GCW owner Brett Lauderdale is firing back after Zilla Fatu launched a scathing attack on him and the promotion—accusing GCW of being unsafe and calling the company’s top executive “weird as hell.”
The February 8 livestream saw Fatu fire off a warning to fans, saying they should never bring children to a GCW show and specifically targeting Lauderdale’s character.
“Man, f*** GCW, man. Weird ass owner, man. It’s a weird ass owner. Nah for real, shout out to Frankie, man. Make sure that’s the last time you go to GCW, alright? That’s the last time. I’m telling ya’ll, the owner weird as hell, bro. If you got kids, do not take your kids there. Don’t take none of your kids to that, I’m telling y’all, man. Nah, for real.”
Lauderdale hit back in a massive Twitter thread on February 9. And while he didn’t return the profanity, he absolutely delivered the receipts. Lauderdale defended his company and his own role in Fatu’s early career, pulling back the curtain on their fractured relationship.
Lauderdale stated that Zilla came into GCW with minimal experience and already a tarnished reputation, referencing Fatu’s well-known departure from Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling. According to Lauderdale, GCW invested in Fatu when others wouldn’t, giving him travel, mentorship, and exposure. He made it clear that the promotion took a risk that few others in the industry were willing to.
“When I first met Zilla he had 13 matches and an ugly falling out with Booker T under his belt. We took him into the GCW family, brought him on the road and gave him the opportunity to work with, be around & learn from some of the best in the business. Nobody else would touch him.”
While choosing not to directly criticize Fatu’s famous lineage, Lauderdale implied that Zilla’s issues are self-inflicted—and are the reason he hasn’t landed a major TV deal.
“I have a lot of respect for the family so I won’t say anything to damage his career, but there’s a reason he’s still out here and not with them on TV—and it has nothing to do with his talent. Unfortunately he hasnt figured that part out yet.”
Lauderdale then implied Fatu’s current circle is toxic, filled with enablers encouraging reckless behavior for social media clout. His closing message was part warning, part challenge: Fatu has the name and potential—but it’s up to him whether he becomes a breakout star or a burnout story.
“Young wrestlers, be careful who you surround yourself with… The dudes sitting next to you, laughing it up & encouraging you when you say & do dumb s*** are not your friends… They are seeking attention & clout at your expense. Zilla will either figure it out (soon) and fulfill his destiny, or he will end up as just another cautionary tale. I wish him the best regardless.”
This isn’t just a feud—it’s a reality check. Whether Fatu takes it as motivation or lets it define him could determine the next chapter of his wrestling story. He’s got the pedigree. Now it’s on him to prove he’s more than just potential.
Do you think Brett Lauderdale handled Zilla Fatu’s accusations the right way? Or should this have stayed behind the scenes? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know where you stand.