Encouragement from AJ Styles helped Jacob Fatu make a recent change to his WWE ring gear. Since the final months of 2025, Fatu has prioritized his physique and conditioning, leading to a noticeable weight loss. Before making this lifestyle change, the “Samoan Werewolf” admitted he was ashamed to wrestle without a shirt on. However, he has now ditched the shirt after a conversation with Styles at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
“I want to shout out AJ Styles. He seen me at Saturday Night’s Main [Event] and he seen the transformation and he was just like, ‘Dude, are you freaking finna wear a shirt out there?’ I was just like, ‘Yeah.’ He was like, ‘Dude, you freaking got abs. I’d go out there with no shirt. What are you doing?’ So shout out to AJ, baby. Y’all know what I mean? Congratulations on the retirement. But it was cause of him, man, why I took it. I was ashamed to take it off… And, man, when the Phenomenal One says, ‘Hey man, I would do this,’ then okay, I’m gonna listen,” Fatu told Busted Open Radio.
Fatu explained that dedicating himself to fitness was a decision he made after needing to regroup both mentally and physically. He had been sidelined late last year with a dental injury, and spending time at home with his seven children inspired him to address his weight and health. He noted that the transition to a higher income bracket in WWE initially led to some poor dietary habits before he committed to the gym.
“Let’s keep it real, somebody like me coming in, seven kids, man, getting this type of dough, I’m not saying I’m rich, but you know, man, it’s a little different, you know? I’m at Waffle House every day, like, I’m going crazy. But I feel like I believe, and I know it was God’s timing on what happened. I missed out on a lot of opportunities, but then again, I had to double back when I came back,” Fatu added.
The 33-year-old has been heavily involved in the Undisputed WWE Championship picture heading into WrestleMania 42. Recent reports suggest that he has been carrying the storyline momentum for the brand alongside Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. While a singles rematch between McIntyre and Rhodes has been discussed, many fans and analysts have advocated for adding Fatu to create a Triple Threat match to keep the dynamic fresh for the Las Vegas event.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Busted Open Radio with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
