Jacob Fatu’s journey in WWE has been significantly shaped by advice from a legendary wrestler, helping him evolve both in and out of the ring. Since joining WWE nearly two years ago, Fatu has made a strong impression, transitioning from a seasoned independent circuit competitor directly to the main roster without passing through NXT.
Fatu initially appeared as a villain aligned with Solo Sikoa’s unstable incarnation of The Bloodline. However, he soon emerged as a breakout singles talent, turning into a fan favorite and capturing the United States Championship. His recent tenure on SmackDown included a high-profile appearance in an elimination chamber qualifying match on February 13th against Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn, although the match was disrupted by Drew McIntyre, allowing Rhodes to claim victory.
How AJ Styles’ Encouragement Helped Fatu Embrace Wrestling Shirtless
After a brief hiatus at the end of 2025, Jacob Fatu returned to WWE focusing on improving his physical condition. Despite this effort, he was initially reluctant to wrestle without a shirt, feeling embarrassed about revealing his body. This changed following a conversation with AJ Styles, a WWE legend known as “The Phenomenal One,” who encouraged him to show off his hard work.
“I want to shout out AJ Styles. He seen me at Saturday Night’s Main [Event] and he seen the transformation and he was just like, ‘Dude, are you freaking finna wear a shirt out there?’ I was just like, ‘Yeah.’ He was like, ‘Dude, you freaking got abs. I’d go out there with no shirt. What are you doing?’ So shout out to AJ, baby. Y’all know what I mean? Congratulations on the retirement. But it was cause of him, man, why I took it. I was ashamed to take it off… And, man, when the Phenomenal One says, ‘Hey man, I would do this,’ then okay, I’m gonna listen.”
This moment was pivotal in building Fatu’s confidence to perform shirtless, reflecting his progress and dedication to his craft. His improved physique now adds to his in-ring presence and persona on WWE programming.
Balancing Family Life and Physical Fitness While Rising in WWE
Jacob Fatu opened up about the challenges of maintaining his shape and balancing personal responsibilities, including raising seven children. Despite the financial gains from his WWE career not making him wealthy, the demands on his body and lifestyle remain tough.
“Let’s keep it real, somebody like me coming in, seven kids, man, getting this type of dough, I’m not saying I’m rich, but you know, man, it’s a little different, you know? I’m at Waffle House every day, like, I’m going crazy. But I feel like I believe, and I know it was God’s timing on what happened. I missed out on a lot of opportunities, but then again, I had to double back when I came back.”
This statement sheds light on Fatu’s personal journey, where timing and resilience have played key roles in overcoming setbacks and maximizing his career prospects.
Recent Highlights and Matches Involving Jacob Fatu
On SmackDown, Jacob Fatu’s recent matches have continued to put him firmly in the spotlight. The February 13th elimination chamber qualifying bout showcased his status as a top competitor, despite the interference that affected the outcome.
Fatu’s rise from independent wrestling promotions like MLW to a major role with WWE demonstrates his adaptability and determination, traits that have made him a valuable asset on SmackDown’s roster alongside stars such as Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, and Drew McIntyre.
Other WWE News of Interest
While Jacob Fatu focuses on his WWE career, other notable developments involve fellow WWE talent. Tiffany Stratton aims to extend her competitive presence beyond WWE, planning to take “Tiffy Time” to new arenas. Former WWE star Eva Marie recently spoke openly about her departure from the company during a podcast appearance, shedding light on behind-the-scenes realities.
A wrestling veteran has challenged Brock Lesnar to a highly anticipated rematch 24 years after their initial encounter, stirring excitement and controversy among fans. Meanwhile, a new documentary is set to honor a legendary WWE Hall of Famer, exploring their impactful career and legacy.
On WWE RAW, Raquel Rodriguez addressed her factionmate Liv Morgan’s recent emotional breakdown, commenting on Morgan’s current situation. Additionally, Rusev’s wife recently praised another WWE star during a podcast, while one RAW performer expressed a desire to face Jade Cargill, the WWE Women’s Undisputed Champion, at WrestleMania.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Guidance and Growth for Jacob Fatu
The advice from AJ Styles not only boosted Jacob Fatu’s confidence but also symbolized the passing of the torch between wrestling generations. Fatu’s physical transformation and willingness to embrace his persona reflect a pivotal moment in his career trajectory. As he continues to compete at the highest levels in WWE, his story underscores the importance of mentorship, perseverance, and timing in professional wrestling.
With ongoing high-profile matches and his expanding role on SmackDown, Jacob Fatu is positioned to influence the WWE landscape further, potentially capturing more championships and broadening his fanbase in the months ahead.
