Jacob Fatu Attacked On WWE Smackdown, Main Event Changes As a Result

Jacob Fatu did not get his match with Drew McIntyre on WWE Smackdown, as he was attacked backstage before the bout. Friday night’s show was set to feature Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre in a #1 contender’s match for Cody Rhodes’ WWE Undisputed Championship.  However, Fatu did not come out for the match and the camera cut backstage to show him underneath rigging that had apparently been toppled onto him.

Fatu was bleeding from the mouth and Nic Aldis ran over to check on him.  Aldis confronted McIntyre and demanded to know if he was involved with the attack, which McIntyre denied.  He said that he should be named the #1 contender which led to Rhodes coming to the ring.

A match ended up going down, but it was cut short in just under five minutes when Rhodes hit McIntyre with the Undisputed WWE Championship belt.  McIntyre won the match by DQ and then Rhodes brought McIntyre to the commentary table.  After a bit of back and forth, Rhodes went to hit the Cross Rhodes onto the table but officials pulled them apart.

Rhodes then got into the ring and dove onto McIntyre, who retreated up the ramp.  Rhodes stared daggers at McIntyre to end the show.

It was reported on Thursday that Fatu was out with a non-wrestling injury and could be out “well into 2026.”  Details on the injury beyond that are not known.