It appears Roman Reigns, fresh off his WrestleMania 2026 victory over CM Punk to capture the World Heavyweight Championship, may already have his first challenger of his new reign—although he said he needs time to consider the situation.
Reigns closed out the post-WrestleMania edition of WWE Raw alongside his cousins, The Usos, as he invited them to once again stand with him like they did during their Bloodline days. The brothers seemed to accept, each raising a finger in acknowledgment of their “Tribal Chief.”
However, the celebration was interrupted when Jacob Fatu’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring, signaling a potential challenge.
Reigns suggested that Fatu may have come to the ring to acknowledge him, but Fatu quickly denied that was the case. Reigns then assumed Fatu was there because he wanted the World Heavyweight Championship, but Fatu responded that he doesn’t just want the title — he needs it.
Fatu made it clear he has no interest in becoming “Tribal Chief,” but said he wants everything Reigns has, from luxury watches to a better life for his family. He then issued a challenge to Reigns for WWE Backlash 2026, set for May 9, just three weeks away.
Reigns responded by questioning whether Fatu is ready for the pressure of being champion, or even ready to acknowledge him if he fails. He added that Fatu should take the rest of the week to think it over and give his answer on the next episode of WWE Raw, aligning with Reigns’ recent promise to be less of a part-timer during his title reign.
Fatu enters this confrontation fresh off his WrestleMania victory over Drew McIntyre in an Unsanctioned match on Night 1. While the two have never faced each other in a singles bout, they did meet in three tag team matches back in 2024.
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