7 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE SmackDown (10 Jan - Results & Review)

2. Jacob Fatu Shines In A Big Spot

Jacob Fatu Tama Tonga
WWE.com

What a night Jacob Fatu had.

WWE put a lot of focus on the bulldozer throughout all three hours, and seeing him shine without sharing the stage with Solo Sikoa felt like a big deal. Fatu wrecked shop and generally took the lead in Solo's absence. Dare one say he...came across as a better 'Tribal Chief'/leader than the man he professes to love? Now that's tasty, and it's something the writing team can use going forwards.

Jacob also found time to cut a powerful promo as he and Tama walked backstage towards Gorilla for their main event tag vs. Cody and Jimmy Uso. Then, as if that wasn't enough, Fatu proved to be the difference maker for his team. Next week, Jacob will either re-pledge his allegiance to Sikoa or decide he’s a weak link after failing to beat Roman Reigns.

Being brutally honest, this guy still thinks Fatu needs to come up with a new finish (he’s still using Tiffany Stratton’s moonsault), but that’s a minor gripe. One of many, as you've probably noticed. Right, enough of that. Back to the good stuff.

Jacob and Tama make a better team than Tama and Tonga Loa ever did, but it's clear to anyone watching that Fatu is about to break out and become a singles megastar around these parts. 2025 is going to be his year. It's practically guaranteed if he manages to stay injury free and keep his nose out of trouble.

Triple H gave Fatu centre stage on SmackDown, and the boss will be damn proud of the results.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.