Why Jacob Fatu’s ‘Injury’ Is Good News for WWE

Is Jacob Fatu’s injury really a blessing in disguise? Well, if you ask the bloodline members, we’re not sure if you’d receive more than a threatening stare! But, on the Roman Reigns side of things, WWE might be cooking something that could impact multiple storylines.

With the Original Tribal Chief finally back and unleashing the trailer for the impending carnage against Solo Sikoa, Fatu’s temporary absence allows the company more time to chalk up the perfect Reigns vs Fatu plan for the future. It also makes way for a thunderous one-on-one confrontation for the two Tribal Chief contenders.

Or Fatu could even be back soon, giving a new twist to the tale. Who’s to say the Samoan Werewolf won’t change his allegiance to turn against Sikoa? Looking at Fatu’s state, that can’t be ruled out. While he didn’t need a stretcher to budge, Fatu was seen in a walking boot afterwards. Furthermore, the WWE Universe witnessed him standing at the end of the segment, which gives an optimistic outlook. Notably, Triple H said in an official statement that Fatu is an extraordinary force of nature who’s capable of weeding out major tears in his body. Hopefully, the injury won’t cause further harm. However, even if he takes a little longer to bounce back, it could pave the way for some substantial storytelling.

Interestingly, this isn’t even the first time injuries have had wrestlers repackage their gimmicks.

Remember Cody Rhodes’ nose-smashing injury turning him from The Dashing One to Undashing. Rhodes’ revamped persona out for blood and revenge against Rey Myserio, saw him emerge victorious in a one-on-one showdown.

And who can forget The Rock’s heel-turn? Debuting as Rocky Maivia as a legacy character, the initial character failed to work for the crowds with constant boos and jeers. A knee injury in April 1997 gave him some time off and saw his return as a heel, joining the Nation of Domination—launching an upward and unstoppable upward trajectory for the wrestler.

As for Jacob Fatu, he has been an absolute force of terror since his seismic debut on the blue brand. Reports suggested that the company higher-ups were in constant dilemma about launching him in the brand due to his past ferocious record in MLW. There was the belief that he might be a potential threat to the rousing momentum of Solo Sikoa. While SummerSlam 2024 came off as the ultimate display of his brilliance, his future still stands unclear.

Many have even alleged some discrepancies with the sudden injury storyline, including a WWE Hall of Famer.

Is Jacob Fatu’s injury fake?

Fatu’s injury might not be real. At least that’s what Booker T and media personality, Brad Gilmore have pointed out. In a conversation during the Hall of Fame podcast, Gilmore pointed out, ”It looks like he sells the knee, right? When he hits the table. So if it’s the knee, why do you have a boot on your foot? You know what I’m saying? Well, I know the foot bones are connected to the knee bone, but I don’t know if one causes you to have a boot. I’m saying it could be legit. I’m serious. I have no idea.” 

The legendary figure of world wrestling also agreed and brought out a series of visuals to prove why the injury seems to be a kayfabe deception. The first question he raised was why Fatu needed to protect his foot when he suffered an injury to the knee during the live event. He also seemed surprised that a figure like Jacob Fatu could get himself injured.

“He turned his ankle or something. You know, that’s one thing that I had a problem with. You know, my career was to roll on my ankle. But you never know, man. I don’t know. I’ve never seen Jacob Fatu hurt. This guy has always been, like I say, he’s always been, like indestructible.” 

This raises a vital question: Did Fatu really fake his injury to fool Sikoa?

We need to wait for further updates to confirm. What’s your take on the idea of Jacob Fatu’s injury granting more space to Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa’s personal feud in the coming weeks? Let us know in the comments.