On Friday’s “WWE SmackDown,” Jacob Fatu — son of former WWE star Samuel Fatu (aka The Tonga Kid & Tama), nephew of WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, and cousin of Roman Reigns, Jimmy and Jey Uso, and Solo Sikoa — made a thunderous WWE debut. He stormed the ring, taking out WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens before standing tall alongside Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Loa as the newest member of The Bloodline 2.0. This moment, highly anticipated by fans, finally materialized after months of speculation following Fatu’s revelation back in April that he’d signed with WWE and was present backstage at WrestleMania 40. The question on everyone’s mind was why his debut took so long. A recent report from Fightful Select sheds light on the reasons behind the delay.
Fatu’s Past: A Potential Hurdle
According to Fightful, one of the primary reasons for the postponed debut involves Fatu’s criminal record. At the age of 18, Fatu was arrested for robbery and spent time in Sacramento County Jail. It was during this incarceration that he saw his cousins, the Usos, on television, igniting his passion for wrestling. Although this arrest happened many years ago, his criminal record still poses restrictions on his ability to wrestle internationally. With WWE’s recent premium live events being held overseas (Backlash in France, King & Queen of the Ring in Saudi Arabia, and Clash at the Castle in Scotland), the timing for his debut was carefully considered. WWE likely wanted to wait until these international events concluded before introducing Fatu to the WWE Universe. His debut, coming just after Clash at the Castle, aligns with this strategy.
Future International Appearances
Fightful’s report also touched upon the uncertainty of whether Fatu will continue to face restrictions on international appearances. His cousins, the Usos, had previously faced similar travel bans due to their own legal troubles but have managed to participate in several international shows over the past year. This raises the possibility that Fatu might also overcome these hurdles in the future. The report further mentioned that Fatu’s criminal record had been a significant barrier to his hiring in the past. However, the new regime under Paul Levesque and TKO Group Holdings has shown more openness to employing him and had been keen on bringing him on board for some time. Fatu has reportedly made a positive impression backstage, being described as immensely respectful and professional since his signing.
The Expansion of The Bloodline
Fatu’s addition to The Bloodline comes on the heels of the recent integration of Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa. Known in New Japan Pro-Wrestling as The Guerrillas of Destiny, they are the first Tongans to join the traditionally Samoan faction. The connection between the Tongans and the Anoa’i family dates back to Haku, Loa’s father and Tonga’s adopted father, who teamed with Fatu’s father, Samuel, as The Islanders from 1986 to 1988 in WWE. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who is connected to the Anoa’i family through his adopted grandfather Peter Maivia, has often referred to Haku as an uncle, further intertwining these wrestling dynasties.
Future Additions to The Bloodline
The expansion of The Bloodline might not end with Jacob Fatu, Tonga, and Loa. A report from June hinted at the potential arrival of their brother, Hikuleo, another NJPW star, who could soon join WWE to further bolster The Bloodline. Additionally, Zilla Fatu, the son of Samuel and Rikishi’s late brother Umaga, has teased his own WWE debut following Jacob’s entrance into the faction.
Stephen’s Insight
Jacob Fatu’s delayed WWE debut highlights the complexities and considerations behind introducing new talent to the main roster, particularly when past legal issues come into play. His impactful debut not only adds a new dynamic to The Bloodline but also sets the stage for potentially more family members to join this powerful faction.