25 Best Wrestling Moments Of 2024

4. The Debut Of Jacob Fatu

Jacob Fatu WWE
WWE

It used to be (and too often still is) the case that a new WWE signing is made to go to developmental and become the wrestler that WWE wants them to be. 

It is no coincidence that Jacob Fatu made a significantly more direct impact, and is perceived by many as WWE’s next top heel. 

As Solo Sikoa, on the defensive for once, was circled by Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens, Jacob Fatu burst into the ring. Owens tried to super-kick him. Fatu simply ate it and turned him inside out with a frightening lariat. The New Bloodline was plotted very well, but to be blunt, Solo Sikoa and Tonga Loa were in it. They weren’t exactly the Horsemen, but Fatu - with his animalistic explosiveness and terrifying facial expressions - elevated the unit immeasurably. 

In a killer, bold, and totally committed angle, Fatu - a 21st century unicorn, in that he feels like the sort of unhinged force of nature left behind in the 20th - killed the top babyface and the second top babyface. He instantly felt like somebody nobody could ever hope to beat, a WrestleMania-calibre headliner. 

You don’t wrestle Fatu; you get trapped in the ring with him. WWE and Jacob himself have done a phenomenal job of building that difficult idea. 

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!