Further clarification has emerged regarding the injury status of WWE SmackDown star Jacob Fatu. During the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer provided an update, confirming previous reports that Fatu’s absence is related to dental issues and offered a potential timeline for his return. Fatu was written off television during the October 17 episode of SmackDown via an attack angle.
Dental Work Confirmed, Likely Missing WarGames
Dave Meltzer confirmed that Fatu is sidelined due to dental work, corroborating reports from PWInsider and Fightful Select that surfaced following the SmackDown show. While discussing the impact of Seth Rollins’ injury on WWE creative, Meltzer briefly touched on Fatu’s situation, noting why the planned number one contender’s match on SmackDown didn’t happen. “Jacob [Fatu] is having dental work done, so he’s going to be out for a while,” Meltzer stated.
Regarding a return timeline, Meltzer indicated that Fatu will be out for a significant period but likely not as long as some initial speculation suggested. “It’s not going to be a long time,” Meltzer said. He added, “My impression was it would be before the end of the year, but it brought probably missing War Games”. This aligns with a Fightful Select report stating Fatu told people he would be out for “at least a month”. Missing WarGames, which takes place in November, fits within that timeframe.
SmackDown Angle and Previous Reports
On the October 17 episode of SmackDown, Fatu was scheduled to face Drew McIntyre in the main event to determine the number one contender for Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship. However, before the match, Fatu was found attacked backstage, pinned under production equipment and bleeding from the mouth. This angle wrote him off television, with Cody Rhodes stepping in to face McIntyre instead. Backstage reports quickly surfaced suggesting the injury was non-wrestling related, with PWInsider noting talents believed it was a dental procedure and Fightful Select confirming the dental issue.
Despite the injury temporarily halting his momentum just as he was set for a major opportunity, reports indicate Fatu is well-liked within WWE and considered “overdue for a big push”. We wish him a speedy recovery.
