Additional Details Surface About Zilla Fatu Missing Indie Booking to Attend SummerSlam

Zilla Fatu did not make an appearance in the ring during SummerSlam, but he was spotted in the crowd at the summer’s biggest event. The son of Umaga was not easily overlooked. He was seen at the WWE hotel before the event, which started rumors about the reason behind his presence at the biggest party of the summer. It turns out that he missed a previously booked show to be at the WWE premium live event.

Fatu missed an indie booking for UPW in Michigan on the night of SummerSlam. UPW had been promoting his appearance on their social media accounts, including Facebook and Instagram, and even shared a promo video he recorded for the event.

We covered this story, and the post on Twitter received several replies. One reader commented to Ringside News on Twitter to say, “Do we know if he was actually booked? I know a promoter that would advertise wrestlers all the time knowing full well they weren’t actually booked. His name rhymes with The Flasked Faniac.”

That is when Aaron Pristelski, who works for UPW, tweeted to clarify that they did not phantom book Zilla Fatu. His deposit was paid, and he was scheduled to be at the show, but that didn’t happen.

“I do camera work for @UPWProWrestling, I was there last night. He was booked. Deposit was paid, not sure if it was returned or not. We don’t phantom book talent just to get butts in seats.”

As of this writing, Zilla Fatu has not addressed this controversy, but he was booked to be at the UPW event. Ringside News has also reached out to the promotion for additional information. We will release any additional relevant updates when they are made available.

We will keep an eye on this story because Zilla Fatu was at SummerSlam for a reason. He was also previously booked for another show and chose to be at the biggest party of the summer instead.

Roman Reigns returned at SummerSlam, kicking the Bloodline’s saga into a new chapter. Only time will tell if Zilla Fatu makes his way to WWE, but there could be an opening if the Original Tribal Chief needs some backup.

What’s your take on Zilla Fatu’s current situation? Do you think he is on his way to WWE? Let us know what you think in the comments section!