Jacob Fatu, known as the Samoan Werewolf, has remained absent from WWE since being ambushed before his highly anticipated match with Drew McIntyre on the October 17 episode of SmackDown. As speculation intensifies regarding the true identity behind the Jacob Fatu mystery attacker, fans and analysts are weighing several prominent WWE superstars as possible suspects, with storylines and rivalries shaping their reasoning.
Rising Tensions After Fatu’s Sudden Attack
The sudden sidelining of Jacob Fatu came at a critical juncture, just before he was set to face Drew McIntyre to determine who would challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Fatu was discovered unconscious backstage, derailing the match and igniting rumors about internal WWE power struggles and personal vendettas. Talk of Fatu’s return next year has prompted speculation that he could publicly reveal his assailant, raising stakes for all involved.
Drew McIntyre: The Immediate Suspect
Drew McIntyre’s name surfaced immediately after the attack, given his direct involvement in the contested match and his own ambitions for the championship. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis has already put McIntyre on notice, warning of serious consequences if evidence links him to the attack. The rationale is straightforward: with a high-stakes title shot on the line, McIntyre may have seen Fatu as a major obstacle and found it easier to remove him from contention than risk defeat in the ring.
Fans are now theorizing that Fatu may make a dramatic comeback when McIntyre is set to face Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell match on SmackDown in January. This scenario sets the stage for a potential reveal and a heated feud between McIntyre and Fatu, giving the ongoing championship narrative additional intrigue.
Austin Theory: A Willing Accomplice?
Austin Theory also finds himself among the top suspects despite lacking any open hostilities with Fatu. Acting as a member of The Vision, Theory has a recent history of executing attacks for strategic advantage. Notably, he played a pivotal role in taking down CM Punk at WWE Survivor Series: WarGames, showing a willingness to carry out orders for influential members of the roster. Theory could have acted on behalf of Drew McIntyre, carrying out the attack on Fatu as part of a larger effort to ensure McIntyre’s place in the title picture.
The alignment of timelines suggests Theory and McIntyre could have collaborated in the lead-up to Survivor Series, with the attack on Fatu serving as the catalyst for McIntyre’s undisputed championship match aspirations.
Solo Sikoa: Old Rivalries Reignited
Solo Sikoa is no stranger to conflict with Jacob Fatu, stemming from when Fatu exited the Bloodline 2.0, sparking lingering animosity between the two. Their feud intensified after Fatu’s betrayal of Sikoa at Money in the Bank PLE on June 7, 2025. Sikoa, with some help from his allies—including a debuting Hikuleo—bestowed several losses upon Fatu, notably during WWE Night of Champions PLE and at SummerSlam in a Steel Cage match. Fatu eventually exacted some revenge by playing a decisive role in helping Sami Zayn overcome Sikoa for the United States Championship.
Given the history of schemes and alliances, it’s plausible Solo Sikoa may have orchestrated Fatu’s backstage assault, either acting alone or through members of his circle, to keep his rival out of title contention and preserve his own standing in WWE.
Randy Orton: The Unpredictable Viper
Randy Orton’s absence from regular WWE programming has fueled rumors about his involvement in Fatu’s attack, despite no clear rivalry. As “The Viper,” Orton is known for unpredictable betrayals and calculated moves to secure high-profile opportunities. His last major appearance was on the October 3 episode of SmackDown alongside Cody Rhodes, before vanishing from the scene.
If Orton is eventually unmasked as Fatu’s attacker, it could mark a dramatic heel turn for the Apex Predator, a character development that many fans and insiders have anticipated for some time. Such a turn would create fresh storylines and intensify competition for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The Road Ahead in the Jacob Fatu Mystery
The WWE universe remains on edge as the search for Jacob Fatu’s attacker continues. With key figures like Drew McIntyre, Austin Theory, Solo Sikoa, and Randy Orton all under scrutiny, alliances and old grudges could soon erupt into major storylines. As fans eagerly await Fatu’s return and the ultimate reveal, the aftermath promises new battles, a potential heel turn, and shifting dynamics in the championship race.
