Jacob Fatu is getting support from wrestling veteran Royce Keys ahead of WWE Backlash
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Jacob Fatu received support from longtime wrestling partner Royce Keys on “Friday Night SmackDown” ahead of his World Heavyweight Championship match at Backlash on Saturday.
Fatu had just been given a word of warning by Jey and Jimmy Uso in the ring when the cameras caught him wandering around the back. Fatu met with Keys, who have a history of being in West Coast Pro and other promotions together before the two moved on to WWE.
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Jacob Fatu enters during SmackDown at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla., on May 8, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/WWE)
“I heard what your cousins said over there, forget all that noise,” Keys said. “Failure was never an option for us, was it? Failure was not an option, even when we didn’t know where our next dollar was coming from. Tell me this – when did Jacob Fatu fear a man who breathes air like him?
“Go to Backlash, bring that home. Werewolf your– up because Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes on him. People like us, we’ll take all we want.”
Keys and Fatu go back to the days of fighting in the Bay area. Keys recently recalled grinding on the indies with Fatu in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Meanwhile, before the two men met, Fatu cut an awkward promo as he would face Roman Reigns at a major live event in Tampa, Florida.
The Usos interrupted Fatu’s first speech and Jey Uso warned Fatu that he would lose.
MEET ROYCE KEYS: WWE SMACKDOWN’S NEW ‘MONSTAR’ WANTS TO BRING THE PAIN
Jey Uso and Jacob Fatu speak in the ring during SmackDown at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla., on May 8, 2026. (Rich Frieda/WWE)
“You want to know the worst part? He will tear you down, emotionally, physically and he will do all of that to you in front of your family, Uce,” he said.
Fatu swore and asserted that he will not lose in this game.
“This is not just a big event. This is for my family. If there’s one thing my family will see me do, it’s to become the WWE heavyweight champion,” said Fatu, adding his own warning to The Usos before he left the ring. “If you think to interfere, I will topple this whole god family tree.”
Jey Uso said he met with Keys before Keys’ match with Tama Toga later in the night and told him he needed to stay in his lane or he would take the eyes of the ‘King of the Nation.’
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Cody Rhodes avoids Gunther’s attack by sneaking
Gunther appeared to sign with the SmackDown roster and Paul Heyman looked to be doing well if he liked “The Ring General” on the night. As Gunther confronted SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis, Cody Rhodes came out of the ring.
Gunther was upset that Rhodes was taking up his screen time. He then walked out of Aldis’ office without signing the SmackDown contract. Rhodes is injured talking about Gunther’s attack from last week, as he came from behind and put Rhodes in a sleeper.
Cody Rhodes speaks during SmackDown at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla., on May 8, 2026. (Rich Frieda/WWE)
Heyman interrupted Rhodes and said that the contract he had was for the Undisputed WWE Championship match at Clash in Italy, which will take place on May 31. But Heyman said that Rhodes will have to bring the contract himself.
As Heyman left the ring, Gunther came out of the crowd and tried to attack Rhodes. However, “The American Nightmare” got out of the way and unleashed its attack.
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SmackDown match results
Tiffany Stratton explains. Kiana James will retain the United States championship.
Talla Tonga explains. Priest Damian.
Ricky Saints explains. Matt Cardona.
Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid deny it. Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley after Jade Cargill harassed Ripley.
Royce Keys explains. Tama Tonga.
