Jacob Fatu Attacks Reigns, Pearce After Title Defeat at WWE Backlash
Jacob Fatu assaulted Roman Reigns, Raw general manager Adam Pearce and producers after Reigns retained the World Heavyweight Championship against him at WWE Backlash. The incident followed Reigns' pinfall victory at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, on May 9, 2026. Fatu targeted the referee and delivered a Tongan death grip to Reigns during the post-match chaos.
Reigns secured the win by thrusting Fatu into an exposed turnbuckle and hitting a spear, after Fatu had applied the Tongan death grip late in the match. Reigns had grabbed the referee, dislodging the turnbuckle pad in the process. Fatu superkicked several individuals who intervened.
The match featured prolonged exchanges where Reigns' offense appeared largely ineffective until the decisive sequence. Fatu was last observed standing over the prone Reigns while holding the championship belt aloft.
Reigns departed up the entrance ramp after the attack and addressed Cathy Kelley, stating Fatu did not belong in the company and declaring it his last night there. The confrontation signals an ongoing rivalry between the wrestlers.
