Jacob Fatu Still Advertised for SmackDown Match Despite Injury Concerns

WWE is still promoting Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre for tonightâ€s SmackDown — but thereâ€s a major catch. Despite Fatu reportedly dealing with a serious non-wrestling-related injury that could keep him out well into 2026, WWE fired off a tweet at 5 PM ET today hyping the match like nothingâ€s wrong.

The official WWE account posted: “.@jacobfatu_wwe and @DMcIntyreWWE collide TONIGHT on #SmackDown in San Jose!â€

The post included a promotional graphic and confirmed the match is set for 8ET/7CT on @USA Network. But thatâ€s where things get confusing.

According to BodySlam.net, Fatu is currently dealing with a private health issue unrelated to in-ring activity, and multiple sources have said the situation is serious enough that he might not return until sometime next year. This follows speculation after BodySlamâ€s CodyWhodes tweeted a cryptic GIF of Fatu alongside the words: “The bug strikes another.â€

While WWE is still promoting the match, itâ€s believed thereâ€s a strong chance the bout either wonâ€t happen — or will be used to write Fatu off TV. WWE has not issued any public statement addressing his condition, leaving fans to wonder what the real plan is for tonightâ€s show.

Fatu recently returned to WWE television on September 26 and immediately became a major presence, setting up this collision with Drew McIntyre during a wild brawl on the October 10 episode. That momentum might now come to a screeching halt if the injury report is accurate.

Do you think WWE is swerving fans with the Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre match? Or will they use tonightâ€s SmackDown to officially write him off? Drop your theories in the comments and let us know what youâ€re expecting.

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