WWE Reportedly Never Considered Changing Zilla Fatu’s Name

Zilla Fatu was always set to keep his name on WWE programming.

On the latest edition of WWE NXT, Zilla Fatu crashed the Number One Contender’s match for the NXT Championship between Cruz Montana and Grayson Waller. After delivering a devastating clothesline to Waller, Fatu then floored Montana with a Samoan Drop, resulting in a disqualification finish.

Unlike most NXT debuts from independent prospects, Zilla was immediately identified as “Zilla Fatu” rather than being introduced as some vague “hot new prospect” from the independent scene. According to False Finish, WWE never considered changing Zilla’s name, which is why the commentary team was able to identify him immediately.

“Sources indicate to False Finish that Zilla Fatu was always expected to debut in WWE using the name Zilla Fatu. There was never any talk of changing his name prior to his arrival which is why commentary was able to outright say his name.”

-False Finish

Fatu is the latest member of the illustrious Anoa’i family to make his way to WWE. The family has produced countless iconic figures throughout the company’s history, including Yokozuna, The Rock, Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Fatu’s father, the late two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion Umaga.

With World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns currently leading a reunited Bloodline alongside The Usos and Jacob Fatu on Monday Night RAW, it remains to be seen whether Zilla Fatu will ultimately find himself working alongside his cousins.

You can find more on the latest WWE news here.

As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on Zilla Fatu’s NXT debut as soon as we hear more.