Roman Reigns’ first World Heavyweight Championship defence is set to be a complicated family affair as he will face his cousin Jacob Fatu at “Backlash” on May 9.
Fans have been eager to see the two clash since Fatu’s debut in 2024, as their upcoming bout is the first time they will lock horns in a match.
Reigns nabbed the World Heavyweight Championship from CM Punk during night two of “WrestleMania 42” earlier in the month.
Fatu fights for an upgrade
Fatu first set his crosshairs on Reigns during the “Raw” after “WrestleMania”, stating that he needs the belt to “have everything ‘The Tribal Chief’ has”.
“I need the shoe deal, I need the private jets, I need that Rolex, I need more vehicles, I need a bigger house, I need to put my children in better schools,” an intense Fatu stated.
“And I’ll do anything for my family even if I gotta go through you.”
A calm Reigns reassured that he wants all these things for his cousin too, and questioned if Fatu has what it takes to carry the burden of being a champion.
“Understand this, Jacob. It’s thin air up here. The footing, there’s not much of it. This is the top of the mountain.”
Reigns then told his challenger to think his decision through and that he would give him one week.
A week later, Reigns convened with his two enforcers, The Usos, regarding Fatu’s challenge.
He questioned Fatu’s decision, noting that his opponent only challenged for the belt once Reigns was in possession of it.
“I don’t disagree with what you’re saying, but I do agree with Jacob… I mean, come on, he wants to upgrade his household, I get that… but it shouldn’t come at the cost of you,” Jimmy Uso, also Reigns’ cousin, said.
The Usos also warned “The Tribal Chief” that Fatu is dangerous, recalling how “The Samoan Werewolf” held his own against the villainous MFT group in the latest episode of “SmackDown”.
Jey Uso then further alerted Reigns that if he gets beaten by Fatu, “he takes it all”.
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Reigns accepts the challenge
Reigns and Fatu then met face-to-face once again in the ring, as the younger Samoan reiterated that he needs the World Heavyweight Championship.
Fatu also recalled that he worked hard to be in the WWE, recalling that Reigns and The Usos did not reach out to him before signing with the company.
The champion then stated that his opponent does not deserve a shot at the belt, and that letting the match happen would be blatant nepotism.
Reigns also mentioned that he is the reason that Fatu is signed to the company.
But Fatu swiftly attacked Reigns with a “Tongan Death Grip”, shocking both the champion and the audience.
As Fatu was taking his exit, a weakened Reigns grabbed a microphone and accepted the challenge.
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KC Maderia 
Newsjustnews writers 
Kamille Q. Cabreza