On Friday SmackDown Live saw a big change in the WWE landscape with the explosive entrance of Jacob Fatu. The 32-year-old powerhouse teamed with Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline to defeat legends Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Kevin Owens to stay in the ring. The debut is not only a show of violence but also a sign that the wolves of Samoa are coming. Even Karrion Kross wants to warn the SmackDown crew about the danger that Fatu will face.
Umaga’s legacy
Jacob Fatou’s ferocity and demeanor in the ring are reminiscent of the late Umaga, a fearsome fighter known for brutalizing his opponents. Like Umaga, Fatu’s presence makes his opponents tremble. However, Fatu’s wrestling style is similar to another of AEW’s current non-Samoan stars: Maxwell Jacob Friedman, better known as MJF.
MJF returns
MJF returned to AEW at Double Promotion or Nothing after missing time due to injury. His return marked a comeback as he returned early to win his battle with Rush. The parallels between MJF and Fatu extend beyond their wrestling prowess and into their symbolic representation and origin stories.
The Symbolism of the Wolf
In a recent viral tweet, a user highlighted a fascinating similarity between MJF and Fatu: the symbolism of the wolf. After his return to AEW, MJF branded himself as the “lone wolf,” a theme prominently featured on his AEW merchandise, with a wolf design taking center stage on his T-shirts. Similarly, Fatu is known as the Samoan Werewolf, and his WWE merchandise echoes this wolf motif. This shared symbolism speaks volumes about their fierce independence and predatory nature in the ring.
WWE is so nasty they’re dropping this merch and calling Jacob Fatu “Samoan Werewolf” after AEW did this with MJF 😭 https://t.co/ic93PTYVBo pic.twitter.com/KRQcZOEcS9
— . (@freddievarda) June 22, 2024
Building from Scratch: The Origin Stories
Another striking parallel between MJF and Fatu lies in their journey to wrestling stardom. MJF has often emphasized his self-made success, declaring in his return segment that he needed no one to become who he is today. This a reference to fans who remember his previous struggles, including a stint as Samoa Joe’s bodyguard during his time in WWE, often fighting on the undercards, while staying far away from the television.
However, Jacob Fatu, despite coming from a famous wrestling house, chose not to rely on famous relatives like the Usos and Roman Reigns to make his way. His rise to fame was due to his hard work and dedication during his time in MLW and the independent circuit, earning him the respect of the wrestling community.
Fight in the Future: Dream Extended
It looks like a conflict between the two wolves is unlikely shortly. MJF, who had a chance to join WWE, chose to stay with AEW. In an interview, he explained his decision, citing the financial incentives offered by Tony Khan and his belief in AEW’s potential. “It was a very easy decision for me, especially because Tony Khan paid me a lot of money. But outside of that, I also believe in AEW; I believe that it’s where the best wrestle,” MJF stated. His commitment is further solidified by the AEW tattoo on his leg, symbolizing his loyalty to the promotion.
On the other hand, Jacob Fatu has just begun his journey with WWE, and his contract likely has many years remaining. This means fans will have to wait before they can witness a clash between these two fierce competitors. The anticipation for such a match-up only adds to the intrigue and excitement surrounding both superstars.
Wolves of Wrestling
The shared symbolism, origin stories, and independent journeys of MJF and Jacob Fatu underscore their unique yet parallel paths in the wrestling world. Both embody the spirit of the wolf – solitary, fierce, and unyielding. Their merchandise serves as a testament to their personas, resonating with fans who see them as lone warriors in their respective promotions.
As the wrestling community continues to buzz about these similarities, the potential for a future showdown between MJF and Fatu remains a tantalizing possibility. Until then, fans can only speculate and dream about the day these two wolves might meet in the ring to determine who truly reigns supreme.
