WWE is still promoting Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre for tonights SmackDown but theres a major catch. Despite Fatu reportedly dealing with a serious non-wrestling-related injury that could keep him out well into 2026, WWE fired off a tweet at 5 PM ET today hyping the match like nothings wrong.
The official WWE account posted: .@jacobfatu_wwe and @DMcIntyreWWE collide TONIGHT on #SmackDown in San Jose!
The post included a promotional graphic and confirmed the match is set for 8ET/7CT on @USA Network. But thats where things get confusing.
According to BodySlam.net, Fatu is currently dealing with a private health issue unrelated to in-ring activity, and multiple sources have said the situation is serious enough that he might not return until sometime next year. This follows speculation after BodySlams CodyWhodes tweeted a cryptic GIF of Fatu alongside the words: The bug strikes another.
While WWE is still promoting the match, its believed theres a strong chance the bout either wont happen or will be used to write Fatu off TV. WWE has not issued any public statement addressing his condition, leaving fans to wonder what the real plan is for tonights show.
Fatu recently returned to WWE television on September 26 and immediately became a major presence, setting up this collision with Drew McIntyre during a wild brawl on the October 10 episode. That momentum might now come to a screeching halt if the injury report is accurate.
Do you think WWE is swerving fans with the Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre match? Or will they use tonights SmackDown to officially write him off? Drop your theories in the comments and let us know what youre expecting.
