Once the high of a Bloodline reunion began to wear off, a question popped into my head regarding Jacob Fatu: how the hell was he on Raw in the first place?
Quick recap: Newly crowned World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns proposed a full Bloodline reunion to the Usos. Fatu interrupted, saying he doesn’t want to be the next Tribal Chief — but he does want everything Reigns has so he can provide for his family. He then challenged Reigns to a match at Backlash on May 9. Reigns told him to think it over,
warning that if he comes up short, he’ll have to acknowledge him.
As compelling as this is, Fatu resides on SmackDown, where Cody Rhodes is the Undisputed WWE Champion. If he wants what Reigns has, he could just as easily get that by beating Rhodes for his title.
Instead, he chose Reigns.
Why, Jacob, Why?
The short answer is that WWE is setting up a Bloodline reboot. Hardcore fans get that, but it’s a question that needs an answer within kayfabe.
Hopefully, WWE clarifies this on Friday’s SmackDown or next Monday on Raw when Fatu gives Reigns his answer. Until then, all that’s left is to speculate and make sense of his character’s motivation.
Last fall, Fatu was attacked backstage and sidelined for months. The attacker is still unknown, though he’s long suspected of being Drew McIntyre. In February, Jey Uso was injured in a similar attack before Elimination Chamber. His assailant also remains a mystery.
It’s possible Fatu has learned new details about those attacks that point to Reigns, but is keeping quiet for now. Reigns targeting his cousins could come down to jealousy, ensuring he remains the sole head of the Samoan family table.
Another possibility is that Fatu sees Reigns as WWE’s biggest star. Beating him for a world title would raise his stock and, in turn, his family’s fortunes. To avoid ambiguity, though, WWE should spell this out.
So Much For The Brand Split
How a SmackDown star can appear on Raw to challenge for a title also needs answering. As it stands, SmackDown GM Nick Aldis is about to lose a top star, which — in storyline — should raise questions about potential contract tampering by Raw GM Adam Pearce.
Otherwise, Fatu’s ability to roam free renders the brand split and having two world champions pointless. His motive matters, but so does how he got to Raw.
It’s even more confusing considering Fatu has a history with Rhodes. They had a chaotic encounter at January’s Saturday Night’s Main Event. With a weakened Rhodes coming off a successful title defense against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42, now is the perfect time for Fatu to strike.
But without an explanation, it leaves one impression: Cody Rhodes wasn’t worth Fatu’s time. Indirectly, it undermines Rhodes’ character, suggesting that even someone with history against him sees Reigns as the more valuable target.
An Explanation, Please
The Bloodline revival has the potential to do big business and create new stars, just as it did the first time. However, a brief explanation of how and why we got here would help.
WWE prides itself on blurring the line between what’s real and Unreal, so to speak, keeping fans guessing. Filling in the logic gaps would be a nice way to reward viewers who pay close attention to detail, especially as it relates to what may be the biggest storyline of 2026.
