Jacob Fatu did not appear on this week’s WWE SmackDown, held in Chicago, while Damian Priest participated in a match against Aleister Black but lost. After the live broadcast ended, Fatu joined forces with AJ Styles in a dark match against The New Day, signaling ongoing activity despite his absence during the main show. Outside the ring, Priest shared a photo on social media showing a relaxed moment with Fatu, hinting at a developing connection between the two wrestlers.
Recent Rivalries and Title Defenses Involving Jacob Fatu
Priest, a former World Heavyweight Champion, and Fatu have crossed paths frequently, especially when Fatu held the WWE United States Championship. At Backlash 2025, Fatu successfully defended the US Title in a Fatal Four-Way match against Priest, Drew McIntyre, and LA Knight, demonstrating his dominance in the division during that period. However, the tide shifted at Night of Champions 2025, where Fatu lost the championship to Solo Sikoa in a match influenced heavily by Sikoa’s faction, MFT, which includes JC Mateo, Tonga Loa, and Talla Tonga.
Challenges Facing Jacob Fatu After Losing the US Title
Following his defeat at Night of Champions, Fatu attempted to reclaim the United States Championship at SummerSlam in a Steel Cage Match but was unsuccessful due to interference from the MFT group. Amid these setbacks, Fatu has found an ally in Jimmy Uso, with whom he has recently teamed up. However, Jimmy Uso’s recent move to the RAW brand and involvement in supporting his brother Jey Uso against opponents Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed leaves Fatu potentially isolated within SmackDown.
Potential Impact of Fatu’s New Dynamic with Damian Priest
The developing bond between Priest and Fatu could provide the latter with much-needed support on SmackDown’s competitive landscape. Given Priest’s recent activities and history as a World Heavyweight Champion, this partnership might influence upcoming storylines and offer Fatu renewed opportunities to challenge threatening factions like the MFT. Their alliance could represent a strategic counterbalance to Fatu’s current challenges, reshaping the power dynamics within WWE’s blue brand.
