Jacob Fatu Is WWE's Most Interesting Wild Card Right Now
So much WWE discourse centers on the top stars of WWE: Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, but one man has quickly risen into the conversation without a clear long-term direction: Jacob Fatu.
The Samoan Werewolf looked and performed like a pending breakout star since he first debuted in 2024.
His hard-hitting style combined with wild athleticism for his size makes him a formidable competitor against any opponent.
As a mic worker, few can match the infectious energy of Fatu, who speaks with confidence and genuine edge.
All of this talent makes The Samoan Werewolf an undeniable star, but his role in WWE is especially interesting because it is still hard to confidently declare how high he will reach in 2026.
He could be the Undisputed WWE champion, dethroning Cody Rhodes, or he could fall into a familiar pattern of heated rivalries that do not bring him gold.
His ultimate direction has a chance to redefine the whole company, which is why he is the ultimate wild card in WWE right now.
Jacob Fatu's Journey to This Moment
1 of 4Jacob Fatu arrived as an enforcer for Solo Sikoa, laying out Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens in July 2024 before making his debut in a tag team win over those former world champions at Money in the Bank 2024.
He was originally set up to elevate Sikoa, but after The MFT's leader lost his Tribal Chief title back to Roman Reigns, it became clear that Sikoa was no longer a priority.
One of the big reasons for that was Fatu's own growing popularity. By WrestleMania 41, it was The Samoan Werewolf winning the United States Championship while Sikoa had no role on The Show of Shows.
At Money in the Bank 2025, one year after his debut match, Fatu turned against Sikoa and cost him the Money in the Bank briefcase.
Even though the betrayal cost Fatu the United States Championship, it set him on a skyrocketing trajectory toward the main event scene.
Fans were rooting for The Samoan Werewolf to break out and become an immediate world champion by the end of 2026.
The WrestleMania Rivalry with Drew McIntyre
2 of 4
Jacob Fatu's first WrestleMania rivalry with LA Knight was largely forgettable, setting up the inevitable crowning moment for The Samoan Werewolf.
This year though, Fatu has had a key role in many of the major stories on SmackDown.
In particular, his personal issues with Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre have kept him within arm's reach of the Undisputed WWE Championship.
After The Scottish Warrior interrupted the Saturday Night's Main Event clash of Rhodes and Fatu, it looked like WWE might be heading toward McIntyre vs. Rhodes vs. Fatu at 'Mania.
It was not to be as The American Nightmare dethrone The Scottish Warrior and is moving onto Randy Orton for The Show of Shows.
However, the stage is still set for Fatu to steal the show in a rising feud with the former multiple-time WWE champion McIntyre.
It is expected at this stage that McIntyre was the man to attack Fatu backstage to avoid a No. 1 contender match against him in October of 2025.
When The Samoan Werewolf returned, he made a beeline for The Scottish Warrior, pushing their rivalry to the next level.
These two look poised for a heavily physical and personal collision at The Show of Shows.
If Fatu wins, he has to be considered the top contender for the WWE Championship, especially if Rhodes retains against The Viper.
WWE Championship Upside
3 of 4Jacob Fatu is not just good. He is obviously in position to be the driving force on SmackDown, carrying the Undisputed WWE Championship.
However, he would need to topple the top man, Cody Rhodes, to do so.
The two have traded results so far in their careers, but their only scheduled singles match never took place due to the interference of Drew McIntyre.
It is honestly surprising WWE did not commit more to Fatu on the road to WrestleMania, even setting him up to face The American Nightmare over Randy Orton.
However, there is plenty of time to deliver this match and rivalry in memorable fashion in 2026.
If Rhodes wins out, Fatu could fall into the background for the rest of the year, but if The Samoan Werewolf wins, he could be the biggest star on SmackDown going forward.
That is a major shift, entirely defined by how much WWE believes in Fatu as the man to run one of WWE's top brands.
Anything is possible with The Samoan Werewolf at this stage, and it is difficult to read WWE's intentions with Fatu at the moment.
What Should WWE Do With Jacob Fatu?
4 of 4
Strap the rocket to Jacob Fatu's back.
There is no time to hesitate. An hesitation could dampen the potential of The Samoan Werewolf as a top man.
In particular, Fatu cleanly pinning Cody Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE Championship would be the WWE moment of the year.
This would take away The Samoan Werewolf's wildcard label, clearly indicating a healthy respect for Fatu's immediate future.
While Fatu has only worked in WWE for two years, he did not come in young. He is 33 years old with over 10 years of independent wrestling experience.
He cannot sit around and wait, becoming the next Finn Bálor or Kevin Owens in terms of stars with world title upside that were mostly relegated to midcard relevance.
SmackDown needs fresh blood, and Fatu is such a unique new star that he could take over the whole brand for years to come.
.jpg?w=600 "Kittle Chugs Hali's Beer 🍺")