Jacob Fatu Reportedly Sidelined Until 2026; WWE Writes Him Off TV

 

Jacob Fatu Reportedly Sidelined Until 2026; WWE Writes Him Off TV

By deepoct | Updated Oct. [Current Date] 2025

The rising WWE star Jacob Fatu — once viewed as a potential main-event future superstar — has been reportedly injured and is now likely out of action well into 2026. Cageside Seats, for Pro Wrestling fans+2The Times of India+2

What happened?

On the October 17 edition of WWE SmackDown, Fatu was advertised to face Drew McIntyre in a high-profile match. Instead, he was shown in a backstage segment, bloodied and trapped under production equipment, prompting a dramatic storyline exit. The Times of India+1

Later reports revealed the injury is not just part of a storyline — Fatu underwent major dental and health-related procedures (including “getting his entire mouth worked on”) that will keep him off TV and away from the ring for an extended period. Ringside News+1

Why this matters

• Fatu had been building major momentum. He’s part of the famed Anoaʻi wrestling dynasty and had been firmly positioned as a future big star in the WWE. Wikipedia

• With this injury, WWE loses a key talent in their roster, which may force the company to shift plans and promote other performers sooner than expected. Cageside Seats, for Pro Wrestling fans+1

• For Fatu personally, whomever was to challenge him or build around him now must pivot — his absence puts a pause on whatever storyline momentum he had.

What’s next?

• Because Fatu’s match was pulled, WWE retooled the card: Drew McIntyre’s status as No. 1 contender became the focus instead. Cageside Seats, for Pro Wrestling fans+1

• While there is no official return date for Fatu, multiple insiders warn he could be out well into 2026 — meaning months of missed television exposure, ring time and storyline development. Cageside Seats, for Pro Wrestling fans+1

• From a fan’s perspective: will Fatu bounce back stronger, or will this long absence derail his trajectory? Time will tell.

Bottom line

Fatu’s injury is more than just a blip. It’s a significant setback for a performer who was being groomed for the spotlight. WWE’s storytelling has masked the reality with a dramatic “attack” backstage, but the underlying truth is a prolonged lay-off. For Fatu, it’s now about recovery — and for WWE, it’s about how they adjust without one of their rising stars.