Rikishi sends three-word message to Jacob Fatu ahead of WWE SmackDown season premiere
WWE's Jacob Fatu has managed to make an impact within a short time. His feats since his arrival to the sports entertainment giant in June 2024 immediately made him a credible challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship through the lens of Cody Rhodes.
Last week, SmackDown GM Nick Aldis booked Solo Sikoa as The American Nightmare's challenger for the show's debut on the USA Network tonight, but the latter acknowledged Jacob Fatu. This prompted Sikoa to question The Samoan Werewolf's loyalty.
Jacob Fatu assured his allegiance to the new Tribal Chief without hesitation. In the show's main event last week, The Samoan Werewolf was unleashed. He took out two prominent tag teams, the Street Profits and #DIY. WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi highlighted this on Instagram ahead of the season premiere sending a three-word message:
"Put in work," wrote Rikishi.
Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa will be contested inside a Steel Cage, which gives The American Nightmare an advantage. The Bloodline has always found a way to interfere in big matches, though. Is The American Nightmare's title reign in jeopardy? WWE analyst Sam Roberts believes it is "not out of the realm of possibility," noting The Bloodline's leader is a formidable foe.
WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam on Jacob Fatu's contributions to The Bloodline
On his podcast 1 Of A Kind, Rob Van Dam discussed Jacob Fatu immediately following the latter's debut. The Samoan Werewolf first appeared on the June 21 episode of SmackDown. A week later, he helped Solo Sikoa destroy The Wiseman, Paul Heyman, ergo signaling a new era for The Bloodline.
Van Dam praised the 32-year-old for changing the vibe of the group, calling him a more "credible" member than anyone else in it presently:
"He's so much more credible and intense and engaging and compelling than all the other guys, like he came out and just his intensity and everything like changed the whole vibe." [H/T: Wrestling Inc.]
On the June 28 episode, The Wiseman got exiled from The Island of Relevancy when he refused to acknowledge Solo Sikoa as the new Tribal Chief. He has not been seen on the program ever since. Ahead of tonight's show, Paul Heyman dropped a cryptic message on social media.
Meanwhile, wrestling veteran Disco Inferno took notice of the rumblings among fans at the prospect of Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu at WrestleMania 41. Inferno was more intrigued by the interactions between Fatu and Solo Sikoa, the only one who controls The Samoan Werewolf.