6. Umaga Released For Second Wellness Failure And Refusing Rehab
There was a lot of confusion surrounding the release of Umaga on June 8th, 2009. First of all, it came just twenty four hours after his loss to CM Punk in a Samoan Strap Match at the Extreme Rules PPV. Did something happen backstage at the event that led to his dismissal? Not exactly, no. The reason given for Umaga's release was that he had failed a wellness test for a second time. This was also odd, as several WWE wrestlers (including Randy Orton) had two violations to their name and were not released, yet Umaga was. Also, Umaga was slated to work a headline feud with The Undertaker later in the year. Then the details started to emerge: Umaga's substance abuse problem was serious and he had rejected WWE's order that he enter a rehabilitation facility. Umaga wrestled sporadically on the independent circuit in the months afterwards, including the Hulk Hogan Hulkamania tour of Australia in late November. Edward 'Umaga' Fatu died on December 4th, 2009 after suffering a heart attack at his home. The official cause of death was listed as acute toxicity due to the combined effects of hydrocodone, carisoprodol and diazepam. WWE cannot be faulted here: they tried everything they could to get Umaga the help he needed.
