Massive WWE Star Set To Return On 1/9 SmackDown

A missing WWE star is expected to return later this week on SmackDown.

Jacob Fatu was last seen during the October 17, 2025, episode, where he was scheduled to face Drew McIntyre in a singles match. The winner would go on to challenge Cody Rhodes for the championship.

However, when Fatu’s entrance music hit, he was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a segment aired showing he had been attacked backstage, with blood dripping from his mouth and a couple of teeth fallen out.

General Manager Nick Aldis arrived at the scene along with medical professionals to offer aid.

Later, reports emerged confirming that the attack was a part of the storyline as The Samoan Werewolf would be undergoing dental surgery and was dealing with legitimate health issues.

Media sources later indicated that Fatu’s expected WWE return was scheduled for early 2026, and that appears to be coming to pass.

Jacob Fatu Scheduled For 1/9 Episode Of WWE SmackDown

Before being written off, Jacob Fatu was one of the most over WWE superstars on the main roster. Whether or not that status persists upon his return remains to be seen.

During a recent episode of the Self Made Session podcast, the panel shared that the 33-year-old was scheduled for a comeback on the January 9 taping of SmackDown in Berlin, Germany.

Jacob Fatu is scheduled to return on Friday’s show. I was initially told about this a week ago.

It was also revealed that the writers may be considering a character shift for the Samoan wrestler, which could see him become a heel.

There have been pitches made for Jacob Fatu to not come back as an outright babyface. That’s one thing I’ve also been told about. Yes, he left as a babyface. [H/T: Ringside News]

Also read: Jacob Fatu Hoping WWE Legend Returns For Dream Match