Zilla Fatu On Facing Charles Mason: ‘Friends Turn Into Enemies’ At HOG Texas

Zilla Fatu previewed his upcoming match with Charles Mason at HOG Texas on July 11 in a new interview with Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful. The match on July 11 will see Fatu put his championship up against the HOG World Heavyweight Champion Charles Mason. The winner of the match will walk out with both championship belts, signaling the start of a new era for HOG.

During a recent interview with Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, Zilla discussed the respect he has for Mason. Referring to him as a former friend, Fatu expressed admiration for Mason as a veteran in the scene. Still, he said that while he’s nervous, he’s not going to back down.

“So Charles Mason, when I first came in the game, uce, Charles Mason was an OG and he still is. For some reason, he wants a piece of the Main One, and sometimes friends could turn into enemies. It just sucks because that’s what this Friday is about and I just definitely understand where he’s coming from, but I don’t at the same time, because I thought we was cool and I thought we was buddies. I thought we was going to take over together, but whatever got into his mind and whatever got to him and his team, I guess that switched it up. This is Team Mason versus Team Zilla. So you know me, I’m not going to back down to anybody or anything. I’m just ready to run it. I’m nervous, but I got it. I got it, uce.”

Zilla Fatu will have held the HOG Crown Jewel Championship for 350 days by July 11. Since winning in July 2024, he defended against Matt Riddle, Enzo Amore, and more. Fatu called his run a huge accomplishment. He also praised supporters and Brian XL, HOG founder, for trusting him with the title.

“No, it’s a huge accomplishment to me and my team, and we take this title reign very, very seriously. Even though I don’t have the main title at HOG, I take the Crown Jewel Championship very seriously because this position that I’m in is once in a lifetime. It’s not easy to get to where I’m at right now with the Crown Jewel. All those matches you just named, I could have lost the title in any of those matches.

“By staying focused, trusting my team, trusting the process, and taking care of my body, I’m able to excel in these matches. This title reigns, and everything that I have going on at HOG, man, I tell you, right before we started this interview, Brian and House of Glory, the foundation there plays a big role in where I’m at today. Hats off to Brian and HOG, and I’m just blessed to be here in this position.”

Mason holds the record for the longest reign as the HOG Crown Jewel Champion, having held the title for 595 days. On July 11 in Texas, Mason is looking to recapture gold from Zilla Fatu.

HOG Texas will take place on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Haltom Theater in Haltom City, Texas. The event will stream on TrillerTV+. Fightful will provide full results once it concludes. You can find results from around the world of wrestling in Fightful’s results section.

Check out the full interview with Zilla Fatu in the video embedded at the top of this page.