As noted before, Jacob Fatu recently suffered a non-wrestling-related injury that could potentially keep him out of action for “well into 2026.” The status of Fatu’s scheduled match against Drew McIntyre for tonight’s WWE SmackDown show in San Jose, California was in serious doubt. WWE had provided an update on Thursday saying that the match was still set to go for the show.
PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that WWE officials made the decision for Fatu to no longer be competing for tonight’s show. This decision reportedly was made less than an hour ago.
Johnson reported that despite Fatu no longer being scheduled to compete, he is backstage at tonight’s taping.
Johnson also reported that WWE officials have changed their plans for a rematch between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre to be the new main event for tonight’s show.
WWE SmackDown Notes: Rhea Ripley Dealing with Knee Injury, Charlotte Flair Advances in Queen of the Ring, Jey Uso Advances in King of the Ring, Gunther Reveals Sami Zayn as Special Referee Stip for Undisputed WWE Title Match at 6/19 Show, WWE U.S. Title Match Set for Night of Champions 2026, 6/19 Show Card
Los Vipers vs. La Parka, Octagón Jr. & El Fiscal in Trios Match Set for 6/13 AAA TV Show
WWE: Piper Niven Provides Update on Her Neck Injury Recovery, Chad Gable Revealed He Needed “Bonus Surgery” for 2025 Shoulder Injury, WWE Holding Charity Auction for El Grande Americano’s Mask from AAA Noche de Los Grandes 2026
