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The first WWE SmackDown episode after WrestleMania progressed several storylines, including that of The Bloodline. Cody Rhodes‘s story as champion kicked off on the blue brand, but the events in the faction he trumped were acknowledged. Special counsel Paul Heyman acknowledged Roman Reigns’s conqueror and claimed his ‘Tribal Chief’ would be prepared the next time. The one thing the WWE Hall of Famer was not prepared for was ‘The Enforcer’ Solo Sikoa turning against Jimmy Uso, declaring himself the ‘Tribal Chief’, and aligning with the debuting Tama Tonga.

The 41-year-old star’s introduction led to fans speculating about another arrival, i.e. the one of Jacob Fatu. After all, he had been rumored to have signed with the WWE. And if not, why? Is it because of his criminal record?

Jacob Fatu’s past may pose a threat to his future with the WWE

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For a few months now, Jacob Fatu had been a free agent after leaving Major League Wrestling in February. He is related to the members of The Bloodline, as the cousin of Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Solo Sikoa, which is why it has always led to rumors of a possible arrival in WWE. While there are claims that he has signed with the company, there is one thing that might’ve stood between his chances with the WWE, was his past.

Reports stated that when Fatu was 18 years old, the police arrested him in a robbery case, resulting in an undisclosed jail term for him. Usually, the WWE frowns upon such felonies. In a recent episode of the ‘Fightful Wrestling with Sea’ podcast, Sean Ross Sapp revealed a possibility of why Fatu is yet to make an appearance despite being signed.

“The reason he had been kept out is because of a charge that he had years and years and years ago. I think it may have restricted his travel, I don’t know if it still does or anything like that. But I mean listen, the WWE has hired people like this in the past. Look at MVP, look at Booker T. People change, and you know, I’m glad he got signed.” A renowned wrestling reporter also expressed how Fatu could have entered the business earlier if not for this barrier.

Recently, when journalist Dave Meltzer spoke on Wrestling Observer Radio, he revealed that the arrest could be the major hindrance for Fatu. He further added, “But if not, 100 percent, yeah. Both companies should be interested in him…”

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But now, with the speculation around his presence, it looks like his days as an independent wrestler are finally over.

Jacob Fatu was reportedly backstage at WrestleMania

Corey Brennan and Sean Ross Sapp reported on Fightful Select that Jacob Fatu told several people he signed with WWE. This meant he could not be at a GCW show on Saturday despite being previously announced. However, WWE has not confirmed anything yet. And, specifically in NXT, they say that they have not heard of a signing of Fatu.

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Unmistakably, this started rumors about the possible participation of Jacob Fatu in WrestleMania 40, especially during the ‘Bloodline Rules’ between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. However, that did not happen. But several reports are claiming that Fatu was not too far away, as he was backstage in the Showcase of the Immortals.

So what do you think of this signing? Do you believe that Sikoa might start a faction of his own soon? Let us know in the comments.