10 Next Big Things In Wrestling You Need To Know
4. Jacob Fatu (MLW)
Anyone who's spent longer than a week engrossed in professional wrestling lore should understand Jacob Fatu's appeal.
Trained by his uncle, Rikishi, the 'Samoan Werewolf' is a product of the legendary Anoa'i wrestling dynasty. His father is the former Tonga Kid (who competed for the then-WWF in the 1980s), The Usos are his cousins, and Umaga, whom he most resembles stylistically, was his uncle.
That's a lot of pedigree, though it'd mean little if Fatu couldn't back it up between the ropes. Thankfully, he can. With an approach reminiscent of many a family member, Jacob's a big beefy boy, but no plodder. This light-footed bruiser boasts surprising agility for a 280-pounder and even hops up the bottom ropes onto the second set for his Moonsault finisher. His offence is sharp an impactful, he's as at home in a brawl as he is a beef-slapping big guy fight, and he carries the same level of intimidation you may have felt from Umaga back in the day, without the gimmick.
Fatu recently took MLW's World Heavyweight Title. He's an outstanding talent and one of the most promising guys on the indies today, so it's no surprise WWE are reportedly interested in him. Betting against him becoming his family's next big star would be foolish.
Key Match: vs. Willie Mack vs. Jeff Cobb (PCW Demonized 2017)