Jacob Fatu was featured in the main event of WWE SmackDown, intensifying his ongoing feud with Drew McIntyre. During a backstage promo on the episode, McIntyre launched a personal attack on Fatu, referencing the wrestler’s recent legal troubles while also taking jabs at other competitors. This confrontation has stirred controversy around the Jacob Fatu WWE controversy.
Fatu had recently returned to the SmackDown brand, interfering in Drew McIntyre’s intense Three Stages of Hell match against Cody Rhodes. His interference caused a dramatic title change as McIntyre captured the Undisputed WWE Championship. Since then, a fierce rivalry among McIntyre, Fatu, and Rhodes has been unfolding.
In his promo, McIntyre targeted several wrestlers, including Randy Orton and LA Knight, but reserved his harshest words for Fatu. He said,
“We’ve got Randy ‘can’t win the big one anymore’ Orton & that catchphrase merchant LA Knight. Jacob, you may have the best chance in the Chamber because, out of everybody in there, you’ve spent more time behind bars.”
– Drew McIntyre, WWE Superstar
Rikishi Backs Jacob Fatu as WrestleMania 42 Contender
Legendary wrestler Rikishi expressed strong support for Jacob Fatu, hoping to see him defeat Drew McIntyre and claim the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42. On the Off The Top podcast, Rikishi highlighted Fatu’s physical condition and readiness for a championship run, stating,
“I’m seeing Jacob (Fatu) versus Drew McIntyre for WrestleMania for the belt, and then the belt switch hands. He’s (Jacob) over that hump about okay, I’m a WWE Superstar now, he’s ready, He’s in good shape. He’s in good health. His mind is set. Now it’s time to light him up,”
– Rikishi, WWE Hall of Famer
Despite this optimism, Fatu’s chance to enter the 2026 Elimination Chamber dwindled after he lost his qualifying match on SmackDown. Cody Rhodes won the match, which also featured Sami Zayn, leaving Fatu outside the chamber competition for now. How this loss affects his championship ambitions heading into WrestleMania remains unclear.
Implications and Upcoming Developments in the Jacob Fatu WWE Controversy
The personal attacks exchanged between Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu have heightened tensions on WWE SmackDown, raising questions about how Fatu’s off-ring issues will influence his wrestling career. McIntyre’s remarks have added a layer of real-life controversy to their storyline, intensifying fan interest and speculation.
With WrestleMania 42 on the horizon, and stars like Rikishi advocating for Fatu to rise to championship status, his path in WWE remains uncertain but heavily spotlighted. Fans will closely watch upcoming matches and promos to see if Fatu can overcome recent setbacks and legal troubles to become a top contender once again.
“We’ve got Randy ‘can’t win the big one anymore’ Orton & that catchphrase merchant LA Knight. Jacob, you may have the best chance in the Chamber because, out of everybody in there, you’ve spent more time behind bars.”
THIS MAN DREW COOKED EVERY CHAMBER PARTICIPANT 😭#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/n9KGSexRiA
— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) February 14, 2026
