The landscape of Friday Night SmackDown is bracing for a seismic shift as “The Samoan Werewolf” Jacob Fatu makes his presence felt in early 2026. After a significant hiatus due to a non-wrestling-related dental injury that sidelined him in late 2025, the former WWE Tag Team Champion has officially returned to the ring with a clear mission: vengeance.
The Return of the Samoan Werewolf
Following his stunning return to WWE SmackDown on January 9, 2026, Jacob Fatu has wasted no time re-establishing himself as the most dangerous force in the Anoa’i family. Fatu had been out of action since mid-October 2025, missing several months of competition. His return has been characterized by a “quest for vengeance” as he hunts down the mystery attackers who targeted him during his absence.
Tonight, Friday, February 13, 2026, marks a pivotal moment in Fatu’s career. He is scheduled to compete in a high-stakes Triple Threat match against Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn. This bout serves as a critical Elimination Chamber qualifying match, with the winner moving one step closer to a potential championship opportunity at WrestleMania 42.
A Dominant Rise in WWE
Since debuting in April 2024 as part of Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, the 33-year-old powerhouse has maintained an incredible trajectory. Known for his “Brawler” style and surprising agility, Fatu has already achieved significant milestones in his short WWE tenure:
- Unpinned Status: Fatu remains one of the few superstars who has not been pinned in standard WWE competition.
- Championship Gold: He is a former WWE Tag Team Champion, having held the titles alongside Tama Tonga.
- United States Title Pursuit: Following a successful stint that saw him defeat LA Knight for the United States Championship at WrestleMania 41, Fatu has solidified his spot as a top-tier singles competitor.
Family Legacy and Future Outlook
Born in San Francisco and trained by WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, Jacob Fatu carries the weight of the esteemed Anoa’i wrestling dynasty. Before joining WWE, he dominated Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he held the World Heavyweight Championship for a record-breaking 819 days.
Industry insiders and family members alike are predicting a massive year for the superstar. Rikishi recently shared bold predictions for Fatu’s direction at WrestleMania 42, suggesting that “The Samoan Werewolf” is destined for the main event scene. Rumors also persist that Fatu may soon lead his own faction, potentially introducing more family members to the WWE roster to counter the evolving Bloodline drama.
As the road to Elimination Chamber heats up, all eyes remain on Jacob Fatu. Whether he is apologizing to crew members for accidental ringside collisions or decimating opponents with his signature pop-up Samoan Drop, Fatu has proven to be the “it factor” WWE fans have been waiting for.