Exploring Underrated Wrestlers: Umaga

As a member of the legendary Anoa’i family, Umaga blended wrestling and brutality better than many other WWE Superstars.

Well first off, who exactly was Umaga?

Umaga was a Samoan-American professional wrestler, as part of the same family as many other WWE stars, such as The Rock, Rikishi, and The Usos.

While in WWE, Umaga went through several personas and gimmicks. But as time would show, Umaga was best portrayed as a truck-like Samoan who would attack any wrestler in sight. An important part of this gimmick was the fact that he could only be controlled by his manager, Armando Alejandro Estrada.

His first rivalry was with Ric Flair, who Umaga would viciously beat at Backlash 2006. Shortly after, Umaga would go on to feud with Kane.

January 2007 would mark the end of the Samoan’s nine-month undefeated streak. However, this would not put a stop to his vicious matches.

In early 2007, Umaga would align himself with the then-heel McMahon family. Vince would award Umaga an Intercontinental Championship match against Jeff Hardy, which Umaga would win.

For months, he would deliberately help Mr. McMahon win matches, specifically against the then-face Bobby Lashley.

John Cena had some intense bouts with Umaga, including a Last Man Standing match for the WWE Championship, which Cena would be victorious.

One of the best feuds of 2007 was between Umaga and Jeff Hardy. The two went back-and-forth battling for the Intercontinental Championship.

This rivalry ended in a stellar Last Man Standing match, which Hardy would win.

Before leaving WWE, Umaga had a feud with CM Punk. There were many televised segments, as well as a match at Judgement Day 2009, won by Umaga.

However, Punk would defeat Umaga in a Samoan strap match, and this would be Umaga’s last appearance in WWE.

Umaga would compete in the independent circuit as well as on the Hulkamania Tour.

Unfortunately, Umaga would pass away on December 4, 2009 at the age of 36.