Jacob Fatu Attacks Reigns, Pearce After Title Defeat at WWE Backlash
Jacob Fatu assaulted Roman Reigns following his loss in the World Heavyweight Championship match at WWE Backlash on Saturday night. Reigns retained the title after pinning Fatu at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, on May 9, 2026. Fatu then turned on Reigns, Raw general manager Adam Pearce, producers, the referee and others who intervened.
The match featured intense exchanges, with Reigns' attacks appearing ineffective for much of the contest. Late in the bout, Fatu applied the Tongan death grip on Reigns. Reigns grabbed the referee, exposing a turnbuckle, then drove Fatu into it before landing a spear for the pin.
Post-match, Fatu delivered the Tongan death grip to Reigns and superkicks to those attempting to intervene. Reigns departed up the entrance ramp and addressed Cathy Kelley, stating Fatu did not belong in the company and that it was his last night. Fatu was last seen posing with the World Heavyweight Championship over the downed Reigns.
