Summary

Jacob Fatu said his recent absence from WWE likely cost him opportunities, but he has made clear he is not dwelling on it now that he is back in the middle of a major SmackDown program.

Fatu had been sidelined since he was attacked backstage on an October episode of SmackDown. He returned in January and immediately affected the Undisputed WWE Title picture when he interfered in the match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, accidentally helping McIntyre.

Now, with Fatu already set to meet McIntyre at WrestleMania 42 in an unsanctioned match, WWE has quickly moved him back into a high-stakes spot. That match was already made official in Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu Set For an Unsanctioned Match At WrestleMania 42.

Quote from Jacob Fatu

Reflecting on the time he lost during the hiatus, Fatu said:

"I probably missed out on a lot of opportunities, but it is what it is. They say in this business, ‘Things happen, and the show must go on.’ I missed out, but what was I going to do? I couldn’t sit there and dwell. No, none of that."

Fatu later went on to say:

"It’s where I’m supposed to be. It’s the best fit right now. I’m not with regular people. These are not regular people. These are names that have done huge things in WWE. Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. It’s not overwhelming, but there’s a fan side of me sometimes, a little bit, that feels like, ‘Damn, I’m really here. Tapping in with them.’ It’ll be a good outlet."

Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre gain extra edge before WrestleMania 42

Fatu's comments matter because they frame this return as more than a routine comeback. WWE has already dropped him back in with Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes, which says a lot about how highly he is positioned after the break.

The immediate consequence is that the WrestleMania 42 match with McIntyre carries more weight than a simple grudge fight. If Fatu felt time slipped away while he was sidelined, this is his chance to make up ground in one of the biggest spots available on the card.

Sources

As reported by Fightful.