Jacob Fatu, the reigning WWE United States Champion, sparked anticipation by sending a single-word message to Solo Sikoa before their highly awaited match at the Night of Champions Premium Live Event. The standoff between Fatu and Sikoa stems from last week’s WWE SmackDown, when Fatu refused Sikoa’s invitation to return to the family, solidifying their rivalry around the United States Championship.
As excitement built on social media, Fatu turned to X, previously known as Twitter, sharing a brief message to generate further buzz for his championship clash with his former ally. This announcement followed their heated faceoff that confirmed the bout, intensifying tensions between the two former stablemates ahead of their collision at Night of Champions.
A Break with the Bloodline Sets the Stage
Jacob Fatu’s journey to this critical match began when he joined WWE as part of Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline faction. Early on, Fatu took on the role of The Enforcer for the former Tribal Chief and claimed the WWE Tag Team Championships alongside Tama Tonga. However, in a demonstration of obedience to Sikoa’s authority, Fatu was later required to hand his title over to Tonga Loa as per the leader’s directive.
The turning point in their partnership came during the Money in the Bank 2025 Premium Live Event, when Fatu betrayed Sikoa by interfering and ensuring Sikoa did not walk away with the Men’s Money in the Bank briefcase. This act of defiance set them on a collision course, with the WWE United States Championship now at the center of their feud.
Teddy Long Advocates for a Shift in Presentation
Amid the growing attention on Fatu’s role and presentation in WWE, former SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long weighed in with a suggestion for improvement. Appearing on The Wrestling Time Machine alongside Bill Apter, Long advised a closer collaboration between Jacob Fatu and the WWE creative team to enhance Fatu’s persona.
“All they have to do is do this,” Long said. “Whoever the writer is, whoever’s writing this stuff, he needs to get with Jacob Fatu before the show, and when he starts writing his promo, then let Jacob be there, and let Jacob add to it and tell him, ‘Nah, I wouldn’t say it like this, I would say it like this,’ and let him be comfortable, let him be himself.”
Long’s comments highlight the view that Fatu, also known as The Samoan Werewolf, could benefit from a more hands-on approach, giving the popular superstar a chance to express his character authentically and comfortably in front of WWE audiences.
Spotlight on Fatu’s Rise and What Awaits at Night of Champions
In a relatively short time, Jacob Fatu has become one of the standout superstars on WWE’s main roster, capturing fan interest with his intense style and memorable moments. The Night of Champions event marks Fatu’s second defense of the United States Championship at a Premium Live Event, his previous one occurring during Backlash 2025.
With Solo Sikoa eager to claim victory and Fatu determined to remain champion, their history adds a personal edge to this showdown. The outcome at Night of Champions is set to influence the dynamic within WWE’s factions and possibly set new storylines in motion, especially as both competitors seek to define their legacies in the aftermath of their break from the Bloodline.
