Jacob Fatu False Report: SmackDown Favorite's Mysterious Absence Explained

WrestlePurists cites a report from PWInsider Elite’s Mike Johnson that Fatu’s recent injury concerns stem from a dental procedure rather than a significant in-ring issue. WWE reportedly expects him to be back “very soon,” easing fears that he might miss an extended period of time. This report runs in the face of an earlier post that he might miss the rest of the year.

Fatu had been scheduled to face Drew McIntyre in Friday’s main event to determine the No. 1 contender for the WWE Championship. Instead, when his entrance was supposed to air, cameras cut backstage to reveal Fatu trapped beneath a steel truss, bloodied and surrounded by what appeared to be his own teeth. That led to Cody Rhodes stepping in for an impromptu title match, but one that was thrown out via disqualification.

Drew McIntyre took to social media after the match and posted, "I don't know what to do at this point. Time after time after time, this keeps happening... I didn't take Jacob out. Our WWE Champion gives me the match, then he causes a DQ and takes away another opportunity, and I'm sure when I talk about it next week and right now, people are gonna blame me and say I'm whining." He added, "I don't care how many people Corporate Cody's got behind him, that title's mine. And I'm gonna get it no matter what it takes. You can't compete with a psychopath."

What Happens When Fatu Returns?

The thought here is that Drew will finish his feud with Cody, and Fatu will return shortly afterward to get back at McIntyre. Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer has added that while he’ll “probably” miss Survivor Series: WarGames, the expectation is he’ll return before the end of the year.

Since debuting in WWE last year, Fatu has quickly become one of the company’s most dynamic stars. Initially part of Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline, he has since gone out on his own. Over time, fan support turned him into one of SmackDown’s most popular babyfaces.