Roman Reigns‘ cousin, Zilla Fatu, a promising talent on the independent wrestling scene, is set to challenge AEW World Champion MJF at the ‘No Turning Back’ event on February 20th in Queens, New York. The 26-year-old HOG Crown Jewel Champion has gained attention for his in-ring skills and is now stepping into the national spotlight as he prepares to face one of AEW’s top stars. This matchup highlights the growing rivalry between talented wrestlers outside WWE and the established AEW roster.
Family Legacy and Early Career of Zilla Fatu
Belonging to the renowned Anoaʻi wrestling family, which includes legendary names like Roman Reigns, The Rock, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, and Jacob Fatu, Zilla Fatu continues his family’s legacy in the wrestling world. Though he is carving his own path, Fatu acknowledges he still has much to learn before joining WWE’s main roster. In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, he expressed the need for further growth before making such a leap.
“No. I thought I was. No, I think I still have more time to grow. I’m still green. I still have a long way to go, man,” said Zilla Fatu.
Social Media Feud Highlights Tensions Ahead of the Match
Leading up to the match, Zilla Fatu and MJF have exchanged challenges on social media, intensifying the hype around their contest. Fatu recently referenced a backstage incident involving MJF and Samoa Joe during their time in NXT, using it as a moment to taunt the AEW champion. He thanked Samoa Joe for asserting dominance over MJF, implying a pattern of the AEW star being pushed around by Samoan wrestlers.
“If memory serves me right, you’ve been getting pushed around us Samoans for the longest. Thank you Joe,” said Zilla Fatu.
Potential Future Implications for Zilla Fatu’s Career
While Zilla Fatu anticipates the challenge ahead, his acknowledgment of needing more experience suggests a measured approach to his career progression. Should he impress against MJF, it might open doors for greater visibility and possibly a future WWE debut alongside cousin Roman Reigns. For now, the upcoming match at the NYC EventSpace in Queens is a significant opportunity for Fatu to prove himself on a major stage and further establish his name in professional wrestling.
A message from the Main One…@The_MJF https://t.co/0RmfNzL1km pic.twitter.com/7WOEepCuwo
— ZILLA FATU (@Zillafatu) February 19, 2026
