Jacob Fatu stunned the wrestling world with his surprise debut on June 21 at WWE SmackDown in Chicago. Ever since news of his signing broke, fans and observers alike have been speculating about his arrival. However, the length of his debut led many to believe that he would be retained for the pay-per-view program, further enhancing his unpredictable nature. When Fatu performs, the air is electric, and an aura of power and authority grips the audience.
Jim Cornette’s Opinion: The New Standard for Promotional Wrestling
Former WWE employee and retired wrestler Jim Cornette made no secret of his admiration for Fatu’s debut. In episode 538 of “The Jim Cornette Experience,” he highlighted how WWE managed to create memorable moments with Fatu without paying the high prices associated with some of his signatures. AEW.
“He’s a billionaire,” Cornette said, referring to AEW owner Tony Khan. “When you don’t have restrictions on how much money you could spend, why are you using substandard indie outlaw talent that’s not ready for a major television production?” Cornette emphasized that in just two minutes, Jacob Fatu made a more significant impact than AEW’s high-profile stars, including Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay, and Mercedes Mone.
The Financial Discrepancy: WWE’s Efficient Talent Utilization
Cornette’s comments explain the different ways WWE and AEW approach talent acquisition and use. Despite the fact that Tony Khan’s wealth allows him to offer a salary to attract big-name stars, Cornett believes that this strategy does not produce profitable TV time. Mercedes Mone’s admission that her signing was largely influenced by the financial offer underscores this point.
In contrast, WWE’s investment in Jacob Fatu, reportedly without breaking the bank, proved to be a masterstroke. Fatu’s first appearance highlighted his strong strength and charm, solidifying his status as a powerful presence in WWE. The smart financial plan, combined with compelling storytelling, has been beneficial for WWE, receiving commendations from both fans and experts.
The Family Legacy: Fatu’s Immediate Impact in WWE
Jacob Fatu’s debut did not end with his initial appearance. On the following SmackDown episode on June 28th, he was featured in a high-stakes segment where he was inducted into the family stable, a move that further solidified his status in WWE. The scene was intense, with Fatu attacking Paul Heyman after Heyman refused to acknowledge Solo Sikoa as the new Tribal Chief. This ruthless display cemented Fatu’s image as an unstoppable beast.
Cornette’s Critique: A Lesson for Tony Khan
Jim Cornette’s analysis goes beyond mere criticism of Tony Khan’s spending habits. He underscores the importance of investing in talent that can deliver compelling performances and resonate with audiences. “In two minutes, they made Jacob Fatu, who didn’t cost millions of dollars, have a bigger impact and get over to a wider audience than they did in AEW with Okada and with Will and with Mercedes,” Cornette stated emphatically.
The AEW Perspective: High Stakes, Mixed Results
AEW has made headlines with its acquisition of top-tier talents like Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Mone. However, Cornette and other critics argue that the returns on these investments have been inconsistent. While these stars bring considerable star power and fan following, their integration into AEW’s programming has not always matched the hype.
Mercedes Mone’s admission about her financially motivated move to AEW highlights a potential pitfall in Khan’s strategy. The focus on high-profile signings, often accompanied by substantial paychecks, does not always guarantee engaging storylines or memorable moments.
Fatu’s Future: WWE’s Strategic Advantage
The debut of Jacob Fatu showed WWE’s ability to use talent properly and create moments that are loved by fans. He has proven to be a brutal and unstoppable force, which aligns with WWE’s legendary style and heightens the impact of his character. This approach not only enhances the strength of individual characters but also improves the overall WWE product.
As Fatu continues to make waves in WWE, his success story serves as a case study in efficient talent management. For Tony Khan and AEW, it is a reminder that financial investment must be paired with strategic storytelling to achieve the desired impact.
