Jacob Fatu: The Samoan Werewolf
Early Life & Anoa’i Legacy
Born Jacob Samuel Fatu on April 18, 1992, in San Francisco, California, Jacob Fatu is a proud heir to the legendary Anoa’i wrestling dynasty. As the son of Sam Fatu (The Tonga Kid) and nephew of WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, Jacob’s lineage includes icons like Roman Reigns, The Usos, and The Rock. His journey to wrestling began in unlikely circumstances: at 18, he was incarcerated, where watching his cousins The Usos on TV inspired him to pursue wrestling as a path to redemption.
Dominance in Major League Wrestling (2019–2024)
Trained by Rikishi, Fatu debuted in 2012 and honed his craft on the indie circuit before joining MLW in 2019. Nicknamed “The Samoan Werewolf” for his ferocious style, he became the longest-reigning MLW World Heavyweight Champion (819 days), defending against stars like LA Park and Alex Hammerstone. His faction Contra Unit terrorized MLW until 2021, when Hammerstone dethroned him in a historic “winner-takes-all” match. Fatu later won the MLW National Open weight Championship in 2023 but left the company in 2024 to sign with WWE.
WWE Ascension: The Bloodline’s Enforcer
Fatu debuted on June 21, 2024, aligning with Solo Sikoa’s reimagined Bloodline on SmackDown. His brutal attack on Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens signaled his arrival as Sikoa’s enforcer. At Money in the Bank 2024, he triumphed in his WWE in-ring debut alongside Sikoa and Tama Tonga. Weeks later, he and Tonga captured the WWE Tag Team Championship but relinquished one title to focus on enforcing Sikoa’s dominance18.
Breaking Free: Singles Stardom & WrestleMania Triumph
After Sikoa lost the Tribal Chief title to Roman Reigns in January 2025, Fatu carved his own path. He entered the 2025 Royal Rumble at #12, eliminating four stars before Braun Strowman ousted him18. Their feud escalated into a Last Man Standing match on April 4, 2025, where Fatu’s victory earned him a WWE United States Championship shot at WrestleMania 41. At the event, Fatu defeated LA Knight, claiming his first singles title in WWE and cementing his status as a solo force.
Signature Style & Persona
Standing 6’2” and weighing 285 lbs, Fatu combines agility and raw power, utilizing a moonsault, Samoan drop, and Samoan splash to devastate opponents. His “werewolf” intensity and tribal-inspired entrance theme, “Samoan Destroyer”, amplify his menacing presence. Despite his heel alignment, fans gravitate to his authenticity and backstory of resilience.
Personal Life & Legacy
A devoted family man, Fatu is married with seven children. His journey from incarceration to WrestleMania symbolizes the Anoa’i spirit of perseverance. Fatu aims to honor his family’s legacy while forging his own.
Accolades & Championships
WWE United States Champion (2025)
WWE Tag Team Champion (2024, with Tama Tonga)
MLW World Heavyweight Champion (819-day reign)
MLW National Openweight Champion (2023)
“I used to watch WrestleMania in jail. Now I’m here, and I’m just getting started.”
Jacob Fatu, WrestleMania 41 Press Conference
