Add as a preferred source on Google Jacob Fatu closed the final WWE Monday Night RAW before Backlash standing over Roman Reigns, turning up the heat ahead of their World Heavyweight Championship match.
The show’s main segment at CHI Health Center Omaha in Nebraska featured the contract signing between the two, with Adam Pearce overseeing the proceedings. Reigns tried to assert his authority as Tribal Chief and demanded respect from Fatu over his use of the Tongan Death Grip, a move tied to the Samoan lineage and made famous by Haku.
Fatu made it clear he does not recognize Reigns as his tribal chief. The Samoan Werewolf said he is desperate enough to do anything for his family, even if that means going through someone of his own blood. Reigns answered by saying that while they may be equals by lineage, Fatu is beneath him inside the ring.
That line sparked the fight. Reigns escaped the Tongan Death Grip and blasted Fatu with a chair, but Fatu recovered quickly. After cutting off a Superman Punch, Fatu locked in the hold again and drove Reigns through the table before signing the contract beside the fallen champion, as part of the crowd chanted his name.
At Backlash on Saturday, May 9, in Tampa, Reigns will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Fatu. The card will also feature Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker, Asuka vs. IYO SKY, and Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn for the United States Championship.