SmackDown May 22, 2026: Gunther Responds to Cody Rhodes' Attack
A look back at the key events from WWE SmackDown on May 22, 2026, including Gunther's reaction to Cody Rhodes' assault, Rhea Ripley's respon...
Jacob Fatu was sidelined due to a dental injury, interrupting a planned feud with Drew McIntyre.
Reports indicate Fatu is backstage at the latest SmackDown event in Berlin, Germany.
There are discussions about Fatu potentially returning as a heel, despite his previous babyface run.
Fatu is expected to have a significant push in 2026, with WWE envisioning him as a main event player.
SmackDown's expansion to three hours in 2026 necessitates the establishment of new main event stars, a role Fatu is expected to fulfill.
Jacob Fatu's return to WWE SmackDown has been a topic of much speculation since he was written off television due to a storyline injury inflicted by a mystery assailant, presumed to be Drew McIntyre. Fatu's initial run in WWE saw him aligned with The Bloodline before transitioning into singles competition, where he even held the United States Championship.
His momentum was halted by a legitimate dental injury, but reports suggest that WWE still has high hopes for him. With SmackDown expanding to three hours in 2026, Fatu's presence could be crucial in bolstering the brand's main event scene.
The question remains: will Fatu seek revenge on McIntyre, or could he set his sights on WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes? A potential heel turn could add another layer of intrigue to his return, creating compelling storylines for the Samoan Werewolf.
Q: When was Jacob Fatu last seen on WWE television?
Jacob Fatu was last seen on the 17 October 2025 edition of SmackDown before being sidelined with a dental injury.
Q: Who was Jacob Fatu feuding with before his injury?
He was feuding with Drew McIntyre before being sidelined.
Q: What are WWE's plans for Jacob Fatu in 2026?
WWE reportedly sees Fatu as a major player and expects him to be a main event star.
Readers should anticipate a potentially altered character for Jacob Fatu upon his return, with the possibility of a heel turn. His comeback could directly influence the ongoing feud between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, and he is expected to be a key figure in SmackDown's main event scene throughout 2026.
Do you think Jacob Fatu will return as a face or a heel? Who should he target first: Drew McIntyre or Cody Rhodes? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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