Jacob Fatu, who last appeared on Friday Night SmackDown on August 15, has resurfaced in a post-SmackDown dark match where he defeated Rusev, one of John Cena‘s old rivals from 2015. This marked Fatu’s first encounter with Rusev and ended in a Street Fight victory, highlighting a surprising return for Fatu in WWE‘s current programming.
Recent Activity and Continued Presence in WWE Events
Although many WWE fans have wondered about Fatu’s whereabouts since his loss of the United States Championship to Solo Sikoa, speculation that he might be finished with SmackDown remains unconfirmed. In fact, Fatu has been active in dark matches and participated in WWE’s recent European tour, partnering with stars like Jimmy Uso, Sami Zayn, and Jey Uso. His opponents throughout these matches have mostly been members of Solo Sikoa‘s MFT faction, demonstrating his ongoing involvement despite limited televised appearances.
Potential Future Role on SmackDown and Larger WWE Storylines
Looking ahead, Fatu’s trajectory on SmackDown appears promising, as he has impressed by competing against many roster talents but seems poised for further accomplishments on the blue brand. The upcoming Survivor Series: WarGames event adds intrigue, particularly with Roman Reigns expected to return and possibly participate in the main event. Reigns’ storyline involving The Vision suggests that The Usos and possibly Fatu could join the team, which would integrate him into a significant faction within WWE’s major story arcs.
More Flexible Brand Movements and Uncertain Draft Timing
WWE’s approach to brand affiliations has become more fluid in 2025, with no confirmed schedule for the WWE Draft, leaving room for potential shifts involving Fatu and other wrestlers. This flexibility could open opportunities for Fatu to solidify a stronger position on SmackDown or other WWE brands in the near future.
“It’s going to be interesting to see what lies ahead for Fatu on SmackDown. He has run through a lot of the roster, but one can’t help but feel like he still has a lot to accomplish on the blue brand.”
—Anonymous source
