Referee on a wrestling ring
Referee on a wrestling ring Martin Martz/Unsplash

Jacob Fatu's highly anticipated showdown with Solo Sikoa ended in controversy at WWE SummerSlam 2025, held on 3 August at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The former Bloodline enforcer was defeated in a steel cage match for the United States Championship, a result that left fans questioning WWE's creative direction. Despite delivering a dominant and athletic performance, Fatu walked away without the title, leading to online backlash over how one of WWE's most promising stars is being handled.

Inside the Match: Physicality, Interference and a Surprise Finish

The match was one of the most hyped contests of the night. Former allies within The Bloodline, Fatu and Sikoa turned their bitter rivalry into a violent steel cage encounter. From the outset, both superstars delivered punishing offence, with Fatu showcasing his agility and raw power to control the early exchanges.

Momentum shifted midway when Sikoa used the cage structure to his advantage. Several near‑falls followed, including a dramatic moment when Fatu nearly escaped over the top before being pulled back into the ring. The match concluded abruptly when, according to Hindustan Times, Fatu 'refused to walk out of the cage despite having the chance', choosing instead to confront Sikoa head-on. Sikoa capitalised by hitting a Samoan Spike before slipping out of the cage, securing the win in a manner some fans described as anticlimactic given the high-stakes build-up.

Fan Reactions: 'Jacob Fatu Buried' Trends on Social Media

Following the match, fan backlash erupted across social media. The phrase 'Jacob Fatu buried' quickly began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with users venting frustration over WWE's decision to have Fatu lose clean despite his standout performance and momentum.

As reported by The Times of India, many fans acknowledged that Fatu 'made a statement despite losing'. However, the outcome sparked debate over whether WWE missed a critical opportunity to further elevate him, especially after a performance that underscored his main-event potential.

Bloodline Tensions and the Road to SummerSlam

Fatu's road to SummerSlam was steeped in betrayal and shifting allegiances. After turning on The Bloodline at Money in the Bank in June, he lost the United States Championship to Solo Sikoa at Night of Champions. In the weeks that followed, tensions escalated as Sikoa publicly mocked Fatu during backstage promos. According to ITR Wrestling, Sikoa's 'all gas, no brains' insult, overheard by Fatu, fuelled speculation that the Bloodline's internal fracture was nearing its breaking point.

With Paul Heyman absent and the faction in disarray, fans saw SummerSlam as a pivotal moment for Fatu to carve out his singles legacy. Instead, the finish has reignited concerns that WWE may be prioritising Sikoa's status within the Bloodline over Fatu's individual rise.

Jacob Fatu's Rising Star Power

Despite the result, Jacob Fatu's stock continues to climb. Analysts praised his ring presence, explosive offence, and ability to emotionally connect with the crowd. His compelling personal journey, shared during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, resonated deeply with fans. Fatu spoke candidly about working graveyard shifts at Walmart and dreaming of joining WWE while staring at action figures, a dream realised when his own figure launched earlier this year.

With his name still trending and fan support stronger than ever, Fatu remains one of the most closely followed names in WWE as the post-SummerSlam narrative unfolds.

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