Presumably the main event of Backlash, Roman Reigns will be defending the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against his cousin, “The Samoan Werewolf” Jacob Fatu. For years has this been a dream match, stemming from Fatu’s dominance on the independent circuit as MLW World Heavyweight Champion coinciding with the beginning of Reigns’ run as “Tribal Chief.” And that’s even more the case now that Fatu has established himself as one of the uncrowned main eventers in the company. 

Having seen off a former World Heavyweight Champion in Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42, Fatu emerged to make the challenge to Reigns during the “WWE Raw” after ‘Mania, putting himself at odds with his family all over again. He has since drawn the ire of Reigns and the Usos, as well as Solo Sikoa and MFT on Friday nights. But that hasn’t stopped him. He has consistently got the upper hand on Reigns with the Tongan Death Grip, and smashed through Sikoa and the entirety of the group.

In fact, while in real life the decision was made to cut costs, the WWE canon will recognize that Fatu was the one to shelve Tanga Loa and JC Mateo in their final appearances. That all just lends to the fact that Fatu is a dangerous challenger for Reigns and his new run atop the company. It would be difficult to ever bet against Reigns taking the win on the night, but Fatu is someone who could, and has been booked well in that regard. 

This would be a draw because it featured Reigns. It would be a draw because it featured Fatu. Them facing one another with the title on the line just elevates that to an entirely new standing. It’s far and away the most intriguing match on the card.

Written by Max Everett