In a dramatic turn of events during a high-stakes steel cage match, Jacob Fatu returned to WWE and targeted both Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, influencing the WWE Championship outcome. The attack has left fans and insiders speculating about Fatu’s motives, as the shockwaves shaken by this incident continue to rock the WWE landscape.
Unexpected Return Sets Off the WWE Championship Showdown
The WWE Championship changed hands in a surprising twist when Drew McIntyre managed to escape the steel cage, capitalizing on the chaos caused by Jacob Fatu. After being sidelined by a real-life medical issue, Fatu’s return was marked by fury, as he left both Rhodes and McIntyre downed inside the ring at a pivotal moment. McIntyre’s ability to exploit Fatu’s focus on Rhodes allowed him to become the new WWE Champion, but Fatu’s actions seemed driven by unfinished business.
Examining the Possible Motives Behind Fatu’s Attack
The WWE Universe remains uncertain about Jacob Fatu’s true intentions—whether he was acting independently or following orders. Observers and commentators have proposed several theories about why the Samoan Werewolf intervened so violently during the championship bout.
Fatu’s Quest for the WWE Title: A Promise Fulfilled
Months before his unplanned hiatus, Fatu was locked in a heated rivalry with Drew McIntyre, but his ambitions were clearly set on the WWE Championship around Cody Rhodes’ waist. According to the timeline, Fatu confronted Rhodes backstage, making it clear he was coming for the title. Soon after, he was ambushed by a mystery assailant, resulting in his temporary removal from WWE’s active roster. Speculation suggests Fatu’s recent rampage was a calculated effort to settle old scores with both McIntyre—who attacked him—and Rhodes, the reigning champion he had singled out. It seems likely Fatu was aiming to hit both targets in one brutal sweep, possibly viewing them as intertwined adversaries in his journey.
Was Cody Rhodes Responsible for Fatu’s Earlier Injury?
While many point to McIntyre as the probable culprit behind the October attack that took Fatu out, some believe Cody Rhodes himself might have orchestrated the setback. Rhodes, known for bending rules to retain his title, reportedly defeated McIntyre last November at Saturday Night’s Main Event using underhanded tactics, casting doubt on his reputation as a straight-shooter. This line of thinking posits that Rhodes may have acted preemptively, eliminating Fatu as a potential threat before moving forward with his championship agenda. If this theory holds, Fatu’s aggression toward Rhodes is driven by a desire for both retribution and recognition.
The Possibility of Roman Reigns Pulling the Strings
Another angle circulating backstage is that Jacob Fatu’s actions may have been orchestrated by Roman Reigns. Although Reigns and Fatu are both now distanced from the original Bloodline faction, lingering alliances and shared rivalries—particularly against Rhodes and McIntyre—make the theory plausible. Previous interactions between Reigns and Rhodes, including heated confrontations after major matches, have added fuel to the speculation that Fatu’s assault was a calculated move by Reigns to destabilize his long-time opponents further. The ongoing tension suggests that unresolved business remains and that Fatu’s attack could represent the start of a new chapter in this rivalry.
Is Fatu Acting on Uncertainty and Seeking Payback from Both Men?
Given that Fatu’s original attacker was never definitively identified, there is a strong case to be made that he targeted both Rhodes and McIntyre out of uncertainty. McIntyre stoked the rivalry after Fatu lost the United States Championship to Solo Sikoa, while Rhodes became Fatu’s next target for the top title. Some insiders believe Fatu may see both men as complicit in his sidelining, prompting him to strike at the first chance he got, without differentiating between culprits. This could mark the beginning of an uneasy alliance or a destructive feud among the new era’s most dominant figures.
The Rock’s Unfinished Business: Fatu as the Enforcer?
A more theatrical theory points to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the mastermind behind Fatu’s attack on Rhodes and McIntyre. Following The Rock’s controversial involvement in past WWE storylines and unfinished rivalries with Cody Rhodes, rumors persist that Johnson is seeking redemption for both his legacy and past booking missteps. If The Rock cannot return to the ring in top form, empowering Fatu as his representative makes narrative sense, especially if it means securing the WWE Championship. This would tie into Rhodes and The Rock’s ongoing, unresolved conflict, as highlighted in their confrontations at events like Elimination Chamber and the WWE RAW Netflix debut.
Ripple Effects Across the WWE
Jacob Fatu’s shocking intervention at the WWE Championship match has opened the door for new rivalries, alliances, and backstage intrigues. With Fatu now positioned as a disruptive force, Cody Rhodes facing questions about his past actions, and Drew McIntyre holding the title under controversial circumstances, the company stands on the verge of a dramatic shift. Both fan speculation and internal storylines suggest that this incident could reshape the WWE’s power dynamics, with the focus keyword “Jacob Fatu WWE Championship attack” now at the center of attention for the foreseeable future.
Drew McIntyre is a WWE Champion once again! #SmackDownhttps://t.co/dnE9JlvmWk pic.twitter.com/SO1EFZrczk
— Sportskeeda Wrestling (@SKWrestling_) January 9, 2026
