Jacob Fatu recently opened up about the reasons behind his time away from WWE television last year, emphasizing that it was not only for physical recovery but also to reset his life outside the ring. Following a severe October 2025 incident with Drew McIntyre that resulted in extensive dental surgery, Fatu was absent from WWE programming before making his return on the January 9, 2026 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, where he interfered in the Undisputed WWE Title match between Cody Rhodes and McIntyre.
Taking Time to Focus on Family and Personal Well-Being
During his interview on Busted Open Radio on February 20, 2026, Fatu described how stepping away gave him the chance to regroup mentally and physically. He highlighted the challenges of balancing his responsibilities, being a father to seven children, and managing his career demands.
“You know, that time I took off — I really needed to regroup in my personal life, mentally and physically. Let’s keep it real. A guy like me, with seven kids, getting this kind of money — I’m not saying I’m rich, but it’s different. I’m at Waffle House every day like I’m going crazy,”
Fatu said.
The timing of his break coincided with the holiday season, which allowed him to reconnect deeply with his family in ways he had not experienced in a long time. Sharing his emotions, Fatu stated,
“But I believe it was God’s timing. I missed out on a lot of opportunities, but when I came back, I had to double back. When I was off, it was around the holidays — October, November, December, New Year’s. My kids were home, and I was home with them. That was something I had lost touch with. I’m getting goosebumps talking about it. If y’all know me, you know I’ve got kids. And this ain’t a work. I keep saying that because y’all are going to feel it. You’re going to feel Jacob Fatu in full motion.”
Physical Recovery and Industry Realities During Time Away
Fatu revealed the severity of his dental surgery, explaining that he had 11 teeth extracted, one less than originally planned. He recounted how the downtime at home led to moments of reflection.
“It was being home — sitting on the couch. I had 11 teeth pulled out in the back. I was supposed to get 12, but I got 11 pulled. Just being home. I remember my uncle Rikishi saying this — when you’re home and you’ve been out of sight, out of mind, that phone’s going to stop ringing. And that phone stopped ringing,”
he shared.
He acknowledged the impact of being away from the spotlight, noting how the constant demands and calls ceased during his absence, offering him a different perspective.
“It wasn’t anything with my family, but you see it — when you’re up, you get calls. People need this, need that. But sitting there, watching my kids walk by, watching them go to school, then come back home and still see me on the couch — that made me regroup. I had to regroup,”
Fatu added.
A Renewed and Grounded Jacob Fatu Back on WWE Television
Now that he has resumed his wrestling career, Fatu emphasizes that fans are witnessing a version of himself who is mentally sharper, physically healed, and personally more centered. His time away provided the necessary reset to tackle the demands of WWE with renewed focus and strength, balancing his personal life and profession more effectively.
This candid revelation from Fatu gives an insightful look into the challenges WWE talent faces beyond the ring, especially regarding health and family commitments. As his story highlights, taking time off can be pivotal in ensuring longevity and performance in the wrestling industry.
