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BREAKING: WWE Drops Jacob Fatu Bombshell Ahead Of SmackDown

By Kaushik Das • Published May 08, 2026 13:31 EDT
wwe jacob fatu
Jacob Fatu on RAW - Image Source: WWE.com

WWE has made a huge announcement regarding Jacob Fatu’s immediate future just before SmackDown.

The Samoan Werewolf is set to compete in the biggest match of his career in less than 48 hours. He will look to dethrone his cousin, Roman Reigns, for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash in Tampa, Florida.

Fatu has maintained the upperhand over Reigns in their feud, and is heading to the upcoming premium live event with a lot of momentum. Ahead of his much-awaited clash against The OTC, the Stamford-based promotion’s official X handle announced that Jacob Fatu will be appearing on the go-home edition of SmackDown before Backlash 2026.

In fact, The Samoan Werewolf will open the show tonight. Check out the post below:

One night before he faces @WWERomanReigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at #WWEBacklash, @jacobfatu_wwe will KICK OFF #SmackDown TONIGHT!

Also, newly added to the card for SmackDown is a singles match featuring one-half of the WWE Tag Team Champions, Damian Priest, and Talla Tonga. For those unaware, Tonga laid down a beatdown on Priest, R-Truth, and Fraxiom on the blue brand last week. Hence, the bad blood between him and The Archer of Infamy is obvious.

The full announced card for 8/5 SmackDown is as follows:

  • Jacob Fatu kicks off the show
  • Gunther to speak
  • Funeral segment for The Gingerbread Man
  • Damian Priest vs. Talla Tonga
  • Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair vs. Fatal Influence
  • Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Kiana James – Women’s United States Championship Match

WWE star Jacob Fatu makes a bold statement

While speaking during his recent interview on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast, Jacob Fatu stated that he understands why people believe he cannot defeat Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Title at Backlash.

Fatu then mentioned how he has risen the ranks in the sports entertainment juggernaut before adding that The OTC has never faced someone like him.

I can understand why people think I’m not gonna win. First PLE, first title defense out of WrestleMania, there’s no way. But hey, check this out. There was no way Jacob was supposed to be here. There was no way Jacob was supposed to be main event, PLE, Roman Reigns, right out of WrestleMania. But we’re here. And keep it 100, like I said before, [Roman] ain’t never ran into nobody like me. I said that against Cody. They don’t make ‘em like me. Hell, they ain’t never made ‘em like me! [H/T: Cageside Seats]

Could Jacob Fatu shockingly end Roman Reigns’ title run? Only time will tell.

Also read: Results Of Major Matches At Backlash 2026 May Have Been Leaked

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