WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi has recently voiced strong criticism about WWE’s handling of Jacob Fatu’s career momentum, calling it a missed opportunity that has frustrated fans and insiders alike. Speaking candidly on his popular podcast Off The Top, Rikishi, who is Fatu’s uncle, painted a vivid picture of unrealized potential and inconsistent booking that he believes has stalled what could be a major star in WWE’s landscape.
A Burgeoning Talent Undermined by Poor Booking
Jacob Fatu initially burst onto the scene with significant hype, quickly establishing himself as a powerhouse performer with a unique combination of agility, strength, and charisma. Rikishi highlighted how WWE threw “everything behind” Jacob during the early part of his run. He said Fatu came through “standing on business,” making the most of every opportunity with impressive in-ring work and growing fan reactions. Yet despite these promising early signs, Rikishi lamented that WWE has seemingly pulled back, causing Fatu’s momentum to vanish “like a Houdini move.”[1]
Rikishi elaborated that Jacob “is steaming” and hungry for continued push but WWE’s booking has been a frustrating tease. According to Rikishi, the company hasn’t yet paired Fatu with the right opponents or storylines to set his star on a blazing trajectory. “I still don’t think they’ve booked him with the right people and lit gasoline up behind him to really push this thing and make it work,” Rikishi emphasized.[1]
The Need for Strategic Storytelling and Alliances
According to Rikishi, Fatu’s potential is just barely visible on the horizon but hasn’t quite reached the “house” where sustained stardom lives. Using vivid metaphors, he expressed that Fatu should be “in the house having some sweet tea by now,” underscoring the expectation that Fatu should be firmly established as a top-tier WWE talent.[1]
WWE’s missed opportunity with Fatu stems from booking choices that don’t fully harness his distinctive style or his outsider aura that resonated deeply in other promotions. Rikishi believes a carefully crafted feud or alliance—like the rumored program with Drew McIntyre—could be the spark needed to reignite Fatu’s rise. “There’s no doubt Jacob can work with anybody,” he said. “If it’s done right, this kid here has got talent.”[1]
Backstage Perspectives: The Frustration is Real
Sources close to WWE’s creative have confirmed that there is frustration backstage about how Fatu’s progression has stalled. One WWE insider shared, “Jacob is one of the most gifted guys on the roster, both physically and in how he connects with the crowd. The problem isn’t talent – it’s that the storylines aren’t doing him justice. Creative keeps teasing big pushes but then pulls back. It’s confusing and disappointing for everyone involved.” This insider added that there is hope the rumored Drew McIntyre feud becomes a meaningful vehicle for Fatu’s resurgence later in 2025.[4]
Comparisons With The Usos and The Bloodline Saga
Rikishi’s commentary also touched on broader WWE booking trends, especially regarding the wrestling family legacy and The Bloodline saga. Given Fatu’s Samoan wrestling heritage and association with figures like The Usos and Roman Reigns, many saw him as the natural next star to carry forward this dominant legacy. Rikishi has publicly hoped for a renewal of momentum similar to the way WWE re-ignited The Usos’ careers, positioning them as main event players through the Bloodline storyline.
A WWE insider remarked, “Fans have seen what happens when WWE commits fully to a superstar connected to the Samoan dynasty. The Bloodline run elevated The Usos, Roman, and even opened opportunities for newer stars. Jacob has all the tools to step into that role—but he’s not there yet. It’s about timing and trust from WWE’s storytelling teams.”[2]
Rikishi’s Message to WWE and Fans
Rikishi’s passionate plea isn’t just an airing of grievances but a call to action. He encouraged WWE to recognize Jacob Fatu’s undeniable talents and invest in booking decisions that maximize his presence. “We see the top of the hill,” Rikishi said, “but you ain’t got over yet. Back the kid fully, throw the right people in his path, and watch the magic happen.”[1]
For fans, Rikishi expressed optimism about Fatu’s future but warned patience is required. “Jacob’s on the rise — just needs the right fuel,” he remarked during the podcast.[1]
What Lies Ahead for Jacob Fatu in WWE?
As WWE moves through the 2025 calendar, eyes will be on Jacob Fatu’s next program. The mounting dissatisfaction voiced by a family member and hall of famer like Rikishi adds pressure on WWE creative to capitalize on Fatu’s heat while it still can.
WWE insiders suggest the company is aware of the need to course-correct and avoid wasting the talent of a potential star. With rumored high-profile rivalries on the horizon and a fanbase eager for a fresh Samoan powerhouse, Jacob Fatu’s moment could yet arrive in spectacular fashion.
In the competitive world of WWE, momentum is fleeting but crucial. Rikishi’s outspoken criticism serves as a reminder that behind every rising star is a gamble of creative faith—and missing that mark can stall or even derail promising careers. WWE’s challenge in the coming months will be to ignite Jacob Fatu’s full potential and prove the Hall of Famer right when he says, “This kid here has got talent.”[1]