WWE is building momentum heading into the May 1 episode of SmackDown, and a new development involving Jacob Fatu has added intrigue to the ongoing storyline with Roman Reigns.

Before the show even began at the BOK Center, WWE released a video on social media showing Fatu in the middle of a tense and cryptic phone conversation. The segment immediately caught attention due to the lack of clarity around who he was speaking to and what it could mean moving forward.

Jacob Fatu Cryptic Call Teases Next Move

In the video, Fatu speaks in vague terms, offering no clear indication of the person on the other end of the call. The tone of the conversation suggested that something significant is being set in motion, but details remain unknown.

After ending the call, Fatu turned directly to the camera and delivered a message.

“After tonight, there ain’t no more nos.”

He then added that he would see Reigns on RAW, signaling that whatever unfolds on SmackDown will carry over into the next chapter of their rivalry.

Storyline With Roman Reigns Continues

Fatu was the first to step up to Reigns following WrestleMania, where Reigns regained the Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating Cody Rhodes. That result immediately set the stage for a new challenge within the same family, adding another layer to Reigns’ ongoing run at the top.

The mystery surrounding Fatu’s phone call now adds further uncertainty to the situation. It is unclear whether he was speaking to an ally, making arrangements, or setting up something that could impact his upcoming confrontation with Reigns.

With SmackDown set to unfold, the focus remains on how this angle develops and what role the mysterious call will play. WWE has leaned into unpredictability with this storyline, and Fatu’s message suggests that a decisive moment could be approaching.

There is no clear answer yet, but the direction is obvious—tension between Fatu and Reigns is escalating quickly. With no offseason in WWE, major storylines continue to move forward without pause, and this one is already gaining traction.

For now, attention shifts to SmackDown and beyond, where Fatu looks ready to make his next move.

Jacob Fatu Cryptic Call

AdvertisementAdvertisement

WWE has confirmed a new championship match for tonight’s SmackDown, adding further momentum to an already packed show just hours before it goes live.

The company announced that the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships will be defended, with champions Paige and Brie Bella set to face The Irresistible Forces. The match was revealed via WWE’s official social media.

“The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship is on the line when the champs, Paige and Brie Bella, defend against The Irresistible Forces TONIGHT on #SmackDown!”

Women’s Tag Team Title Match Added to SmackDown

The late addition raises the stakes for the show, giving fans another title bout to look forward to. With both teams bringing contrasting styles, the match could play a key role in shaping the tag team division moving forward.

Cody Rhodes Opens the Show

WWE also confirmed that Cody Rhodes will kick off the broadcast. Rhodes is expected to address last week’s events involving Randy Orton.

“After addressing Randy Orton’s vicious punt attack and the aftermath of WrestleMania last week, what will be the next challenge facing Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes?”

Jacob Fatu Appearance Ahead of Backlash

Jacob Fatu is also scheduled to appear following recent developments involving Roman Reigns. Reigns has accepted Fatu’s challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Backlash on May 9.

WWE teased the segment on its website.

“After an explosive confrontation with World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns on Raw, what will be the fallout for Jacob Fatu heading into his title match against The OTC at WWE Backlash?”

Additional Matches and Debuts

Tonight’s lineup also includes Charlotte Flair facing Jacy Jayne in Jayne’s first singles match since joining SmackDown as part of Fatal Influence. In addition, Ricky Saints is set to make his debut, though his opponent has not been announced.

SmackDown will take place at BOK Center and airs on USA Network.

Updated SmackDown Lineup

• Cody Rhodes kicks off the show
• Charlotte Flair vs. Jacy Jayne
• Jacob Fatu appearance
• Ricky Saints debut
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match

With a title match now added and several key appearances confirmed, tonight’s SmackDown is set to play an important role in building toward Backlash.

WWE Adds Women’s Tag Team Title Match to SmackDown Lineup

AdvertisementAdvertisement

Eric Bischoff believes Triple H is now in a stronger position within WWE following his new multi-year agreement as Chief Content Officer. Speaking on his 83 Weeks podcast, Eric Bischoff shared his perspective on how recent events have ultimately reinforced Triple H’s importance to the company.

Bischoff said he was not surprised by the deal, noting that it reflects confidence in Triple H’s leadership, especially after challenges surrounding creative decisions at recent WrestleManias.

Triple H WWE Role Gains Stability

Bischoff pointed to what he described as outside interference in the creative process, particularly from executives connected to TKO Group Holdings. He suggested that while those figures bring strong entertainment experience, wrestling presents a different kind of audience.

“I’m not surprised. I didn’t know that he was up for a new agreement. Certainly not surprised that he got another one, and hopefully he got a raise. Because I think if anything, the last couple of WrestleManias is where you’ve had interference from people who really don’t understand the audience as well as they think they do. And I don’t mean that with disrespect, because obviously Ari Emanuel and the people around him have forgotten more about entertainment and connecting with the audience than yours truly will ever experience. That being said, he doesn’t have as much experience with the wrestling audience, which is a very unique audience. I’ve known so many people from outside of wrestling who have excelled in the movie business, in the television business, in front of the camera, behind the camera. But all of them, once they’re exposed a little bit to wrestling, all kind of arrive at the conclusion of this is a very unique product. It’s not as easy as it looks from the outside, especially if you think you know how things work in entertainment, because that instinct doesn’t completely apply to the wrestling audience,” Bischoff said.

“Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen”

Bischoff also addressed what he sees as the core issue behind recent creative inconsistencies, describing a situation where too many voices were involved in decision-making.

“As someone who kind of understands the inside a little bit, who’s watching from the outside and seeing the patterns that I have a tendency to see, I see that a lot of people, it’s sheer enthusiasm. You ended up with too many cooks in the kitchen when it came to making these decisions, and unfortunately the cooks with the least experience had the most stroke. Now do we think that’s going to keep happening, or do we think that this group of people who are really, really smart are going, you know what, we really do need this guy? I think Paul’s position is probably more secure now than it was two years ago,” Bischoff added.

Growing Importance Within WWE

Bischoff’s comments suggest that the recent creative challenges may have highlighted the need for experienced leadership within WWE. While outside influence remains part of the company’s structure, he believes Triple H’s understanding of the wrestling audience has become even more valuable.

With the new deal in place, Triple H appears set to continue guiding WWE’s creative direction, with a stronger level of backing than before.

Eric Bischoff Thinks Triple H Position Strengthened After New WWE Deal

AdvertisementAdvertisement