After his return to WWE television on the September 26 episode of SmackDown, Jacob Fatu looked ready to shake things up. But fresh details suggest fans might not be seeing the Samoan Werewolf in action for quite a while.

In an update from BodySlam.net, it’s been revealed that Fatu is currently dealing with a non-wrestling-related injury. According to sources close to the situation, the issue is serious enough to potentially sideline him “well into 2026.”

This news confirms earlier speculation that emerged when CodyWhodes, also of BodySlam, posted a cryptic tweet with a GIF of Fatu and the message, “The bug strikes another .”

At the time, no official injury had been announced, and WWE was still promoting Fatu’s match against Drew McIntyre for the October 17 edition of SmackDown. The two had just ignited a physical feud following a chaotic brawl on the October 10 episode.

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Despite that scheduled bout, sources now say Fatu’s injury has quietly changed WWE’s plans. There’s been no formal comment from WWE, but with this new backstage report, it looks like Fatu’s absence could stretch for many months.

If true, this is a major blow—not just for Fatu, but for SmackDown as a whole. His explosive energy, menacing presence, and deep ties to the Anoa’i family had him pegged as a breakout force for WWE’s future storylines. Whether this detour slows his momentum or sets the stage for an even bigger return down the road remains to be seen.

What are your thoughts on Jacob Fatu being sidelined until 2026? Do you think WWE should address the injury publicly or keep it quiet? Let us know in the comments below.

Steve Carrier is the founder of Ringside News and has been reporting on pro wrestling since 1997. His stories have been featured on TMZ, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and more.

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