Who Is Jacob Fatu? Here Is Everything You Need to Know About Roman Reigns & Dwayne Johnson’s Cousin

The Samoan pro wrestling family tree is perhaps the most popular and influential dynasty in the world of pro wrestling. Spread across almost every company, be it WWE, TNA, or NJPW, the multigenerational line of wrestlers commands instant respect. The prime examples of this are WWE’s Dwayne Johnson and Roman Reigns.

Every Samoan fighter has been seen as their own independent self so far. However,  the formation of The Bloodline has brought a new shift in the perspective of the fans. In fact, The Bloodline has ruled the hearts of many ever since it was forged. Apparently, the faction will receive some new blood in the form of another Samoan talent named Jacob Fatu. But who is this new cousin of Roman Reigns and Dwayne Johnson, and is he any good?

The man behind the potential new and young blood of The Bloodline

Born on April 18, 1992, Jacob Samuel Fatu has notably held titles in Major League Wrestling (MLW). He was born in California in the United States of America. As of 2024 this 31-year-old wrestler has 6 children- stands tall at 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) and is 280 lb in weight. 

Jacob Fatu hails from the esteemed Samoan wrestling dynasty and is a proud member of the legendary Anoa’i family, which boasts numerous notable wrestlers. Embracing this rich heritage, Fatu continues to honor and carry forward the proud tradition established by his family in the world of wrestling.

At 18, Fatu encountered legal challenges, leading to his arrest on suspicion of robbery. Inspired by watching his cousins, The Usos, on prison TV, he transformed adversity into motivation for a wrestling career. Proudly part of the Anoa’ai wrestling dynasty, Fatu is the son of Sam Fatu, with Journey Fatu as his sibling.

The pro wrestling path walked by Jacob Fatu 

Jacob Fatu’s background is deeply steeped in the wrestling culture. One exceptional professional wrestler who has had a big influence on the wrestling industry is Jacob Fatu. Fatu has received a great deal of praise because of his dominant body, endearing attitude, and outstanding in-ring abilities. 

He is a strong force in the ring, known for his explosive strength, aerial exploits, and unmistakable presence.  Samoan-inspired wrestlers are known for their hallmark maneuver, the Samoan Drop, which Jacob Fatu has mastered. Jacob Fatu is renowned for his fierce and acrobatic style of wrestling. He uses a combination of strong blows, excellent agility, and acrobatics in his fights. 

Independent and early career (2012-2019)

Trained by his uncle Rikishi, Jacob Fatu had a successful debut in 2012 with his family member Black Pearl. He fought mostly in California from 2013 to 2015 for independent promotions, sometimes teaming up with other Anoa’i family members. 

He traveled to Mexico for the first time in 2018 to broaden his horizons. Fatu competed in a trios match for The Crash against Octagón and Blue Demon Jr., but the match ended in a defeat.

MLW – Major league wrestling career (2019-2024) 

In 2019, Jacob Fatu signed with Major League Wrestling (MLW), teaming up with relatives Samu and Samu’s son, Lance Anoaʻi. Debuting at SuperFight, Fatu and partner Josef Samael disrupted World Heavyweight Champion Tom Lawlor at Intimidation Games, forming Contra Unit with Simon Gotch. 

Fatu clinched the title from Lawlor at Kings of Colosseum, successfully defending it at Saturday Night SuperFight. After losing to Alex Hammerstone in a winner-takes-all match, Fatu feuded with him, resulting in Contra Unit’s defeat at War Chamber. The subsequent feud with Madds Krügger and Ikuro Kwon ended in a face turn for Fatu, concluding with a victory over Krügger in a Weapons of Mass Destruction match at Kings of Colosseum. Simultaneously, he feuded with Bestia 666.

Also Read – The Bloodline Breakdown: From The Wild Samoans to The Rock to Roman Reigns: Here’s Every Anoa’i Family Member Who Worked for Vince McMahon’s WWE

On April 6, 2023, at War Chamber, Fatu defeated John Hennigan for the MLW National Openweight Championship.

On February 1, 2024, Rikishi announced Fatu’s free agency, marking the end of his five-year tenure with MLW. So who should he go with AEW or WWE? A staple in MLW, he recently showcased his talents in different promotions, delivering an impressive performance at NJPW’s Battle In The Valley event.

Current professional career (2024-present)

Fatu debuted in New Japan Pro-Wrestling on January 13, 2024, teaming up with Shota Umino and Fred Rosser to defeat Team Filthy. Shortly after, on January 8, 2024, Fatu signed with Duke City Championship Wrestling.

Relationship with Dwayne Johnson and Roman Reigns and where does he lie in the Samoan lineage?

Peter Mavia’s daughter Ava Mavia married Rocky Johnson and Dwayne Johnson is their son. Maivia, fondly referred to as the “High Chief,” laid the foundation for succeeding generations of the Anoa’i family in the world of professional wrestling.

Jacob Fatu and Roman Reigns are related by blood. A guy with the surname name “Fatu,” who married one of Reigns’ aunts, is the father of Rikishi and Sam Fatu, popularly known as The Tonga Kid. Jacob Fatu’s father is Sam Fatu in turn. Jacob Fatu is hence Roman Reigns’ cousin. Renowned for their Samoan roots, the Anoa’i family has produced legendary wrestlers over many generations, fostering a close-knit sisterhood and brotherhood.

Reigns and Johnson excel in WWE, while Jacob shines in Major League Wrestling (MLW). Their performances are an expression of their own goals as well as the illustrious Anoa’i family history. Because of their common ancestry, their characteristics are given depth, and each match becomes a symbol of their rich family past.

Watch this story: Most Memorable Moments for Roman Reigns at WrestleMania

Jacob Fatu is quickly becoming one of the biggest names in professional wrestling. His exceptional accomplishments are a result of his Samoan ethnicity and formidable in-ring abilities. Fans can expect big things from this young, talented wrestler as he makes further waves. Recently, he also got a shout-out from WWE legend Booker T.

What are your thoughts on Jacob Fatu joining WWE? Would you like him to be in The Bloodline or fight against his cousins? Let us know in the comment section below.