The Rise of Jacob Fatu: From Independent Circuits to WWE Stardom (6-8-25)

By: Xavier Jones

Headline Photo Credit: WWE 

Jacob Fatu, known as “The Samoan Werewolf,” has emerged as one of professional wrestling’s most electrifying talents. A member of the legendary Anoa’i family, Fatu’s journey to WWE stardom is a story of redemption, resilience, and raw athletic prowess. From his tumultuous early life to his dominant run in Major League Wrestling (MLW) and meteoric rise in WWE, Fatu has proven himself a force to be reckoned with. This article chronicles his ascent, highlighting key moments before and during his WWE tenure that have solidified his place as a future cornerstone of the industry.

Early Life and a Rocky Start

Born on April 18, 1992, in San Francisco, California, Jacob Samuel Fatu grew up immersed in the wrestling world as part of the renowned Anoa’i family. His father, Sam Fatu (known as The Tonga Kid and Tama), and uncles, Rikishi and Umaga, were prominent figures in WWE, while cousins like Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Solo Sikoa would later become global superstars. Despite this lineage, wrestling was not initially Fatu’s calling. His early adulthood was marked by challenges, including legal troubles that led to his arrest for robbery at age 18. While incarcerated in Sacramento County Jail, a pivotal moment occurred: Fatu saw his cousins, The Usos, debut on WWE’s Monday Night Raw, attacking The Hart Dynasty. This inspired him to turn his life around and pursue professional wrestling. 

Under the tutelage of his uncle Rikishi, Fatu began training in 2012, honing his skills in the family’s wrestling tradition while developing a unique style that blended power, agility, and ferocity. His early years were spent grinding on the independent circuit, where he competed in promotions across California, often teaming with other Anoa’i family members like Black Pearl and Lance Anoa’i. These formative years allowed Fatu to refine his in-ring abilities and build a reputation as a standout performer.

Dominance in Major League Wrestling (2019-2024)

Fatu’s big break came in 2019 when he signed with Major League Wrestling (MLW), a promotion that provided the platform for him to showcase his talents on a larger stage. Joining MLW, Fatu quickly aligned with the villainous Contra Unit, a heel stable that included Josef Samael and Simon Gotch. His debut at MLW’s SuperFight in February 2019 marked the beginning of a transformative run. At Intimidation Games on March 2, the Contra Unit attacked MLW World Heavyweight Champion Tom Lawlor, establishing Fatu as a menacing force. 

On July 6, 2019, at Kings of Colosseum, Fatu defeated Lawlor to capture the MLW World Heavyweight Championship, beginning a historic reign that lasted 819 days—the longest in the title’s history. During this period, Fatu defended the title against top competitors like LA Park, Brian Pillman Jr., Davey Boy Smith Jr., ACH, Calvin Tankman, and Matt Cross, headlining MLW’s inaugural pay-per-view, Saturday Night SuperFight, in November 2019. His combination of brute strength, high-flying maneuvers like the double jump moonsault, and intense charisma made him a must-watch performer.

Fatu’s time in MLW wasn’t without challenges. In October 2021, at Fightland, he lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Alex Hammerstone in a winner-takes-all match that also involved Hammerstone’s MLW National Openweight Championship. This loss marked the end of his record-breaking reign and sparked tensions within the Contra Unit, leading to a feud with members Mads Krule Krugger and Ikuro Kwon. Through a series of vignettes, Fatu repackaged himself, turning his face and embracing his Samoan roots as part of the Samoan SWAT Team with Lance Anoa’i and Juicy Final.

In 2023, Fatu won the MLW National Openweight Championship by defeating John Hennigan at War Chamber on April 6, though he later lost it to Rickey Shane Page on September 3. His final MLW match came on February 17, 2024, in a Baleki Brawl loss to Krugger. On February 1, 2024, Rikishi announced Fatu’s free agency, ending his five-year tenure with MLW. During this period, Fatu also made a one-off appearance for New Japan Pro-Wrestling at Battle in the Valley on January 13, 2024, teaming with Shota Umino and Fred Rosser to defeat Team Filthy.

Fatu’s MLW run established him as a top independent talent, earning praise from wrestling veterans like Rob Van Dam and Booker T. His athleticism, versatility, and ability to connect with audiences made him a prime target for major promotions, though his criminal record initially posed a barrier to signing with WWE.

Transition to WWE: A New Chapter (2024-Present)

In April 2024, Fatu signed with WWE, a move that had been anticipated but delayed due to his legal history. Reports suggest WWE’s new regime under Paul Levesque (Triple H) was more open to overlooking past issues, and Fatu’s respectful demeanor backstage helped secure his spot. Initially, WWE considered using the ring name “Ceasar Sikoa” for him but ultimately retained his real name to capitalize on his established reputation.

Fatu debuted on the June 21, 2024, episode of SmackDown, making an immediate impact as the newest member of The Bloodline, led by his cousin Solo Sikoa. In a dramatic heel turn, Fatu attacked top babyfaces Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens, establishing himself as Skioa’s enforcer. His debut was carefully timed after WWE’s international premium live events, as his criminal record restricted international travel—a factor that had delayed his on-screen arrival since signing. 

At Money in the Bank on July 6, 2024, Fatu competed in his first WWE match, teaming with Sikoa and Tama Tonga to defeat Rhodes, Orton, and Owens in a six-man tag team bout. His in-ring style—marked by devastating moves like the pop-up Samoan Drop and Impaler DDT—drew comparisons to his late uncle Usage, but with a modern, high-flying twist. On August 2, Fatu and Tonga defeated DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) to win the WWE Tag Team Championship, marking Fatu’s first title in WWE. However, on August 23, Sikoa instructed Fatu to relinquish his half of the titles to Tonga Loa, repositioning him as Sikoa’s enforcer. 

Fatu’s WWE tenure has been defined by his role in The Bloodline’s ongoing saga. At Bad Blood on October 5, 2024, he and Sikoa lost to Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes after interference from a returning Jimmy Uso, marking Fatu’s first WWE loss. At Crown Jewel on November 2, Fatu, Sikoa, and Tonga defeated the original Bloodline (Reigns and The Usos), with Sikoa pinning Reigns. However, at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 30, Fatu’s team (with Bronson Reed) fell to Reigns, The Usos, Sami Zayn, and CM Punk. 

In January 2025, after Sikoa lost the Ula Fala and Tribal Chief title to Reigns, Fatu embarked on a high-profile feud with Braun Strowman. Their rivalry began on the January 17, 2025, episode of SmackDown and culminated in several intense encounters. At Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 25, Fatu lost to Strowman via disqualification after shoving a referee, but his post-match attack earned him fan support for its sheer brutality. At the Royal Rumble on February 1, Fatu entered at number 12, eliminating four competitors before Strowman eliminated him. On April 4, Fatu defeated Strowman in a Last Man Standing match, earning a shot at the WWE United States Championship. At WrestleMania 41, Fatu defeated LA Knight to win the title, cementing his status as a top star. 

Fatu’s Impact and Future in WWE

Since his debut, Fatu has been portrayed as a dominant, unpredictable force, often described by commentators Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Wade Barrett as “The Dreaded” due to his intense presence and rumored criminal past. His catchphrase, “I love you, Solo,” and his loyalty to Sikoa have endeared him to fans, despite his heel alignment. Posts on X (Twitter) highlight his organic popularity, with fans and analysts noting his potential to be a top babyface. Some argue he was a star before WWE, with his MLW run showcasing his world-class talent, while others credit WWE for elevating him to a global audience.

Fatu’s versatility—combining a heavyweight frame with cruiserweight agility—sets him apart. His double jump moonsault, handspring moonsault, and pop-up Samoan Drop have wowed audiences, while his promos, like his bold challenge to Strowman (“The Werewolf vs. The Monster… I’m both Godzilla and King Kong”), showcase his charisma. Rumors of a potential feud with Roman Reigns in 2025 suggest WWE sees him as a main-event caliber talent, with insiders noting that a match against Reigns could be a “huge rub” for his career. 

Despite his success, Fatu’s criminal record remains a hurdle, limiting his ability to perform at WWE’s international events. However, his cousins, The Usos, have overcome similar restrictions, offering hope that Fatu may eventually join WWE’s global tours. Backstage reports praise his professionalism, noting that he’s made “immediate good impressions” within WWE.

Personal Life and Legacy

Off-screen, Fatu is a family man, married to his wife, whom he credits as his “backbone.” He is a father to seven children, though he keeps his personal life private. His journey from jail to WWE stardom is a testament to his determination, inspired by his family’s legacy and desire to redefine his path.

Jacob Fatu’s rise is a compelling narrative of talent overcoming adversity. From dominating MLW to becoming a WWE United States Champion, he has proven he belongs among wrestling’s elite. As The Bloodline saga evolves and Fatu’s star continues to ascend, fans eagerly await his next chapter—whether as a loyal enforcer, a breakout babyface, or the next great Anoa’i family superstar.