Credit: Google
What initially appeared to be a scripted beatdown has evolved into a real-life saga for Jacob Fatu, also known as the "Samoan Werewolf". The drama unfolded on the October 17, 2025, episode of Friday Night SmackDown. Fatu, positioned as a rising threat in the WWE Championship picture, was slated to clash with Drew McIntyre in a number one contender's match against champion Cody Rhodes. But mere moments before the main event, chaos erupted backstage and cameras captured Fatu buried under collapsed production equipment, blood streaming from his mouth, with what appeared to be several teeth scattered across the floor.
According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Jacob Fatu's health issue, stemming from extensive dental work will keep him off television until Survivor Series weekend on November 29, 2025, forcing WWE to pivot quickly to protect both his momentum and the integrity of key feuds. With Fatu unavailable, the company scrapped the original Fatu-McIntyre matchup entirely. Instead, they elevated Cody Rhodes into an impromptu WWE Championship defense against Drew McIntyre right then and there. Reports claim that this pivot not only preserved the heat between Rhodes and McIntyre but also preserved Fatu's aura as an unstoppable force, avoiding a rushed return where he might be quickly eliminated or overshadowed.
Drew McIntyre widely suspected as Jacob Fatu’s attacker: Reports
Jacob Fatu’s injury and health issue, reportedly amplifying the mystery around his attacker widely suspected to be Drew McIntyre, though the Scottish Warrior vehemently denied involvement. At the heart of Fatu's hiatus is a non-combat medical necessity, extensive dental surgery to address an underlying issue, not directly caused by in-ring action but exacerbated by the rigors of the profession. The ripple effects extended further. Reports indicate WWE had penciled Fatu into the men's WarGames match at Survivor Series, a multi-man bloodbath that has become a staple of the event's high-octane card.
Jacob Fatu’s participation would have added a layer of family intrigue, given his Bloodline ties, and positioned him as a key player in the faction's ongoing civil war. With him sidelined, creative teams are now recalibrating the lineup, potentially elevating other talents like Solo Sikoa or Tama Tonga to fill the void. Additionally, the original plan for Rhodes versus McIntyre at Survivor Series has been accelerated to Saturday Night's Main Event on November 1, 2025.
