Zilla Fatu is officially part of WWE NXT, but his arrival has taken a different path from what many fans had anticipated for the son of Umaga and a member of the renowned Anoa’i wrestling family.
For months, speculation had suggested that Fatu would bypass NXT and make his WWE debut on the main roster as a member of The Bloodline. Those expectations grew stronger in 2026 as the faction returned to prominence.
Fatu had previously expressed his desire to become part of The Bloodline, further fueling speculation that WWE could eventually introduce him into the group. His potential debut had consequently become a frequent topic among fans.
However, according to a report from False Finish, WWE never intended for Fatu to debut as part of The Bloodline. The report claims that the company’s plan was for Fatu to begin his WWE career in NXT all along.
That does not necessarily close the door on Fatu joining The Bloodline in the future. His cousin Solo Sikoa provides a similar example, having made his WWE NXT debut in 2021 before becoming part of The Bloodline the following year.
Fatu already brings several years of in-ring experience to WWE, having competed on the independent wrestling scene before signing with the company. Just days before making his NXT debut, he also relinquished House of Glory’s HOG Crown Jewel Championship.
