This week’s episode of WWE SmackDown emanates from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Cody Rhodes is set to open the show, while Jacy Jayne takes on Charlotte Flair. Ricky Saints is also set to make his official main roster debut.
Last Friday on SmackDown, Rhodes laid out an open challenge and a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship for anyone from any brand. Jayne and the rest of Fatal Influence made their presence felt by attacking Flair, Alexa Bliss, Brie Bella, Paige and Rhea Ripley on the same night.
In addition to Jayne vs. Flair and Saints’ debut, WWE also made an announcement regarding Jacob Fatu.
Jacob Fatu Set to Appear on SmackDown
GettyJacob Fatu is introduced before his unsanctioned match against Drew McIntyre during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In a post on WWE.com, the fallout of what happened between Fatu and Roman Reigns is expected to be revealed on SmackDown.
The Samoan Werewolf is expected to address his attack on The Tribal Chief, who subsequently accepted his challenge for a World Heavyweight Championship match at Backlash.
Fatu used the Tongan Death Grip on Reigns to end Monday’s episode of Raw. It was a move made famous by Haku, a legendary figure in pro wrestling. He’s the real-life father of WWE stars Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa and Talla Tonga.
But now that Reigns vs. Fatu is official for Backlash, it’s going to be an interesting return to Friday night for the former United States Champion.
Fatu defeated Solo Sikoa in the main event of SmackDown last week. The leader of the MFTs possibly has revenge on his mind against his former Bloodline teammate.
The Samoan Werewolf Has Momentum
GettyJacob Fatu makes his entrance before his Steel Cage match against Solo Sikoa during the WWE 2025 SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium on August 03, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
While some fans were surprised Jacob Fatu received a title shot at Roman Reigns after WrestleMania 42, it’s a fresh matchup for Backlash.
Fatu and Reigns have history, and their matchup is like an immovable object clashing with an unstoppable force.
The Samoan Werewolf has a ton of momentum after beating Drew McIntyre in an Unsanctioned Match at WrestleMania 42. The win proved that Fatu belongs in the main event scene, especially with McIntyre coming off an Undisputed WWE Championship reign.
As for The OTC, Reigns is coming off an impressive win over CM Punk at WrestleMania. It was a classic match that was praised by everyone, especially due to the absence of outside interference.
WWE Backlash Match Card
With WWE Backlash less than two weeks away, the match card is slowly taking shape.
In addition to Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu, there are two other singles matches already announced for the event.
Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker are set to face each other in a match that is six months in the making. Rollins is out for revenge after Breakker screwed him out of his WrestleMania match against Gunther.
Asuka vs. IYO SKY is also scheduled for Backlash. It’s another feud that has been brewing for months.
Backlash is scheduled for May 9 at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post WWE Announces Jacob Fatu News Ahead of SmackDown appeared first on HEAVY.