Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jacob Fatu

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 26, 2026

Discover the career path of Jacob Fatu, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jacob Fatu is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, performing on the SmackDown brand. Details beyond this brief statement were not provided in the source text.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 22, 2012: In-Ring Debut

On September 22, 2012, Jacob Fatu made his in-ring debut at the KnokX Pro Academy, partnering with Black Pearl to defeat The Profilers.

2012: Professional Wrestling Debut

In 2012, Jacob Fatu debuted as a professional wrestler, competing in various independent promotions such as All Pro Wrestling, DEFY Wrestling, Game Changer Wrestling, House of Glory, and PCW Ultra.

2013: Teaming with The Hillbilly Hero

In early 2013, Jacob Fatu began teaming with The Hillbilly Hero.

December 12, 2015: Departure from KnokX Pro Academy

On December 12, 2015, Jacob Fatu left the KnokX Pro Academy to compete on the independent circuit.

July 9, 2016: APW Debut

On July 9, 2016, Jacob Fatu debuted for All Pro Wrestling (APW), defeating Will Hobbs.

January 20, 2017: PCW Ultra Tag Team Championship Win

On January 20, 2017, Jacob Fatu and The Almighty Sheik won the PCW Ultra Tag Team Championship, defeating Dom Vitalli and MVP.

2018: PCW Title Defenses and The Crash Appearances

Throughout 2018, Jacob Fatu and The Almighty Sheik successfully defended the PCW Ultra Tag Team Championship against several teams. Fatu also wrestled three times for The Crash in Mexico.

January 17, 2019: Signing with MLW

On January 17, 2019, Jacob Fatu signed with Major League Wrestling (MLW), joining his relatives Samu and Lance Anoaʻi.

April 6, 2019: Six-Pack Challenge Win

On April 6, 2019, Jacob Fatu won a six-pack challenge at The Wrestling Revolver's Pancakes & Piledrivers 3 event.

2019: Signing with MLW

In 2019, Jacob Fatu signed with Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he achieved significant success by winning the MLW World Heavyweight Championship and the MLW National Openweight Championship.

September 2021: MLW Title Challenge

In September 2021, Alexander Hammerstone challenged Jacob Fatu for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship, leading to a winner-takes-all match.

July 31, 2022: Impact World Championship Challenge

On July 31, 2022, at Ric Flair's Last Match, Jacob Fatu challenged Josh Alexander for the Impact World Championship, but the match ended in a no contest due to interference.

2022: Battle Riot Win

In 2022, Jacob Fatu won the fourth Battle Riot in MLW. His reign of 819 days as MLW World Heavyweight Champion stands as the longest in the promotion's history.

2022: Feud with Contra Unit Members

Throughout early 2022, Jacob Fatu feuded with fellow Contra Unit members Mads Krügger and Ikuro Kwon, resulting in matches on Fusion and at Kings of Colosseum.

March 21, 2023: Failed World Heavyweight Championship Match

On the March 21, 2023 episode of Fusion, Jacob Fatu received his title match against Hammerstone for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship, but lost.

May 19, 2023: Losing PCW Ultra Heavyweight Title

On May 19, 2023, Jacob Fatu lost the PCW Ultra Heavyweight Championship to Matt Cardona at Beware The Fury.

January 13, 2024: NJPW Debut at Battle in the Valley

On January 13, 2024, Jacob Fatu debuted for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) at Battle in the Valley, teaming with Fred Rosser and Shota Umino to defeat Team Filthy in a six-man tag team match.

February 1, 2024: Free Agency Announcement

On February 1, 2024, Rikishi announced that Jacob Fatu was now a free agent, ending his five-year tenure with MLW.

March 24, 2024: Final Independent Circuit Match

On March 24, 2024, Jacob Fatu wrestled his final match on the independent circuit for GCW at The Block is Hot, teaming with Zilla Fatu.

April 7, 2024: Signing with WWE

On April 7, 2024, reports confirmed Jacob Fatu had signed with WWE.

2024: Signing with WWE and Bloodline Debut

In 2024, Jacob Fatu signed with WWE and debuted as part of The Bloodline stable.

January 2025: Feud with Braun Strowman Begins

In January 2025, after Solo Sikoa lost the Ula Fala and Tribal Chief title to Roman Reigns, Jacob Fatu began a feud with Braun Strowman.

January 9, 2026: SmackDown Appearance

On January 9, 2026, Jacob Fatu returned on SmackDown during the Undisputed WWE Championship match, attacking Drew McIntyre before assaulting Cody Rhodes, which allowed McIntyre to capitalize and win the title.