Spoiler: Absent WWE Star Backstage for January 9 SmackDown

The “Samoan Werewolf” may be on his way back to WWE television.

According to Fightful Select, Jacob Fatu is backstage at today’s January 9 episode of WWE SmackDown, which is being held at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany. Sources close to the situation say Fatu is in excellent physical condition and is “ready to make his presence felt” again as WWE ramps up for the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season.

Fatu has been absent from WWE programming since October 17, 2025, when he was written off in a brutal backstage angle. That episode of SmackDown featured a disturbing visual: Fatu was found bloodied with several of his teeth lying on the floor, the victim of an attack by an unknown assailant. While portrayed as storyline violence, the segment was actually crafted to cover for a legitimate dental procedure Fatu needed, according to Bodyslam.net.

Since that shocking angle, the identity of Fatu’s attacker has never been revealed, leaving the door wide open for a dramatic comeback—and now it seems WWE is ready to pull the trigger.

Internal chatter points to major plans for Fatu in 2026. Sources indicate that WWE officials are preparing for him to have a “breakthrough year,” potentially positioning him as a future franchise star on SmackDown.

Tonight’s SmackDown is already a stacked show, headlined by a Three Stages of Hell match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship, as well as an eight-man tag team match featuring The Wyatt Sicks vs. the MFTs (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, and JC Mateo). Fatu’s connections to both The Bloodline and McIntyre in previous storylines have sparked speculation that his return could intersect with either faction—or possibly ignite something new altogether.

With the Royal Rumble just weeks away, fans are now asking the big question: Is Jacob Fatu about to shake up the SmackDown roster in a major way?

WWE SmackDown January 9, 2026 Full Card

• Three Stages of Hell Match for Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
• Wyatt Sicks vs. The MFTs
• Rey Fenix vs. Trick Williams

 Be sure to tune in live and follow along with Ringside News for full play-by-play coverage over in our SmackDown results section.

Do you think WWE is about to launch Jacob Fatu into a main event run—or could he be aligned with a new faction altogether? Drop your predictions in the comments and let us know how you see his return unfolding.