WWE’s Big Jacob Fatu Plan Leaks — His Injury Quietly Changed the Main Event Timeline
Jacob Fatu’s surprise return on last week’s episode of WWE SmackDown didn’t just shock fans—it completely reshaped WWE’s main event picture.
After nearly three months away from television, Fatu stormed back during the brutal Three Stages of Hell match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. His involvement proved decisive, ultimately helping McIntyre dethrone Rhodes to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion.
Fatu had been written off TV in October following a backstage attack angle that led to legitimate dental surgery. At the time, WWE kept his absence quiet, but behind the scenes, much bigger plans were already in motion.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE originally envisioned a three-man storyline centered around Jacob Fatu, Drew McIntyre, and Cody Rhodes. That plan was already taking shape heading into Survivor Series: WarGames 2025, with Fatu positioned as a major force in the title picture.
However, Fatu’s real-life injury forced WWE to adjust on the fly. Instead of slowly building the triangle rivalry, McIntyre was moved into a direct singles program with Rhodes earlier than intended. While the timing changed, the long-term creative direction reportedly stayed the same.
Now that Fatu is medically cleared and back on SmackDown, WWE has the opportunity to return to its original vision. Prior to his injury, Fatu was reportedly being groomed for a major push—one that could soon place him right back in the championship spotlight.
With momentum already swinging in his favor, Jacob Fatu’s return may only be the beginning of something much bigger in WWE’s main event scene.
