Last night's episode of SmackDown was supposed to be headlined by Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu. However, shortly before the bout was scheduled to begin, we were taken backstage to find the former United States Champion laid out and spitting blood.
There have been conflicting reports about what's happening with the former Bloodline member, including suggestions he could be sidelined for months with an unknown injury.
In the latest report from PWInsider.com, it's said that Fatu is simply 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 adds, "The hope is he will be back very soon," though the site cautions, "We have not independently verified the dental story but numerous talents were stating that was the issue after SmackDown. He is very much liked within the company and it’s felt he’s overdue for a big push."
Whatever the case may be, WWE has decided to return to McIntyre vs. Rhodes, and the plan could be to pull the trigger on the Scottish Warrior becoming Undisputed WWE Champion (Rhodes' second title reign has been good, not great, so a change could be welcomed).
"Jacob Fatu. One of the baddest guys on the roster," McIntyre said in a recent X post. "This match is going to happen tomorrow. And I have to win. It didn’t have to happen, though. Jacob, you stepped up in my business a few weeks ago when I had nothing to do with you. Then you dropped me with one d**n calf. If that wasn’t bad enough, the following week, you ran your mouth."
"You’re no different than anyone else in a lot of ways. I see a lot of me in you. I mean, I flew all the way across the world to drop ya because you pumped me out. I guarantee if it was the other way around, you would do exactly the same. And I hate, hate your family. I’ve been in the ring with all of them. But you’re as bad as you say you are. You’re better than every one of them."
Hyping up their now-postponed match, he added, "This match is a guaranteed war. This is a match nobody should miss. It’s a match I have to win. Tomorrow, Drew McIntyre derails the Jacob Fatu hype train by any means necessary."
Check out some highlights from SmackDown in the player below.