It has been more than two months since Jacob Fatu was taken out backstage on SmackDown. Fatu was written off WWE television to undergo a dental procedure. The latest reports have revealed the company’s plans for him in 2026, as well as his potential return date.
According to BodySlam+ on Patreon, The Samoan Werewolf is expected to return to WWE television very soon. There was no specific return date mentioned, but the report indicated that it could be during the early stages of the new year.
Fatu was taken out by an unknown assailant on the October 17 episode of SmackDown, before his match against Drew McIntyre. It’s implied that the dirty deed was courtesy of The Scottish Psychopath.
An interference from Fatu on the January 9 edition of SmackDown during the 3 States of Hell Match between McIntyre and Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship is possible. The 2026 Royal Rumble match is also a place for surprise returns.
Fatu’s Inconsistent Booking Called Out
BodySlam+ also reported that WWE is hopeful that Jacob Fatu will get a breakout year in 2026. He had a big year in 2025, beating LA Knight at WrestleMania 41 to win the United States Championship. He also feuded with Solo Sikoa, leading to a babyface turn.
However, Fatu’s booking since losing the U.S. Title has been inconsistent, with his year ending early due to an injury. Even WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi criticized the way the company has used Fatu on his Off The Top podcast.
“There were a lot of people saying, ‘What happened to Jacob?’ I don’t know. Jacob comes out. He’s steaming; they got everything behind him. They’re lighting this kid up on fire. Everything they threw at this kid, he came correct. He stands on business, and all of a sudden, poof, like a Houdini move,” Rikishi said, via TJR Wrestling.
Fatu made his WWE debut in June 2024, joining Solo’s version of The Bloodline. He was undefeated in one-on-one matches until Solo pinned him at Night of Champions to win the U.S. Championship a year later.
It took interference from JC Mateo, a returning Tonga Loa and a debuting Talla Tonga to help beat The Samoan Werewolf.
WWE Already Hyping Jacob Fatu for 2026
One of the indications that WWE is already hyping up Jacob Fatu for next year is a recent upload on its official YouTube channel. The company shared a WWE Playlist for Fatu’s 2025, highlighting the biggest moments of The Samoan Werewolf.
WWE doesn’t share a lot of individual playlists, with only a select few like Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley, Stephanie Vaquer and The Judgment Day already uploaded. It’s a great sign for the 33-year-old superstar, who has a unique combination of speed and athleticism for his size.
Fatu is one of the future faces of the company, alongside stars like Bron Breakker, Dominik Mysterio, Logan Paul, Oba Femi, Je’Von Evans and Austin Theory, among others, in the men’s division.
It also helps that he’s part of the Anoa’i family. He’s the son of Sam Fatu, more famously known as The Tonga Kid. Reigns is his uncle, while The Usos and Solo Sikoa are his cousins.
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