Leading up to the massive spectacle of WrestleMania 42, the rivalry between Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre reached a fever pitch, culminating in a highly chaotic and unsanctioned match. This bout served as a brutal preview of the deeper animosity between the two professional wrestlers, both established figures in the WWE ecosystem.
The conflict had been simmering on SmackDown over several weeks, with their individual segments and confrontations dramatically escalating the tension. On the final ‘Friday Night SmackDown’ before WrestleMania, Fatu made a clear declaration, vowing to put McIntyre in the ‘rear view,’ setting the stage for the messy encounter that followed shortly thereafter.
What ensued was less a traditional bout and more a street brawl utilizing every available weapon and forbidden object. The action kicked off outside the ring, as Fatu immediately gained the upper hand, aggressively pushing McIntyre into the ring announcer’s corner. This initial dominance allowed Fatu to introduce a range of weapons, including tables, chairs, and a toolbox, transforming the setting into a dangerous battlefield.
Despite initially overwhelming McIntyre, the veteran star managed to claw back some composure. At one point, McIntyre seized a cellphone, using it menacingly before striking Fatu’s head with it, demonstrating his resilience. However, the momentum shifted back towards Fatu. As the match progressed, McIntyre appeared increasingly frustrated, eventually diving from the ropes onto Fatu on the outside, making an attempt to pin him. Yet, Fatu displayed incredible stamina, repeatedly kicking out, an exhibition of endurance that frustrated his opponent.
The brutality continued, seeing McIntyre push Fatu over the top rope and through a nearby table, only for Fatu to continue refusing to stay down. Eventually, Fatu managed to get back inside the ring, capitalizing on the weaponry advantage by striking McIntyre with a toolbox directly to the head. The sequence culminated when McIntyre fell onto a setup table within the ring. In a decisive move, Fatu launched himself from the top rope in a moonsault, crashing down over the incapacitated McIntyre. This sequence allowed Fatu to pin McIntyre cleanly, securing the victory.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Jacob Fatu, as it marks his second consecutive win at WrestleMania in two separate appearances. His previous major victory occurred last year when he captured the United States Championship by defeating LA Knight. The unsanctioned match not only secured Fatu’s win but also significantly built anticipation for potential storylines to unfold during the main card of WrestleMania 42, reaffirming his standing as a major player in the sport.