Jacob Fatu was all gas as he beat the brakes off Roman Reigns for a second straight week. In another violent end to Raw, Fatu snapped, snatching the World Heavyweight Champion by the throat with the Tongan Death Grip before driving him through a table.
Though beaten, Reigns wasn’t broken. In post-show footage captured by vlogger Matt Kempke, the Tribal Chief issued a vow ahead of their world title showdown this weekend.
“Saturday at Backlash will not look like this, I promise you,” Reigns told the
fans in Omaha. “I’ve busted my ass for too long. I’ve held my ground in this company for too long, and I ain’t letting it go just yet.”
On Monday, Reigns blasted Fatu for using the Tongan Death Grip the week before, calling it a desperate move that has no place against family. Fatu fired back, admitting he was desperate and saying he had no choice but to take Reigns out to become world champion.
Reigns, looking to have the final word, said that while they’re equals in the family, Fatu is beneath him in the ring. At that, “The Samoan Werewolf” exploded, leaving Reigns laid out before signing the contract for Backlash.
The Usos, who have backed Reigns since he won the world title at WrestleMania 42, stayed out of it, though they were seen entering his dressing room earlier. Last Friday on SmackDown, Fatu walked past Jimmy and Jey after wiping out Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga.
Despite growing hostilities within the Samoan dynasty, the Usos have not laid hands on their cousin. Like Fatu’s use of the Tongan Death Grip, their involvement could be a last resort for Reigns — assuming the Usos don’t flip their allegiance.
