Former WWE United States Champion Jacob Fatu has opened up about a major dental surgery he underwent during his recent time away.
WWE wrote Fatu off on 17th October edition of SmackDown, after a backstage attack by Drew McIntyre. Fatu made his return a few months later. On January 9, 2026, during an Undisputed WWE Championship match he attacked McIntyre.
However, his interference also cost Cody Rhodes the Undisputed WWE Title, allowing McIntyre to win the championship. During his hiatus, Fatu dealt with a serious dental issue that required surgery.
Jacob Fatu Opens Up About Surgery During Time Away From WWE
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Fatu revealed that he had 11 teeth removed while he was away from WWE. “It was the first two. It was being home on the couch. I mean, 11 teeth. I was supposed to get 12 teeth. I got 11 teeth pulled out in the back. So, I got 11 teeth. It was being home.”
He explained that the recovery period gave him time to reflect, especially on how quickly things can change when you are out of the spotlight. “And man, honestly, I remember my uncle Rishi saying this: when you’re home and something, you know, you been out of sight, out of mind, you know, that phone’s going to stop ringing.”
He continued, “That phone stopped ringing, you know, and it was like, you know, not nothing with my family or anything, but once you I seen it with my family you get calls, calls need this, need that.”
Despite the challenges during his time off, Fatu has quickly jumped back into the title picture since returning. Although he recently lost his Elimination Chamber qualifying match, he remains involved in the Undisputed WWE Championship scene.
Read More: WWE’s Jacob Fatu Doesn’t Want To Be Known As Just Roman Reigns’ Cousin
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