WWE Backlash 2026: 10 Things That NEED To Happen
3. Jacob Fatu Comes Eerily Close
As the intro stated, WWE's writing team has done a bang up job of building Jacob Fatu before he collides with Roman Reigns at Backlash. It isn't just what they've been doing with him on Raw and SmackDown since WrestleMania either; there, on the grandest stage, Fatu looked like a force to be reckoned with by beating Drew McIntyre.
The 'Samoan Werewolf' sent the burly Scotsman off to film Highlander with a thumping smash, and he looked like a main eventer in waiting whilst doing so. This kind of sustained shine has been a long time coming for Fatu. He burst onto WWE's scene with a bang as a heavy in the New Bloodline, but he tailed off significantly upon turning babyface for a feud with Solo Sikoa.
Thankfully, since returning from an injury layoff to get his teeth fixed, Jacob has been up and at it. He and McIntyre pinned down several episodes of SmackDown, then did well with their "Unsanctioned Match" in Las Vegas. After that, Fatu has gone toe to toe with the 'Tribal Chief' and consistently had the upper hand whenever things have been physical.
Even in defeat, which is 99.9% likely at the weekend, Jacob will look someone who has levelled up during and after WrestleMania season. WWE should be proud of their booking here, and of the way they've delicately handled someone who previously seemed lost in the shuffle.
Give him a few meaty near falls on Saturday and tease a win with the Tongan Death Grip, please.