Wrestling legend explains why WWE didn't want Jacob Fatu and Roman Reigns to confront each other at SummerSlam
Legendary wrestling manager Jim Cornette has commented on why WWE prevented Jacob Fatu and Roman Reigns from confronting each other at SummerSlam 2024. The Head of the Table made a surprise return at the event.
During the former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion's absence, The Samoan Werewolf was added to The Bloodline by Solo Sikoa, who seized control of the villainous group and appointed himself as The Tribal Chief. At The Biggest Party of The Summer, Roman attacked Solo during the latter's Undisputed WWE Championship match with Cody Rhodes. Jacob was at ringside during that time but did not get involved as he was potentially selling his injured leg.
While speaking on the latest edition of his Jim Cornette Experience podcast, the 62-year-old veteran explained that Jacob Fatu being taken out by someone else would have hurt his aura and character, so The Samoan Werewolf injuring himself was done to avoid him and Roman Reigns confronting each other.
"There was a need because of what was gonna happen next for Jacob Fatu to be rendered incompass mentus. Rendered irrelevant there. They couldn't, with the push they're giving him and the build they're giving him, have somebody else take him out, that would destroy his aura of danger and potential invincibility. But they couldn't have him up and about for what was about to go on and what is the perfect compromise? He hurts himself in the act of hurting someone else and then he can't get back in and interfere in what's gonna go on. So, I say bravo," Jim Cornette said. [13:50 - 14:40]
Cornette went on:
"Roman looks back over his shoulder at Cody and Cody's looking at Roman and one of them was looking back to see if you were looking back at me. And that's why Jacob Fatu, you still don't know what will happen physically when Jacob Fatu and Roman Reigns get mixed in with each other and Jacob Fatu had a good reason for not getting in the way of Roman Reigns doing what he did to Solo and Cody winning the match. He was taken out of the equation." [17:08 - 17:47]
Check out the podcast below:
It will be interesting to see what The Original Tribal Chief is going to do next in the Stamford-based promotion.
Roman Reigns is set to appear on WWE SmackDown this week
Roman Reigns will make his long-awaited return to WWE SmackDown this week. The last time he showed up on the blue brand was during WrestleMania XL season.
The Original Tribal Chief is now officially a babyface, so he will be presented differently. There is also a big chance that he will be confronted by the new-look Bloodline. It will be interesting to see how things pan out.
If you use the quotes from this article, please credit the Jim Cornette Experience and add an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.