Jacob Fatu made an impressive entrance onto WWE’s main roster in early 2025, debuting on Friday Night SmackDown and quickly aligning with The New Bloodline faction, led by Solo Sikoa. Over several months, he gained significant crowd support and was rewarded with a marquee moment at WrestleMania in Las Vegas by defeating LA Knight to claim the United States Championship. This high-profile push positioned Fatu as a rising star in the company.
However, following his U.S. Title loss to Solo Sikoa at a major event in Saudi Arabia, Fatu also dropped a rivalry against The Street Champion at SummerSlam 2025. Soon afterward, the 33-year-old went on hiatus, sparking speculation about WWE’s plans for him. Some believe this break was a consequence of backstage issues related to his activities in a rival promotion run by Rikishi.
Despite rumors of dissatisfaction, insider reports from Fightful Select suggest that WWE management continues to view Jacob Fatu as a valuable asset. The company intends to maintain a long-term investment in his career, signaling that his time on the main roster need not be concluded prematurely.
Insights from Rey Mysterio on His Daughter’s Wrestling Passion
The Mysterio family has carved its legacy in wrestling, with Rey Mysterio considered one of the finest luchadors in recent memory. His son, Dominik Mysterio, has made history by holding the AAA Mega and WWE Intercontinental Championships simultaneously, strengthening the family name in wrestling. Now, attention is turning to Rey’s daughter, Aalyah, who appears ready to follow in her family’s footsteps.
During an interview on Brown Bag Mornings, Rey shared that Aalyah recently participated in training sessions at “The Dungeon,” run by Natalya and TJ Wilson, and expressed genuine enthusiasm for the sport. He described her eagerness to step into the ring as a touching family moment, reflecting his pride and hope for her future in wrestling.
“She’s been asking for the past year and a half, ‘Dad, when are you taking me to the ring?’ So, I went to Orlando last week to the performance center because I needed to go back in and try to get cleared after my injury. I took her with me. She stepped into the ring, and she loved it. The crazy thing is, she didn’t only love it, but the first thing she did for being in the ring for the first time, I was like, ‘Oh my God,'” Rey Mysterio said.
With this early passion, Aalyah might soon make her official debut, joining the ranks of one of wrestling’s most storied families.
Booker T Addresses His Role and Future Commentary Plans
In recent weeks, WWE’s main broadcast team saw a surprise change when Booker T and Vic Joseph took over commentary duties for Friday Night SmackDown, replacing Michael Cole and Wade Barrett for a night. Many anticipated this might mark Booker’s official promotion from NXT to the main roster commentary booth ahead of WWE Wrestlepalooza, given his long history with the developmental brand.
However, speaking on the Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T clarified that his stay on the main roster commentary team was only temporary. Although he enjoyed teaming up with Vic Joseph and valued the experience, he expressed no desire to continue commentating regularly on the main roster.
“It was amazing being a part of SmackDown, one night only. It was amazing to be a part of the broadcast for one night. Me and Vic, we had so much freaking fun. That two hours went by so fast. I always said I never really want to do the main roster commentary anymore. A lot of people probably don’t want to see me on main roster commentary,” Booker T said.
While Booker may be stepping back from main roster commentary, the company’s plans for Vic Joseph’s progression remain an area to watch in the near future.
WWE Expands Global Presence with Upcoming Event in Italy
Since hosting Clash at The Castle in Wales in 2022, WWE has steadily increased its premium live events outside the United States. This trend reflects WWE’s broader strategy to establish a more global presence ahead of key flagship events such as WrestleMania.
Nick Khan, WWE’s president and CEO, recently confirmed plans for the promotion to host a premium live event in Italy during the first half of 2026. This international event will follow the Royal Rumble scheduled for Saudi Arabia earlier in the year, as WWE looks to fill its calendar with multiple global shows leading into WrestleMania 42, set again in Las Vegas.
The Rock Mends Past Differences with Logan Paul
The Rock has a storied career both inside and outside the wrestling ring, and rarely does conflicts with him linger unresolved. One notable exception was his falling out with Logan Paul following a 2017 controversy when Paul recorded a deceased individual in Japan’s Aokigahara forest, leading to widespread backlash. At the time, The Rock, who was collaborating with Paul, severed ties with him.
Recently, The Rock and Paul have publicly reconciled, as revealed in one of Logan Paul’s recent vlogs. The Rock sent a supportive video message to Paul before his meeting with Benny Safdie, director of The Smashing Machine, marking a significant step in rebuilding their relationship.
“Yo, brother, I know you’re doing Benny Safdie today. Uh… I’m so happy, man, that you’re going to meet him. That is my guy. That’s my brother and and he changed my life, and I just want you to know that. And you guys are going to have an amazing talk. I told Benny how much man I just loved you, and you guys are going to have a great talk,” The Rock said in his message to Logan Paul.
This reconciliation fuels speculation that their renewed connection might eventually lead to collaboration within the WWE ring.
Understanding the Direction and Impact of Current WWE Developments
Jacob Fatu’s WWE future remains uncertain despite his early momentum and major title victory, but insiders affirm that management still views him as a key performer with potential for long-term growth. The hiatus and recent setbacks have raised concerns among fans, yet reports indicate that WWE plans to continue investing in Fatu’s career path in Stamford.
Meanwhile, The Mysterio family’s expanding presence continues to captivate audiences, with Aalyah’s budding interest indicating new chapters in wrestling’s next generation. Booker T’s commentary role adjustment emphasizes WWE’s respect for veteran voices while nurturing emerging talent like Vic Joseph. WWE’s global expansion, with a 2026 event in Italy, underscores the company’s strategy to broaden its international footprint and engage worldwide audiences ahead of WrestleMania 42.
Finally, The Rock’s public reconciliation with Logan Paul highlights a dramatic personal and professional reconciliation that could influence future storylines. Together, these developments illustrate WWE’s dynamic evolution as it balances legacy, talent development, and global growth.
