The Bloodline storyline is one of WWE’s most dominant and compelling narratives in recent years. Roman Reigns, as the “Tribal Chief,” along with The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Solo Sikoa, has created an enduring legacy centered around family, loyalty, and dominance. Given this, many wrestling fans wonder why Jacob Fatu, a standout talent from the same legendary Anoa’i family, was never part of the faction. Some speculate that he was “removed” from WWE’s Bloodline story for reasons not made public.
The reality behind this decision is nuanced and involves several layers, including company dynamics, contractual obligations, and storytelling decisions. Let’s dive into the backstory, the potential reasons behind Fatu’s exclusion, and what WWE might not be telling fans.
Who is Jacob Fatu?
Before diving into the question of why Jacob Fatu was “removed” or left out of the Bloodline, it’s essential to understand who Jacob Fatu is and why fans have been clamoring for his inclusion.
Jacob Fatu is part of the famed Anoa’i wrestling family, which includes legends like The Rock, Roman Reigns, Yokozuna, Rikishi, and The Usos. His background is steeped in wrestling heritage, and like his relatives, he’s made a significant impact in the wrestling world.
Fatu has gained significant attention in **Major League Wrestling (MLW)**, where he’s been a dominant force. Known for his athleticism, charisma, and hard-hitting style, he quickly rose to the top and held the MLW World Heavyweight Championship for over two years—one of the longest reigns in modern wrestling history. Fatu’s skills and his family ties made him a fan favorite for speculation about a WWE run, especially within The Bloodline faction.
The Rise of The Bloodline
WWE’s Bloodline storyline has evolved into one of the company’s most iconic narratives, showcasing the power dynamics within the Anoa’i family. Since 2020, Roman Reigns has been positioned as the dominant “Head of the Table,” asserting control over his family members to maintain his position atop WWE. With The Usos and now Solo Sikoa backing him, Reigns has crushed nearly every challenger who has come his way.
The family-centric nature of the storyline naturally led fans to wonder why Jacob Fatu—a man with the same bloodline as Reigns and The Usos—was not a part of this powerhouse faction. Wouldn’t his addition only strengthen the story’s authenticity, making it a true dynasty of Samoan wrestling royalty?
However, the reality of why Jacob Fatu has not joined The Bloodline is far more complex than it may initially seem.
The Real Reasons Jacob Fatu Was Never Part of The Bloodline
1. Contractual Obligations to MLW
The primary reason Jacob Fatu has not been involved in WWE’s Bloodline story is straightforward: **he’s under contract with Major League Wrestling (MLW).**
Fatu has been one of MLW’s top stars for several years, and his contract with the promotion has kept him off WWE’s radar. Unlike WWE, which has historically prided itself on being the dominant wrestling company globally, MLW operates as a smaller independent promotion. However, this doesn’t mean that Fatu’s work with MLW is insignificant—in fact, it’s the opposite.
As a central figure in MLW, Jacob Fatu is a crucial asset to the company. MLW has invested heavily in him as a main-event talent, giving him significant creative freedom and top billing as their World Heavyweight Champion. His commitments to MLW have prevented him from entertaining a WWE contract, and WWE typically does not bring in talent that’s under an exclusive deal with another wrestling company.
While some wrestling promotions allow crossover appearances, WWE rarely does so, especially when the talent is contracted with a company that positions itself as competition in the wrestling landscape. This contractual wall effectively keeps Jacob Fatu outside of WWE’s sphere, regardless of fan interest or potential storylines like The Bloodline.
2. WWE’s Reluctance to Share the Spotlight
WWE has a long history of prioritizing its homegrown or signed talent over wrestlers from other promotions. While there are exceptions, WWE is notoriously protective of its intellectual property, including characters and storylines. By allowing Jacob Fatu to be part of The Bloodline, WWE would be elevating a wrestler they don’t fully control.
This scenario could present WWE with issues regarding creative control, merchandising rights, and overall story direction. If Fatu were to join The Bloodline but remain under contract with MLW, WWE would have limited influence over his future. In contrast, talents like Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Solo Sikoa are all signed to exclusive WWE deals, giving the company complete control over how they are presented.
For WWE, integrating a wrestler they can’t fully manage into one of their top storylines would be a risk. As such, they are likely reluctant to bring Jacob Fatu into the fold unless they can secure his full-time services, something that hasn’t yet occurred due to his MLW commitments.
3. Creative Direction of The Bloodline Storyline
Another reason Jacob Fatu has not been added to The Bloodline could be tied to WWE’s creative direction. While it might seem logical to include him due to his family connections, WWE’s storytelling often follows a specific vision. The Bloodline story is designed to focus on Roman Reigns as the central figure, with The Usos and Solo Sikoa playing roles that revolve around their relationship with him.
Adding another dominant character like Jacob Fatu might shift the focus away from Roman Reigns or create new creative complications. Fatu’s character in MLW is already portrayed as a top-tier monster heel, similar to Reigns in WWE. Adding him to the faction could muddy the power dynamics within the group. WWE has clearly designed The Bloodline around the idea of Roman Reigns as the undisputed leader, with his cousins following his orders.
In contrast, Fatu’s current wrestling persona is more aligned with a rebellious, take-no-prisoners attitude—traits that might conflict with the subservient roles The Usos have played under Roman Reigns’ rule. WWE may have felt that incorporating Jacob Fatu would disrupt the delicate balance of family loyalty and tension that has made The Bloodline story so compelling.
4. Brand Differentiation Between Promotions
There’s also the issue of **brand differentiation**. WWE and MLW operate in very different lanes within the professional wrestling landscape. WWE is the global juggernaut, known for its polished production, mainstream appeal, and larger-than-life characters. MLW, on the other hand, appeals to a more hardcore, niche audience that values technical in-ring work, indie-style storytelling, and a grittier presentation.
Fatu has flourished in MLW, where his raw athleticism and hard-hitting style have been put on full display. However, WWE might have concerns about how his character would translate to their environment, where storytelling and entertainment often take precedence over pure wrestling. WWE’s presentation of The Bloodline, while grounded in family drama, is ultimately a soap-opera-style narrative built for mainstream audiences.
The nature of Fatu’s character might not easily align with WWE’s highly produced version of professional wrestling. As a result, WWE could be holding off on bringing him in until they can find a way to transition him smoothly into their system, where characters often undergo significant changes to fit the WWE mold.
5. Loyalty to MLW and Career Control
Jacob Fatu has expressed loyalty to MLW, where he’s been given a significant platform to shine. Unlike in WWE, where talent sometimes gets lost in the shuffle, Fatu has been positioned as a key player in MLW, receiving consistent main-event opportunities. His loyalty to MLW may also be one reason he hasn’t pushed for a WWE deal
Moreover, being in MLW gives Fatu a level of control over his career that might not exist in WWE. In MLW, he’s been allowed to craft his own persona and storylines without the heavy oversight that WWE is known for. For wrestlers who value creative freedom, this can be a significant advantage, especially when compared to WWE’s sometimes rigid creative system.
Fatu’s decision to remain with MLW could be rooted in the desire to build his brand and reputation outside of WWE, positioning himself as a top star in the independent circuit before making any major moves to WWE or other mainstream promotions.
What WWE Doesn’t Want You to Know
WWE has built a reputation on being the premier destination for professional wrestlers, but the company’s control over its storylines and talent often comes at a cost. While WWE has never officially addressed why Jacob Fatu is not part of The Bloodline, it’s clear that there are behind-the-scenes reasons that have kept him from joining.
WWE likely prefers to focus on talents they control fully—those under exclusive contracts with the company. This control allows them to dictate the direction of the storylines and protect their brand identity. By bringing in a wrestler like Jacob Fatu, who’s currently thriving in another promotion, WWE would be ceding some of that control, something the company is typically unwilling to do.
Additionally, WWE’s focus on the Bloodline storyline is built around Roman Reigns, and adding another dominant figure could complicate the narrative. WWE has carefully crafted the family dynamics, and integrating Fatu could disrupt the balance of power, which is critical to the story’s tension.
The Future: Could Jacob Fatu Eventually Join The Bloodline?
While Jacob Fatu is not currently part of The Bloodline, that doesn’t mean the possibility is entirely off the table. Wrestling storylines are always evolving, and talent contracts are not set in stone. Fatu’s current commitments to ML
W may eventually come to an end, opening the door for a potential WWE debut.
If Fatu does eventually make his way to WWE, there’s little doubt that he would be a natural fit for The Bloodline storyline. His presence could inject new energy into the faction and potentially set up future feuds, such as a power struggle between him and Roman Reigns. However, for now, fans will have to wait and see whether WWE can strike a deal with Fatu and MLW to make this dream scenario a reality.
Jacob Fatu’s exclusion from The Bloodline is a result of a complex mix of contractual obligations, creative decisions, and WWE’s desire to control its narrative. While WWE has not publicly acknowledged why Fatu isn’t part of the faction, it’s clear that several behind-the-scenes factors are at play.
For now, fans can continue to speculate and hope that one day Fatu will join his cousins in WWE, adding yet another layer to The Bloodline’s already rich storyline. Until then, Jacob Fatu will remain one of the biggest “what-ifs” in the world of professional wrestling.
