Add as a preferred source on Google Jacob Fatu did not hide the emotional weight of facing Roman Reigns at WWE Backlash in a match for the World Heavyweight Championship.
During an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, the Samoan Werewolf said the moment means far more to him than just another match on a WWE Premium Live Event.
“This is more than everything. I prayed and cried for days like this. I’m not just at Backlash right after WrestleMania. I’m going to stand face to face, head to head, with the very best. We’re not talking about professional wrestling, we’re talking about the greatest of all time in sports entertainment, and that is Roman Reigns. I wouldn’t trade this for anything this Saturday.”
"I've prayed, and I cried for days like this." 🥺
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 5, 2026
WWE Superstar @jacobfatu_wwe speaks on his matchup with Roman Reigns 🤼
Stream #WWEBacklash this Saturday on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited plan. pic.twitter.com/YDtBBsurLe
WWE has confirmed that Reigns will defend the title against Fatu on Saturday, May 9, at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. It will be Reigns’ first title defense since defeating CM Punk in the main event of WrestleMania 42.
The rivalry picked up steam after Fatu challenged Reigns on the RAW after WrestleMania, shortly after the OTC tried to bring The Usos back to his side.
On the final RAW before Backlash, Fatu attacked Reigns during the contract signing, hitting him with the Tongan Death Grip before putting the champion through a table. After the show, Reigns vowed that “Saturday at Backlash will not be like that.”
With that, the match is no longer just about the title. It now directly involves the future of the Samoan dynasty in WWE.