WWE had another option ready in case Jacob Fatu couldn’t make Clash in Italy.
Fatu’s status became a concern after he was hurt at WWE’s live event in Liverpool following his match against Solo Sikoa. He was seen limping after the match, which immediately raised questions because he is scheduled to face Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
According to False Finish, WWE was working under the belief that Fatu would be okay for the show, but the company was also looking at possible pivots just in case he wasn’t cleared. Drew McIntyre was one of the names WWE had in mind as a possible opponent for Roman Reigns if Fatu couldn’t compete. That would have been a massive switch. WWE wasn’t looking at a throwaway replacement — they had a former world champion in the mix as a backup for one of the biggest matches on the card.
Ringside News previously noted that Fatu was limping after his match in Liverpool. The injury scare came at a bad time, with Clash in Italy already right around the corner and Reigns vs. Fatu positioned as one of the show’s top matches.
For now, WWE has not announced any change to Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu. The match still appears to be moving forward, but the fact that McIntyre was discussed as a backup shows WWE was ready if the situation went sideways.
Clash in Italy is already loaded, and WWE clearly did not want to be caught flat-footed if Fatu couldn’t go. If Fatu is cleared, WWE gets the match it planned. If not, the company had a major Plan B sitting there.
What do you think about Drew McIntyre being considered as an alternative opponent for Roman Reigns at Clash in Italy? Let us know in the comments below.
