Jacob Fatu provided an update regarding the medical procedure he underwent during his recent absence from WWE. In October 2025, Fatu was written out of television programming following a backstage attack on SmackDown. While the identity of the attacker remained a mystery for months, Fatu utilized the time away to address significant dental issues.
While speaking to Busted Open Radio, Fatu explained that he had 11 teeth pulled from the back of his mouth. He noted that the original plan was to remove 12 teeth, but he ultimately settled on 11.
“11 teeth. I was supposed to get 12 teeth. I got 11 teeth pulled out in the back. So got 11 teeth.”
Fatu reflected on the advice his uncle, WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, had given him about the business’s fleeting nature when a performer is not on television. He admitted that while he was recovering, the frequent calls for favors from extended family members briefly ceased. Fatu used the recovery period to refocus mentally and physically, committing to a new fitness regime that helped him lose significant weight.
The “Samoan Werewolf” made his thunderous return to SmackDown on January 9, 2026, where he attacked both Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. Fatu initially believed that McIntyre was his mystery attacker, but he accidentally helped McIntyre capture the Undisputed WWE Title amid the chaos. Since his return, Fatu has also changed his ring gear, ditching his shirt to show off his new physique after receiving encouragement from AJ Styles.
