WWE has reportedly severed ties with Rikishi’s wrestling promotion after the Raja Jackson incident, raising questions about the Jacob Fatu WWE SmackDown future. The Stamford-based company distanced itself from Rikishi’s affiliated school amid ongoing investigations into Jackson’s assault on Syko Stu. This controversy has left fans and insiders curious about the sudden disappearance of Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and the rest of the MFT faction from WWE programming.
On Behind The Turnbuckle Studios’ The Coach and Bro Show, wrestling veteran Vince Russo expressed his confusion regarding the absence of these talents from SmackDown episodes, speculating if WWE is implicitly penalizing them due to their outside-ring ties. His concerns highlight the unusually extended period without appearances from some of the promotion’s notable stars.
“He [Solo Sikoa] lost the title as they went off the air. The next week, they’ve [MFT] got to get their heat back. Coach, not only did they not get their heat back, but none of them were on the show, including the babyface, Jacob Fatu. None of them; the heels weren’t on the show. Fatu wasn’t on the show. Are they being punished for what happened at Rikishi’s school?” —Vince Russo, Wrestling Veteran
Jonathan Coachman, a respected commentator, agreed with Russo’s perspective and emphasized the significant stature of Jacob Fatu and his faction in WWE’s SmackDown lineup, underscoring the puzzling nature of their absence.
“Vince [Russo], to me, there should never be a SmackDown episode ever that does not involve one of those guys. That’s how big they are to me. Jacob Fatu is a gigantic star in the making,” —Jonathan Coachman, WWE Commentator
Recent Storyline Developments Involving Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu
Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu’s rivalry intensified after WrestleMania 41, when Sikoa, known as The Samoan Werewolf, lost the United States Championship to LA Knight. Subsequently, Sikoa faced a betrayal by Fatu during the Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match, heightening tensions between the two.
The feud escalated as the Street Champion defended his title in a singles match against Fatu at WWE Night of Champions, securing victory with assistance from Talla Tonga. The storyline culminated at WWE SummerSlam 2025, where Sikoa retained the United States Championship by defeating Fatu inside a Steel Cage match.
Plans reportedly had the MFT group, including Sikoa, feud with The Wyatt Sicks on SmackDown’s blue brand, but that angle now appears paused with no clear updates on Jacob Fatu’s upcoming role within WWE.
Future Implications for Jacob Fatu and MFT on SmackDown
The ongoing investigation and WWE’s cautious approach following the Rikishi promotion incident have cast doubt on the direction of Jacob Fatu’s career with WWE SmackDown. The absence of these key talents has sparked speculation about potential disciplinary measures or creative changes behind the scenes.
Given the significant fan interest and the stars’ previous prominence, the future of Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and the rest of MFT remains uncertain but highly anticipated. How WWE will address the situation in upcoming episodes could shape the trajectory of these wrestlers and their storylines moving forward.
