Summary

Jacob Fatu says the Tongan Death Grip means more to him than just another signature spot in his feud with Roman Reigns.

While speaking with Peter Rosenberg on Cheap Heat, Fatu explained that the hold carries personal weight because of his bond with Tonga Loa, his family's history, and the legacy Haku left behind in wrestling. The move returned to the spotlight when Fatu used it on Reigns during the April 27 episode of WWE Raw.

That moment also fits neatly with the larger story around Fatu and Reigns, whose rivalry has increasingly leaned on family ties and Bloodline history. Wrestling Remembers recently covered the Raw contract signing built around Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu, and Fatu's comments add more context to why he chose this specific move.

Quote from Jacob Fatu

Fatu said the move carries a deeper meaning because of the people connected to it:

"Tonga Loa looked out, man. This is why I’m so close with them. It ain’t because they’re Tongan. It ain’t because our dads used to tag. Nah, man, I know these brothers. I know I genuinely love my Tongan brothers. This is why the Tongan Death Grip, it’s not about changing the name. No. I’m getting goosebumps right now because this move is a sacred move. It’s different."

Fatu later went on to say there was no better move for him to use against Reigns:

"I talked to Talla Tonga. I mean, I’m just happy and I’m thankful I’m able to use this and bring it back because, man, there’s no other move that could have did this with Roman. Let’s be for real. What else? This guy has been F5’d. This guy has been through it all. You got to hit them and this is one thing, if you can’t go against it man. There’s only one thing that’s going to take us down and take us out. That’s anything to do with our bloodline or our family. There’s no other move besides the Tongan Death Grip. I couldn’t have it no other way. No, we’re not changing the name because it wouldn’t be what it is if it’s not the Tongan Death Grip."

On the same appearance, Fatu said bringing the hold back was meant as a tribute to Haku and the relationship Haku had with his father:

"Shout out to Haku, man. Everything that he has done for us, for the business, also for my father as well. He was actually looking out for my dad. … I was kind of like my dad, in and out. So pops used to wrestle as the Tonga Kid, came in as Tama of the Islander, met up with Haku in Canada. That’s a man that my dad was very scared of, but also respects so much. Haku is the most loving, nicest, such a great grandfather as well. So for us to all be tied in and for me to bring this back out, it’s really to pay homage."

What it means for Jacob Fatu and Roman Reigns

Jacob Fatu tying the Tongan Death Grip to Haku and his own family history gives his shots at Roman Reigns a more personal edge. Instead of presenting the move as a simple callback, Fatu framed it as something connected to Bloodline pride and to the people who shaped him.

That matters in a WWE feud built around family standing. If Fatu keeps using the Tongan Death Grip as a central piece of this rivalry, every time it shows up it reinforces that his issue with Reigns is not just about winning a match, it is about legacy.

Sources

Jacob Fatu while speaking with Peter Rosenberg on Cheap Heat