to WWE after being out for several months due to a torn PCL suffered back in August 2008.

Umaga Returns

Umaga made his in-ring return to WWE at last night's SmackDown house show in Tyler, Texas in a match against Hurricane Helms. Umaga was victorious with the Samoan Spike.

Umaga has been out since the beginning of August with a torn PCL that did not require surgery. He has been healthy for months now, however, was asked to lose weight before he was brought back to TV. WWE has began promoting his return to SmackDown with vignettes.

source: wrestlingnewsworld.com