Jacob Fatu opened up about his approach to the upcoming Tribal Combat match against Roman Reigns, speaking with ESPN as WWE continues to build toward Clash in Italy on May 31. Fatu said the match carries deep cultural weight for his family, especially with their lineage so tied to the ongoing feud.
Fatu explained that Tribal Combat is not something anyone can truly prepare for. He said the match is rooted in their heritage, and only members of their bloodline understand what it means to compete under those rules. With WWE heading to Italy for the first time, he said the stakes feel even higher.
“Well, see, this is the thing about Tribal Combat you can’t really prepare for a sticky situation like this. When it comes to our bloodline, when it comes to our culture, when it comes to our family, we are the only ones that are able to go and we’re the only ones that’s able to go within the tribal combat and do what we and and and do what we do at such a high level, at such a great stake right now at Clash of Italy, especially going there for the first time.”
He also reflected on the number of “firsts” he has experienced since joining WWE. Facing Roman Reigns at the company’s first Premium Live Event in Italy is something he considers an honor. Fatu said he would not want it any other way, and that being part of so many major moments so early in his run has been surreal.
“If we could just pull the current back just a little bit besides everything else, it’s an honor and I wouldn’t have it no other way. You know, since I’ve been here in WWE, it’s been a lot of first times that I’ve been a part of everything. So for us to go for the very first time PLE in Italy against one of the greatest of all time, Roman Reigns, man, it doesn’t get no better at Clash in Italy. Cannot wait for it.”
The rivalry between the two began the night after WrestleMania, when Fatu challenged Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash. After coming up short, Fatu vowed to earn a rematch and take everything Reigns has built throughout his career. That determination eventually pushed the feud into Tribal Combat, a stipulation that removes disqualifications and allows both men to weaponize anything around them.
This week on Raw, the contract signing between the two erupted into a heated confrontation, adding another layer of intensity to a match already fueled by family history and personal ambition.
Jacob Fatu Discusses His Mindset Ahead of Tribal Combat With Roman Reigns at Clash in Italy
WA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wrestlingattitude/
WA on Facebook (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.facebook.com/WrestlingDivas/
WA on X/Twitter - https://x.com/wa_wrestling
WA on Instagram (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.instagram.com/wa_wrestlingattitude/
WA on Google News - https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMJf3owsw2oG8Aw
WA on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlingattitude.bsky.social
