An update has surfaced regarding Jacob Fatu’s recent absence from WWE television, and it appears his recovery period may not be as lengthy as first believed. Fatu was written off WWE television during the October 17 episode of Friday Night SmackDown via an injury angle. While earlier reports indicated a potentially lengthy layoff due to a non-wrestling-related issue, but new details from PWlnsider.com indicates the situation may not be nearly as serious as initially believed.
According to PWInsider.com, the word backstage at SmackDown was that Fatu is recovering from a dental procedure. “For those who have asked, the word among talents at Smackdown last night was that Jacob Fatu was recovering from a dental procedure and was not yet cleared to wrestle,” the report stated.
The report adds that the hope backstage is for Fatu to return relatively soon. “The hope is he will be back very soon,” PWInsider noted. However, it was added, “We have not independently verified the dental story but numerous talents were stating that was the issue after Smackdown”.
On the October 17 SmackDown, Fatu was scheduled to face Drew McIntyre in the main event to determine the #1 contender for Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship. Earlier in the show, Fatu had a backstage interaction with Rhodes, promising to defeat McIntyre. However, just before the main event, Fatu was shown backstage, pinned under production equipment and bleeding from the mouth, unable to compete. This angle wrote him out of the storyline. Cody Rhodes replaced Fatu in the main event match against McIntyre.
The report also noted that Jacob Fatu is “very much liked” within WWE, with several officials reportedly feeling he is overdue for a major push once he’s cleared to return.
