There is an update on the status of Jacob Fatu, who has been absent from WWE programming since October. Fatu was written off television following an angle on the October 17 episode of SmackDown where he was attacked backstage.
The segment featured Fatu being discovered with a bloody mouth and some of his teeth lying on the floor. While the angle was graphic, it was reportedly done to cover for a legitimate medical need. Bodyslam.net previously reported that the angle was executed to take Fatu off television so he could undergo a dental procedure.
Sources indicate to Bodyslam that WWE has high hopes for the SmackDown star upon his comeback. The company reportedly wants Fatu to have a “breakthrough year” in 2026. This push was set to slowly begin before he had to undergo dental surgery.
Regarding his timeline, Fatu is currently expected to return to WWE TV in the early stages of 2026. This aligns with the road to the Royal Rumble, which takes place on January 31, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Perhaps, he can be a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble Match.
