Jacob Fatu has openly acknowledged the significant Roman Reigns influence on Jacob Fatu’s WWE journey, highlighting how both family legacy and personal admiration have shaped his career. As a key figure on the SmackDown brand and the current WWE United States Champion, Fatu’s rapid ascent underscores the impact his distinguished wrestling heritage and role models have had on his trajectory.
Fatu, also known as the Samoan Werewolf, is a proud member of the Anoa’i family, which includes legendary figures such as Sam Fatu, his father, and Rikishi, his uncle. Having grown up surrounded by elite athletes like the Wild Samoans, the Islanders, and the Headshrinkers, Fatu was immersed in the wrestling world from a young age. This nurturing environment provided him both inspiration and a formidable standard to strive for as he embarked on his own path within WWE.
Overcoming Challenges for a Triumphant WWE Debut
Despite his celebrated pedigree, Fatu’s entrance into WWE faced obstacles. Legal issues kept him from making his anticipated Raw appearance in 2023, temporarily delaying his emergence on wrestling’s grandest stage. However, showing resilience, Fatu finally debuted in June 2024, immediately expressing gratitude towards those who facilitated his inclusion in the WWE roster. Notably, he has credited industry leaders like Triple H for their pivotal roles in this process.
Since stepping into the WWE spotlight, Fatu’s blend of in-ring skill and charisma has resonated strongly with audiences. After securing the WWE United States Championship by defeating LA Knight at WrestleMania 41, his popularity soared, with fans and insiders alike buzzing about the possibility of him transitioning into a fan-favorite persona in the near future.
Roman Reigns and the Usos Set the Industry Standard
During an appearance on the Battleground Podcast, Fatu conveyed how his admiration for family members, especially Roman Reigns and the Usos, fuels his drive and sense of belonging in WWE. Surrounded by relatives who have made indelible marks on professional wrestling, Fatu described the experience as surreal.
“I’m my family’s biggest fan. I mean, I love my family so much. We’re talking about [the] Headshrinkers, Wild Samoans, Islanders. To grow up with them, and you know, man, it’s just, it’s mind-blowing. And if you wanna ask me, and you know, they probably don’t like when I say this, but I’m a huge fan of Roman. I’m a huge fan of Jimmy and Jey. I mean, if anything, I’ve seen these guys, you know. And not only that, I know how they are. I am very grateful to be a part of this.”
—Jacob Fatu, WWE United States Champion
Fatu’s deep respect for Roman Reigns, Jimmy and Jey Uso is clear, illustrating the powerful intergenerational influence within the Anoa’i family. As Fatu carves out his own niche in WWE, he continues to celebrate and promote the importance of both his heritage and his contemporary inspirations such as Roman Reigns.
Current WWE Landscape: Budget Concerns and Notable Returns
While Fatu’s star continues to rise, the current WWE environment is marked by uncertainty as the organization experiences shifts in roster and budget. Roman Reigns, widely regarded as one of WWE’s top talent, has not been seen in televised programming since being assaulted by Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker following WrestleMania 41. The absence of Reigns, coupled with widespread budget cuts, has sparked questions about his future with TKO, WWE’s parent company, especially since he ranks among the highest earners and has participated in only a handful of matches in 2025.
These developments are unfolding as WWE introduces new storylines, returns, and championship matches to keep viewers engaged. The involvement of Stephanie Vaquer, Tiffany Stratton, Rhea Ripley, Drew McIntyre, Liv Morgan, Naomi, and others highlights the continued evolution and unpredictability of the WWE brand.
The Significance of Fatu and Reigns for WWE’s Future
The ascent of Jacob Fatu, propelled in part by the Roman Reigns influence on Jacob Fatu’s WWE journey, exemplifies how family tradition and mutual support can produce new stars and thrilling moments in professional wrestling. As Fatu enjoys his championship reign and continues to win fans, questions persist regarding the directions of stalwarts like Roman Reigns and the overall WWE roster. For both seasoned fans and newcomers, the interconnected destinies of these athletes ensure that WWE remains a dynamic and emotionally charged spectacle, defined by heritage, rivalry, and the pursuit of greatness.
