The road to WWE Backlash may already be running hot, but one wrestling veteran believes Jacob Fatu could be stepping into the fire too quickly against Roman Reigns.
Ahead of their World Heavyweight Championship clash on May 9, WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett questioned whether WWE is moving too fast with Fatu’s rise to the main-event scene.
The comments came during Jarrett’s “My World” podcast discussion with Conrad Thompson. The longtime wrestling executive and former world champion openly expressed concern about the position Fatu has been placed in.
While the “Bloodline Civil War” story has quickly become one of WWE’s biggest attractions, Jarrett suggested the timing may not be doing Fatu any favors. Sometimes, climbing the Head of the Table too fast can leave someone without a seat.
Jeff Jarrett questions WWE’s timing with Jacob Fatu Vs. Roman Reigns
Jarrett pointed directly to Reigns’ recent title victory at WrestleMania 42 as part of the issue. Reigns captured the World Heavyweight Championship by defeating CM Punk. Fatu then rose as the challenger to the throne on the following episode of RAW.
“It feels like it’s just like wait a minute, Roman just won the championship,” Jarrett said. “Why are they doing this to Jacob on his really early in the build?”
The WWE Hall of Famer also questioned how either outcome benefits Fatu at this stage of his career.
“If he wins, I feel like it’s way, way too soon,” Jarrett explained. “And if he loses, he’s kind of going to be in that no man’s land.”
Jarrett added that Tampa’s crowd reaction could further complicate matters for Fatu because Reigns has fully embraced his role as a top babyface again. He described Reigns as “head of the table” and called the situation “a tough spot for Jacob to be in.”
The rivalry itself has become deeply personal in recent weeks. Fatu has repeatedly used the “Tongan Death Grip,” made famous by Haku, to attack Reigns, including during the May 4 RAW contract signing, where he choked out the champion and drove him through a table.
Meanwhile, Reigns has dismissed Fatu’s rise as “nepotism.” Reigns suggested Fatu only entered WWE because he opened the door for the family.
With Backlash approaching, WWE appears fully committed to the family war at the center of its world title picture. Whether Fatu is being pushed too quickly or perfectly positioned for a breakout moment may become clear once the bell rings.
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