After losing the United States Championship at WWE Night of Champions on June 28, Jacob Fatu finds himself at a crucial crossroads. The manner of his defeat, a four-on-one assault by Solo Sikoa’s expanded faction, concluded his 70-day title reign and marked his first televised pinfall loss but was structured to protect his status as a main event star, leaving several compelling directions for his character.
The most immediate path is a continuation of his rivalry with Sikoa. The controversial finish, which required interference from JC Mateo, a returning Tonga Loa, and the debuting Tala Tonga (formerly Hikuleo), provides Fatu with a legitimate claim for a rematch. This sets the stage for a potential high-stakes encounter at SummerSlam, where Fatu could seek revenge and regain his championship.
To counter Sikoa’s numbers advantage, Fatu will likely need to build his own alliance. Following the event, fellow Anoa’i family members Lance Anoa’i and Zilla Fatu posted cryptic messages on social media, hinting at their willingness to provide backup. The most logical partner, however, remains Jimmy Uso, who was also cast out by Sikoa. A union between Fatu and Jimmy Uso would create a formidable force to challenge the new iteration of The Bloodline.
The loss could also serve as a “hidden advantage,” accelerating Fatu’s ascent to the world championship picture. With his credibility protected, and with SmackDown currently having a “significant gap in the main event picture” due to the absence of stars like Roman Reigns, Fatu is well-positioned to move beyond the midcard. His feud with Sikoa could serve as a springboard into a program for a world title, solidifying the “megastar” status WWE has been building.
A final, more dramatic possibility involves Fatu taking a temporary step back from television. A brief absence would sell the impact of the betrayal and the physical toll of the attack, making his eventual return for vengeance even more impactful and building sympathy from the audience before he re-ignites his pursuit of Sikoa and the title.