This week’s SmackDown episode, which was recorded after Monday Night RAW rather than airing live, brought early spoilers and several dramatic moments. Fans can anticipate thrilling Jacob Fatu SmackDown surprises as major Superstars made impactful returns, alliances shifted, and a WWE legend returned to the ring, all ahead of the show’s official global release.
Betrayal and Alliances Shake the Men’s Division
The fallout from Money in the Bank continued as Jacob Fatu, known as The Samoan Werewolf, shocked the WWE Universe by turning on Solo Sikoa. That betrayal led Solo to challenge Jacob for the United States Championship at the Night of Champions event. During that high-stakes match, Solo Sikoa emerged victorious with essential support from a returning Tonga Loa, debuting Tala Tonga, and JC Mateo. This powerful team allowed Solo to secure the championship and deal a significant blow to Fatu’s status in the men’s division.
At the latest SmackDown tapings, the power struggle intensified. Jimmy Uso intervened to help Jacob Fatu in his ongoing conflict against Solo Sikoa and the new iteration of The Bloodline. With Uso’s assistance, Fatu managed to pin the reigning United States Champion, signaling a potential shift in alliances and the resilience of Fatu against the emerging threats within WWE.
Tiffany Stratton’s Challenge Leads to Trish Stratus’ Triumphant Return
At the top of SmackDown’s women’s division, Tiffany Stratton solidified her spot by addressing Jade Cargill, the recent Queen of the Ring winner, who appears next in line for a SummerSlam title shot. Stratton, however, stirred even more excitement by publically expressing her willingness to defend her championship at the upcoming all-women’s Premium Live Event, Evolution. She called out Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, who answered the challenge on the Friday Night Show. The two WWE icons will battle in Atlanta during next week’s Evolution event, marking Trish Stratus’ long-awaited return to competitive action since her last appearance at the Elimination Chamber, where she teamed with Stratton against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae.
Women’s Tag Team Titles Set for Multi-Brand Showdown
The momentum continues in the women’s division as Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez, current WWE Tag Team Champions, were announced to be defending their titles at Evolution. They’ll face formidable challengers in a Fatal Four-Way match featuring teams from RAW, SmackDown, and NXT. This high-stakes setting aims to determine which duo will stand at the top of the entire women’s tag division after Evolution.
Also during the Friday Night Show, SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis offered Charlotte a shot at competing for the Women’s Tag Team Championship—if she joined forces with Alexa Bliss. Charlotte accepted, teaming with Bliss in a Triple Threat qualifying match against Secret Service, as well as B-Fab and Michin. With a decisive victory, Charlotte and Bliss earned their place at Evolution for a chance to seize the championship gold.
Drew McIntyre Makes Impactful Comeback
Drew McIntyre, absent from WWE since his defeat and post-match beatdown by Damian Priest at Saturday Night’s Main Event, made his much-anticipated return to SmackDown. He entered the ring to confront Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. McIntyre taunted both, only for Randy Orton to respond with an RKO. Following this dramatic encounter, a highly anticipated match between McIntyre and Orton was set for the next Saturday Night’s Main Event, promising another chapter in the ongoing rivalry among top WWE Superstars.
What’s Next for the Superstars?
This pre-taped SmackDown has set the stage for evolving storylines and fierce competition heading into WWE’s Evolution in Atlanta. Major rivalries in both the men’s and women’s divisions continue to heat up, with former allies turning foes and legends like Trish Stratus stepping back into the spotlight. As key events unfold, the implications for championship gold and brand supremacy will be felt across all WWE platforms in the coming weeks.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Jacob Fatu in real life?
A. Fatu belongs to the Anoaʻi wrestling family. He is the son of Sam Fatu, who is known as Tama and Tonga Kid. Trained by his uncle Rikishi, Fatu started wrestling professionally in 2012. Between 2012 and 2019, he appeared in several independent wrestling shows.
Q. Was Jacob Fatu hurt?
A. During the Men’s WarGames match at the 2024 Survivor Series, Jacob Fatu injured himself attempting a corkscrew move against CM Punk. Before that, WWE star Johnny Gargano was caught by Jacob Fatu before being hit with a Samoan Drop.
Q. Was Jacob Fatu actually injured?
A. A recent report from Corey Brennan of Fightful mentioned that Jacob Fatu seemed to hurt himself during a moonsault on CM Punk. However, he wasn’t injured. Fatu intentionally pretended to hurt his leg, adding this unexpected move during the moment.
Q. Was Jacob Fatu injured?
A. During the 2024 Survivor Series, Jacob Fatu hurt himself doing a high-flying move against CM Punk in the Men’s WarGames match. He landed badly on his left leg, causing an injury to his left knee. Although he tried to hide the pain, he eventually couldn’t.
