Jacob Fatu to Return to WWE TV in Early 2026 After Dental Procedure

Jacob Fatu, the WWE superstar known as the Samoan Werewolf, is set to make his return to television in early 2026 after a months-long absence due to a real-life dental procedure. The 33-year-old wrestler has been sidelined since October, when a dramatic backstage segment on SmackDown portrayed him as the victim of a brutal attack, leaving him bloodied with teeth scattered on the floor.

The October 17 episode of SmackDown featured Fatu discovering himself injured following an apparent ambush, a scene designed to write him off programming while he underwent necessary dental surgery. Officials confirmed the graphic depiction served to explain his legitimate medical absence rather than advancing a prolonged storyline. This allowed Fatu time to recover without disrupting his on-screen momentum, which had been building steadily earlier in the year.

Prior to the injury, Fatu was positioning himself as a top-tier talent on the SmackDown brand. He had turned heads with his powerhouse style and was slated to face Drew McIntyre in a number one contenders match for Cody Rhodes' world championship. That feud, however, was derailed by the real-life issue. Fatu's arc also included a...