Add as a preferred source on Google Luke Menzies, known in WWE as Ridge Holland, criticized the company’s creative process while discussing how Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu are currently being used on programming.
During an interview with Sports Jedi Network, Menzies said WWE often leans on proven formulas when it needs to present larger performers to the audience. The former Brawling Brutes member pointed to Umaga as the main reference point the company has used for Solo and Fatu.
“WWE always has a way, for instance if you look at Solo or Jacob Fatu, it’s like ‘Ok, we’re gonna make them Umaga, because they know that Umaga worked in the past, so they already have a recipe there that works.
“But if it’s something they have to create something that’s totally new, they might shy away from it because they don’t know that it might not work. It’s a lot easier to stay safe and say ‘Well, this recipe works.’
“With us (Brawling Brutes) there was no reference point for booking. Pete (Dunne) was in a new character, he wasn’t The Brusierweight he was Butch. Sheamus that was fine, Hall of Fame career by that point. For us it was kind of like we’ll just turn up to work, do what we’re told, do it to the best of our ability, and hopefully it works out.”
Solo Sikoa was presented for years as The Bloodline’s enforcer, while Jacob Fatu made his WWE debut in June 2024 alongside Sikoa.
Umaga, meanwhile, is remembered as one of the major Samoan monsters in recent WWE history, facing names such as John Cena, Jeff Hardy, CM Punk, Ric Flair, and Triple H, while also holding the Intercontinental Championship.