The WWE is preparing for its next Premium Live Event, the Royal Rumble, scheduled for January 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and speculation is mounting about surprise entrants, particularly the potential Royal Rumble return 2026 for SmackDown’s Jacob Fatu. This event will kick off the Road to WrestleMania 42, a period often marked by unexpected debuts and major storyline shifts within WWE.
Jacob Fatu, known as the “Samoan Werewolf,” has not appeared on WWE programming since October, when he was written off television after an on-screen backstage attack by Drew McIntyre. His absence has prompted questions among fans regarding his future, and recent updates suggest his return could align with the upcoming Royal Rumble festivities, a staple for surprise comebacks in the company.
Jacob Fatu’s Absence and Anticipated Comeback
Since leaving WWE screens, speculation about Fatu’s next move has only grown. According to reports from Bodyslam.net, WWE officials are targeting an early 2026 return for Fatu, with hopes that the year will prove to be a breakthrough for the talented Superstar. Having joined WWE in June 2024, Fatu initially established himself as a dominant villain, but his later pivot to a crowd-favorite role led to a reduced presence in major storylines.
WWE insiders and notable Superstars, such as Cody Rhodes, have expressed confidence in Fatu’s main event potential. Earlier this year, Rhodes backed claims that Fatu could soon be positioned among the company’s top-tier talents, indicating his major status is recognized both on and off camera. During his time away due to dental surgery, Fatu’s anticipated return has been linked not just to the Royal Rumble, but also to speculation about other stars potentially rejoining WWE, including Chris Jericho.
Chris Jericho, currently with AEW, is reportedly set to depart from his contract on December 31st, and talks are ongoing about whether he will surprise fans at the Royal Rumble, or instead, make his return at the RAW on Netflix anniversary show on January 6th, 2026. Regardless, this environment of anticipated returns sets the stage for Fatu’s comeback to gain significant attention.
Strategic Importance of a Heel Return for Fatu
Multiple industry observers maintain that Fatu’s persona resonates best when he plays a dominant antagonist, especially given the current lack of fresh challengers for Cody Rhodes’ WWE Championship. WWE has persisted with an extended storyline involving Drew McIntyre, partly due to limited options for main event-level rivals. Reinserting Fatu as a heel could immediately position him as a credible contender for Rhodes’ title, accentuating his aggressive and intense in-ring style.
A return to his villainous roots offers WWE greater flexibility in crafting top-level program rivalries, and might also pave the way for later storylines involving other rising stars. Although previously teased, a feud between Fatu and Roman Reigns has yet to materialize, leaving fans hopeful that the coming year might see that matchup realized on a big stage.
Another significant development on the horizon is the promotion of NXT Champion Oba Femi to the main roster. The anticipation of both Fatu’s return and Femi’s debut has fueled discussion of a potential rivalry between these two powerhouse competitors, which could deliver some of the year’s most memorable wrestling television. Their contrasting styles and intense personalities make for a rivalry that could help define a new era for WWE’s heavyweight division.
The Road Ahead for WWE’s Top Talent
As WWE approaches the Royal Rumble 2026, anticipation for Jacob Fatu’s return has become a central narrative, with the Royal Rumble return 2026 promising to inject new momentum into ongoing championship stories. Fans can expect the company to leverage his comeback as a key moment leading into WrestleMania season, with potential new feuds shaping the direction of major events.
If Fatu resumes his role as a heel, he will likely reinvigorate the championship chase and offer Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, and potentially rising competitors like Oba Femi new challenges in 2026. These prospective events not only excite long-time viewers but signal WWE’s dedication to evolving its roster and maintaining compelling storylines on its road to flagship shows like WrestleMania.
