I was just watching a special the other day on the rise and fall of the WCW. At one time, they were the rival organization to the more widely known WWE when professional wrestling was at its apex in the 80s. It had me thinking of the good old days when it was fun to watch wrestling because of all the vibrant personalities they had. That included Umaga who is now no longer with us.
Edward Fatu, better known as his wrestling name "Umaga", died Friday from a heart attack in a Houston hospital. He was only 36-years-old.
Umaga was one of those wrestlers who I knew more for their look rather than their personality. I don't even recall him doing much talking or having much of a dominant storyline. I just distinctly remember his tattooed body (including his face) and his ability to be fairly agile for his overweight size.
Unfortunately, Umaga is the latest in a slew of nearly a dozen wrestlers that have all passed away within the last ten years. There were a few that were due to old age, but most of them were all under the age of 45 and had something to do with heart problems. Which can be directly attributed to steroids.
I never have understood the allure of drugs for any purpose at all. Not even in the instance of enhancing one's self for sports entertainment. It seems to be such common sense to stay away from them. Especially when these cats know the history of the wrestlers that have suffered untimely deaths because of it. Still they do them anyway.
Hopefully, more of the new breed of pro wrestlers will take heed of this latest tragedy and stay away from performance enhancing drugs. That doesn't seem very likely though considering the disturbing trend that continues to exist. It may not be long before I'm on here writing about another one gone too soon.
It was reported that just earlier this year, Umaga had his contract terminated due to violating the WWE's "Wellness Program". I translate that as meaning he got caught using roids. They offered him rehab but he refused. Maybe if he would have accepted, he would still be alive today.
Rest in peace, Umaga.
