Jacob Fatu could have secured his spot in this year’s Money in the Bank ladder match if not for Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo. On this week’s SmackDown, the Samoan Werewolf battled Andrade and Carmelo Hayes in an MITB qualifier. In the final moments, Fatu executed a top-rope moonsault on the Mexican wrestler.
That could have been it right there. However, Sikoa got a bit too animated at the ringside and began directing his former enforcer to repeat the maneuver. Mateo also jumped on the bandwagon, causing the U.S. Champion to focus too much on the commotion outside the ring, ultimately costing him the match. Before that, however, Jimmy Uso appeared out of nowhere to take out the Bloodline members.
In the meantime, Hayes stunned Fatu, causing the former NWA Champion to roll out of the ring. Seizing the moment, Andrade hit his finishing maneuver on SmackDown’s No. 1 draft pick to secure the victory. With that win, Andrade has now joined Solo Sikoa, Penta, LA Knight, Seth Rollins, and one yet-to-be-determined competitor in the Money in the Bank ladder match on June 7.
With Sikoa already in the match, fans were hoping Fatu would qualify as well. It could have created an intriguing situation during the Money in the Bank ladder match if the Bloodline members had come to blows. The two have been on the verge of splitting in the past. After losing the aforementioned clash this week, Fatu went on a rampage and stormed through the backstage area, visibly furious.
Jacob Fatu received a warning shot on SmackDown
The United States Championship is currently around Jacob Fatu’s waist. It must be said that he’s been solid so far and hasn’t missed a beat since upsetting Knight for the gold at WrestleMania 41. This is the first singles title for the rising star.
The Samoan Werewolf’s first successful title defense took place at Backlash in a chaotic Fatal 4-Way match. The likes of Drew McIntyre, Damian Priest, and The Megastar opposed Fatu, but the 33-year-old emerged from the predicament unscathed.
On this week’s SmackDown, before Fatu came out for his Money in the Bank qualifier, Priest had issued a challenge to the Anoa’i family member. First of all, The Street King asserted that he still couldn’t stand McIntyre, but the latter had earned his respect after showing up to their steel cage match at Saturday Night’s Main Event like a true warrior, not someone who hides behind his phone.