Jacob Fatu’s path to becoming a main event star in WWE, especially at WrestleMania 42, is gaining attention following his impactful debut on SmackDown in June 2024. With over a decade of experience in wrestling, including high-profile matches in MLW, many believe Fatu has the potential to rise further by expanding his presence and facing top-tier WWE talent.
Fatu entered WWE with significant credentials, immediately appearing in major pay-per-view main events such as Money in the Bank, Bad Blood, and Survivor Series, where he competed in a grueling WarGames match. Originally introduced as a villain aligned with Solo Sikoa, Fatu later transitioned into a fan-favorite role this spring. At WrestleMania 41, he captured the United States Title, giving him a moment in the spotlight, though his reign lasted only 69 days.
Recently, Jacob Fatu has teamed up as a babyface alongside his cousin Jimmy Uso, who has since shifted to Raw to partner with his brother, Jey Uso. This leaves the question open about Fatu’s next steps in WWE’s evolving landscape. Wrestling analyst Sam Roberts, hosting the WWE Raw Recap podcast, weighed in on how Fatu might elevate his career into the main event tier as a singles competitor.
Breaking Away to Forge a New Path
Sam Roberts suggests that Jacob Fatu needs to distance himself from his current associations with Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso to establish an independent identity. This separation, Roberts argues, will give Fatu room to develop fresh rivalries that showcase his abilities without being overshadowed by stable dynamics.
“Yes, I think he should be separated from Solo. I also think he should be separated from Jimmy Uso. I think it’s time for Jacob Fatu to really branch out. I’d like to see Jacob Fatu get his hands on The Miz for a few weeks ago when The Miz slapped him in the face. And then start a whole, fresh story with Jacob Fatu.” —Sam Roberts, WWE Raw Recap podcast host
Roberts goes on to highlight the importance of matching Fatu against WWE’s established main event talent to test and prove his worth at the highest level.
“You know, I think there are tons of opponents for Jacob, but to answer the question of how to get in the main event of WrestleMania 42, you start having him work with main eventers. You start having him work with the Drew McIntyre’s of the world, and you start having him work with the AJ Styles’ of the world. Let’s start seeing what he can really do with the best of what WWE has to offer.” —Sam Roberts, WWE Raw Recap podcast host
Potential Rivalries With WWE Veterans Could Boost Fatu’s Stature
Roberts further outlined how Jacob Fatu’s path to stardom could be accelerated by creating high-profile feuds with veteran wrestlers. A notable suggestion was an AJ Styles heel turn, positioning him as a significant adversary for Fatu on SmackDown, which would provide compelling matchups and storylines.
“I would love to see AJ Styles turn heel again, after this feud with Dominik. I would love to see AJ Styles turn heel, go back to SmackDown and start a rivalry with Jacob Fatu. That’s exactly what I would do.” —Sam Roberts, WWE Raw Recap podcast host
Such a rivalry, coupled with the return of other seasoned wrestlers like Shinsuke Nakamura, could allow Fatu to display his full range and competitive edge against some of WWE’s most respected performers.
“Because to see AJ Styles and Jacob Fatu matches, then you’d really start to see what Jacob Fatu is really capable of. That’s the move to me. Turn AJ again, have him wrestle Jacob Fatu, have Shinsuke (Nakamura) come back to SmackDown, wrestle Jacob Fatu…that’s what I’m talking about.” —Sam Roberts, WWE Raw Recap podcast host
Fatu’s Experience and Recent Success Set the Stage for Growth
Jacob Fatu’s decade of wrestling experience, combined with his exposure in marquee WWE events this year, demonstrates his readiness for more prominent storylines. Though his United States Title reign was brief, it served as an indication of WWE’s confidence in him as a growing singles star.
His alliance with Jimmy Uso elevated his profile, but embracing new rivalries outside his family or established groups is seen as crucial. Expanding his competition to include veterans like Drew McIntyre and AJ Styles, both known for main event status, could serve as the stepping stones needed. These types of feuds frequently act as proving grounds where emerging talents are tested and recognized by fans and WWE executives alike.
Looking Forward: What Is Next for Jacob Fatu?
As WWE moves toward WrestleMania 42, Jacob Fatu’s trajectory depends largely on creative decisions that allow him to branch away from previous alliances and engage with top-tier talent. His performances in recent pay-per-views and SmackDown matches have laid a solid foundation, yet stepping into the spotlight as a headline star will require fresh rivalries and storylines.
Fatu’s blend of robust wrestling credentials and dynamic crowd influence positions him well for a breakout year. Engaging with aging veterans seeking to redefine their legacies and working alongside WWE’s established names could accelerate his rise. The coming months will likely reveal whether WWE capitalizes on Fatu’s potential by entrusting him with key matches and narratives leading into WrestleMania 42.
