WWE fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of the “Samoan Werewolf,” Jacob Fatu, and it appears the wait is nearly over. Fatu has been absent from programming since the October 17 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, where he was written off television following a brutal backstage ambush.
In a graphic segment that left fans stunned, Fatu was discovered bloodied beneath a production structure, with teeth scattered on the floor. While the attack was attributed to Drew McIntyre in the ongoing storyline, the real reason for his absence was a legitimate medical necessity.
Several reports indicated that Fatu was pulled from the road to undergo an extensive dental procedure, and the graphic nature of the segment was designed to cover his recovery time.
As 2026 approaches, WWE officials are reportedly planning a massive push for the former United States Champion. BodySlam.net notes that the company wants Fatu to have a “breakthrough year” starting in January, positioning him as a dominant force in the main event scene.
While initial rumors suggested he could be out well into the new year, more recent updates indicate his recovery is nearing its end, and he is penciled in for a return in early 2026. This timeline aligns perfectly with the road to the Royal Rumble, where Fatu is expected to make an immediate impact upon his return.
