Injury update on Jacob Fatu following brutal attack on WWE SmackDown (October 17, 2025)

The Samoan Werewolf was viciously assaulted backstage!

Following the US title loss at the hands of Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu made only a few appearances. However, in recent weeks, he has been receiving a major push, and rumors also suggested a potential feud with the current Undisputed Champion, Cody Rhodes.

Fatu was set to battle Drew McIntyre in the main event of the October 17 show of SmackDown, as the two stars were locked in a fierce feud. During the opening moments of the show, it was revealed that the clash will now be a number one contender’s match for the Undisputed title.

However, before the main event, Fatu was viciously attacked, forcing him out of the match. The introductions for the main event were about to begin when a commotion broke out. The camera quickly cut backstage, revealing Jacob Fatu lying beneath a scaffolding, blood spitting from his mouth.

Cody Rhodes accused McIntyre of the attack and then offered him a title clash right then, which was followed by a lengthy brawl. The match ended in disqualification as Rhodes blasted Drew with the title during the match.

Jacob Fatu was written off TV due to injury

Before the show, Bodyslam.net reported that Fatu is currently dealing with “a non-wrestling-related injury” that will keep him off television for an extended period, with reports indicating that his absence could stretch into 2026.

This report let many fans believe that the match would be pulled from the card, but WWE continued to promote the match, going the other way to likely write him off television, instead of a simple match cancellation.

Similar to Jade Cargill in 2024, Fatu was brutally attacked and left bloodied, with a prime suspect in everyone’s mind. However, in the Cargill case, the actual suspect turned out to be Cargill’s friend Naomi.

WWE writing off Fatu in a similar way can be used upon his return, and the storyline would likely be revisited then to reveal who attacked him. Fatu has become one of the biggest names on the SmackDown roster, and whenever he returns, WWE has the option to insert him right back into the fray.

Notably, multiple fans are speculating Randy Orton to be behind the attack, leading to his eventual and much-teased turn on Cody as he has been eyeing the title for so long.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Wrestling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram & Whatsapp.