Add as a preferred source on Google Jacob Fatu nearly missed one of the biggest matches at WWE Clash in Italy, which took place this Sunday at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy.
Fatu had been advertised to challenge Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship in a Tribal Combat match. However, his status came into question after he appeared to suffer an injury during a WWE live event in Liverpool, England, where he faced Solo Sikoa in a Street Fight.
According to Fightful, Fatu did appear to be injured during the week, and WWE discussed alternative plans for his match against Reigns at the premium live event. Despite that, the match remained confirmed for the show in Italy.
Now, according to False Finish, one of the names internally considered to replace Fatu was Drew McIntyre.
McIntyre has been away from WWE programming since WrestleMania 42, where he was defeated by Fatu in an Unsanctioned Match. Before that, the Scottish Warrior had also lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes.
McIntyre’s return also started to feel like a real possibility after word emerged that he had wrapped filming for the Highlander reboot in Scotland.
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With Fatu staying on the card, however, WWE never had to move forward with the backup plan.