Jacob Fatu’s WWE booking and lengthy absence from televised events have sparked widespread criticism from fans and insiders alike. Since dropping the United States Championship to Solo Sikoa at Night of Champions, Fatu’s appearances have been sporadic, raising questions about how WWE is handling his character and momentum. The ongoing debate about Jacob Fatu WWE booking centers on whether the company is maximizing his obvious talent efficiently.
Following his title loss, Fatu found himself embroiled in a feud against Solo Sikoa’s faction, My Family Tree (MFT). He occasionally teamed with Jimmy Uso and current US champion Sami Zayn in clashes against MFT members, including Sikoa, JC Mateo, and Tonga Loa. On the August 15 episode of SmackDown, these teams engaged in a trios tag match that marked Fatu’s last televised WWE bout. Afterward, he participated in five house shows during the Road to Clash in Paris tour and appeared in two SmackDown dark matches, with his last documented opponent being Rusev on September 12.
Unexpected Return and New Rivalry Sparks Interest
Fatu resurfaced on the September 26 edition of SmackDown, confronting Drew McIntyre in a heated exchange. The Scottish Warrior retaliated with a Glasgow Kiss headbutt, but Fatu answered back with a superkick and used a prosthetic leg strike to gain the upper hand, reigniting tensions between the two. This confrontation signaled renewed activity for Fatu after a quiet run on WWE television.
Rikishi Voices Discontent Over Fatu’s Underwhelming Booking
On the Off the Top podcast, Rikishi, the Hall of Famer and WWE legend, expressed frustration over Fatu’s portrayal during recent months. He emphasized that despite Fatu’s high skill level and in-ring prowess, the wrestler has not been surrounded by the right people to elevate his career properly.
“If you booked Jacob with the right people, you goin’ get money out this kid here because the thing that he does in the ring man…. Still to this day, I still don’t think that they have booked him with the right people and light gasoline up behind him to really push thing to make it work, you know what I mean?,” Rikishi stated.
Rikishi further highlighted that while Fatu has the potential ingredients to become a top-tier main event star in WWE, his current presentation does not reflect that promise.
Possible Involvement in WWE Crown Jewel Still Unconfirmed
Reports from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter indicate that WWE’s October 11 premium live event, Crown Jewel, has one or two matches left to be finalized. Among these, a showdown between Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre is under consideration, stemming from their recent SmackDown feud.
Drew McIntyre’s constant venting led @jacobfatu_wwe to do something about it! #SmackDown#WWEpic.twitter.com/7NndyPyZrQ
It remains uncertain whether this match will be part of the Perth-based extravaganza, leaving fans eager to watch WWE broadcasts in the coming days to learn if the rivalry will escalate further on a major stage.
Implications for Fatu’s WWE Future and Fans’ Expectations
Jacob Fatu’s recent quiet spell and inconsistent booking have generated unease among supporters who believe his talent deserves more prominent storytelling and consistent visibility. His confrontations with established stars like Drew McIntyre hint at a possible push, yet the delay in official announcements shows WWE’s hesitation in fully committing to him as a top star. Observers will be keen to see whether WWE Crown Jewel can mark a turning point for Fatu’s career, or if the frustration over his usage will continue.
Drew McIntyre’s constant venting led @jacobfatu_wwe to do something about it! #SmackDown #WWE pic.twitter.com/7NndyPyZrQ
— USA Network (@USANetwork) October 2, 2025
