• Absent WWE Star Backstage At SmackDown
According to Fightful Select, Jacob Fatu is backstage at today’s SmackDown in Berlin, Germany. The show is happening right now and is airing LIVE on Netflix for fans outside the United States.
Self Made Pro reported the same a few days back and they also noted that Jacob will return on today’s show with a new character.
Fatu has been off television for several months following a storyline attack and time away for dental surgery. While his absence began with him positioned as a fan-favorite, sources say WWE has since explored directions that would move him away from a straight babyface presentation.
Those familiar with the discussions say pitches have been made for Fatu to return with a more aggressive edge, potentially placing him on the opposite side of the crowd reaction he previously commanded. The idea has been circulating internally even though Fatu’s exit was firmly babyface.
BodySlam previously reported that WWE views 2026 as a potential breakout period for Jacob Fatu, with that trajectory delayed only by medical issues that forced him out of action late in 2025.
• Gunther Makes Top Babyface Tap Out At WWE Live Event In Germany
The 2026 European tour for WWE kicked off with a high-energy house show in Leipzig, Germany, on January 8th. Held at the QUARTERBACK Immobilien ARENA, the event served as the first stop on the “Road to Royal Rumble,” featuring several major title defenses and high-profile grudge matches.
The main event saw a brutal Street Fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship, where Cody Rhodes successfully defended his title against Drew McIntyre. The match, which lasted 25 minutes, was a physical preview for their upcoming “3 Stages of Hell” match scheduled for Friday Night SmackDown in Berlin.
In a highly competitive match, Gunther showcased his dominance by forcing Sami Zayn to submit after 12 minutes of hard-hitting action. The tag team division also saw major action as AJ Styles and Dragon Lee opened the night with a victory over Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods of The New Day.
The supernatural Wyatt Sicks, represented by Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis, and Joe Gacy, secured an 18-minute victory over the My Family Tree faction in a chaotic encounter. Meanwhile, the women’s division featured a tag team clash where Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair defeated The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane).
Rounding out the card, Liv Morgan, accompanied by Raquel Rodriguez, defeated Lyra Valkyria. Jey Uso also picked up a significant win by pinning the powerhouse Bronson Reed in an eight-minute battle.
Following the success in Leipzig, the tour continues across Europe with stops in Glasgow, Copenhagen, and multiple dates in the UK leading up to the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.
