Cody Rhodes and Fatu trade personal shots ahead of major showdown
Summary
– WWE referenced Jacob Fatu’s real-life past during a SmackDown segment
– Cody Rhodes brought up Fatu’s history while discussing control and judgment
– The exchange added intensity ahead of Saturday Night’s Main Event
WWE added a personal layer to its storytelling during the January 23 episode of SmackDown from Montreal. With Saturday Night’s Main Event looming, tensions were already high as several rivalries moved into focus.
Cody Rhodes appeared in a sit-down interview segment and avoided discussing his recent title loss. Instead, he focused on his plan to reclaim championship gold and the mindset he believes separates him from his rivals.
The segment took a sharp turn when Jacob Fatu interrupted. As the exchange escalated, Rhodes accused Fatu of acting without thinking and directly referenced Fatu’s time in prison. The comment was framed as a critique of judgment and impulse, drawing a clear line between past decisions and present consequences.
Fatu did not shy away from the moment. He acknowledged mistakes he made as a teenager and admitted that his future in WWE was once uncertain. According to Fatu, those experiences shaped him and forced him to grow into the man he is today.
Before the segment wrapped, Fatu issued a warning to Rhodes. He stated that he is unlike any opponent Rhodes has faced and emphasized that he is fully in control. With no title on the line at Saturday Night’s Main Event, the confrontation still feels personal and volatile.
