Zilla Fatu has only been part of NXT for a few weeks, but WWE may already be preparing him for an eventual move to the main roster.
WrestleVotes reported through Fightful Select that people within WWE expect Fatu to reach Raw or SmackDown “before long.” Dave Meltzer similarly stated on Wrestling Observer Radio that Fatu is expected to join the main roster “soon enough.”
Neither report provided a timetable, and WWE has not officially announced a call-up.
The video package shown during Monday’s Raw reportedly served two purposes. In addition to promoting Fatu’s NXT Championship opportunity at Heatwave, it was designed as a “soft introduction” for viewers unfamiliar with the 26-year-old.
That national exposure could make a future transition easier by establishing Fatu’s name, family history and connection to one of WWE’s most prominent storylines before he appears regularly on the main roster.
According to WrestleVotes, some within the company believe that placing Fatu alongside his relatives in The Bloodline early in his WWE career could position him for long-term success. No specific alignment or creative direction has been confirmed.
Fatu made his surprise NXT debut on August 11 by interrupting a number-one contender’s match between Grayson Waller and Cruz Montana. He attacked both wrestlers before confronting NXT champion Tony D’Angelo at ringside.
The angle eventually resulted in all three challengers receiving a championship opportunity. D’Angelo will defend the NXT title against Fatu, Waller and Montana in a Fatal Four-Way match at Heatwave on Sunday, August 30, at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas. The match will also mark Fatu’s official WWE in-ring debut.
Fatu is the son of the late Umaga and a member of the Anoa’i wrestling family. His relatives include Jimmy and Jey Uso, Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu and Roman Reigns, giving WWE an immediate path to connect him with its long-running Bloodline saga.
Before signing with WWE, Fatu trained under Booker T at Reality of Wrestling and competed for promotions including House of Glory and Game Changer Wrestling.
Whether Fatu spends months in NXT or moves to the main roster shortly after Heatwave remains unknown. The Raw introduction and internal expectations nevertheless suggest WWE views his developmental run as a potential launching point rather than a lengthy destination.
