Rikishi. Shelby Reeves/Chillicothe Gazette/USA TODAY NETWORK

Rikishi wants WWE to pump the brakes with Jacob Fatu

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Sep 22, 2024 3:30 PM ET

Jacob Fatu has been a big hit since joining WWE in April. His role as Solo Sikoa's enforcer has been ideal for his first foray into WWE programming, allowing him to showcase his aggression and athleticism without the pressure of needing to stack wins in matches.

"The Samoan Werewolf" is often tasked with interfering during a match, helping his Bloodline teammates to secure a win or play the numbers game on their opponents. However, on a recent "WWE SmackDown" episode, Fatu was offered a shot at Cody Rhodes and the WWE Universal title. He ultimately turned down the opportunity; however, during a recent episode of the "Off The Top" podcast, Rikishi noted how a potential match with Rhodes didn't sit right.

"I think Jacob is being pushed too fast," Rikishi said. "When you go to Cody, where do you go from there? Cody is the guy right now. I've said this before, let Jacob rampage through the whole roster. Give him a couple those enhancement matches to build. He don't need but three minutes. Again, we've seen Jacob however long he's been on, a couple months or whatever, but is there anything different? You can only do so much on a run-in. This is what I'm saying. You really want to go with a guy? Show his talent, let him have not a match-match, [but] a squash match just so he can show his potential of what else this kid can do."

Fatu is still new to WWE, and he doesn't come with a legendary career in the indies, either. He's had stops with Major League Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling, but outside of his Openweight Championship in MLW, he wasn't a major draw for either company. Instead, it would appear that he is a perfect fit for WWE. He plugs a legitimate gap on the roster and has shown headliner potential.

For now, Fatu would be better served by building experience in singles and tag matches. It's far too soon to enter a top-tier contest with the company's face. Rikishi is right; there would be no room for growth, and for Fatu, a lot would be on the line. He could also benefit from some time with TNA and in NXT — the more in-ring reps, the better.

Eventually, Fatu will get his shot at a major title. Still, he should start smaller, with the United States or Intercontinental Championship. He is still in the opening months of his career with WWE. A match against Rhodes or Roman Reigns should be a reward for consistent excellence; pushing anyone into that sort of match too soon could hinder their long-term career.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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