Former AEW star reacts to Jacob Fatu's WWE SmackDown debut with a two-word message

A former AEW talent has shared his response to the debut of Jacob Fatu on WWE Smackdown. The star in question is Mike Santana.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes locked horns with Solo Sikoa in the main event on the June 21, 2024, edition of the Friday-night flagship show. The bout ended in a disqualification after members of The Bloodline intervened on Sikoa's behalf to attack Rhodes. Although The American Nightmare found help from his allies, Kevin Owens and Randy Orton, the babyface alliance was crushed by a debuting Jacob Fatu. The Samoan Werewolf annihilated Owens and Orton before splashing Cody through the announcers' desk.

Jacob Fatu's WWE arrival is generating a lot of buzz in the wrestling world. Former AEW wrestler Mike Santana took to X/Twitter to react to Fatu's debut with a simple, two-word message.

"BIG UCE. [fist emoji][bicep emoji]," tweeted Santana.

Check out the tweet below:

The Nasty Assassin had been a part of All Elite Wrestling since 2019, debuting in the promotion alongside his tag team partner Ortiz. Despite working alongside several top stars in the promotion, Santana departed from AEW in March earlier this year.

Reports suggested that the 33-year-old star wanted to pursue a singles career in the Jacksonville-based company. However, he did not receive the push he desired as a solo competitor, which eventually led to his exit. Santana is currently signed with TNA, having returned to the promotion at Rebellion 2024.

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Mike Santana had conversations with WWE after AEW departure

Mike Santana wrestled his last match in AEW against his former tag partner Ortiz on an October, 2023, episode of Rampage. Since then, the New York-native has competed prolifically in the independent scene. Shortly after leaving All Elite Wrestling, The Real Deal inked a deal with TNA in April.

During a recent interview, Santana revealed that he had had conversations with WWE following his departure from the Tony Khan-led promotion. Speaking to Whatculture, the reigning HOG World Heavyweight Champion recalled having good talks with the sports entertainment juggernaut.

"It was mainly [a feeling out]. There were conversations. It was nothing concrete, just seeing where both of our heads were at and seeing how things go. Every conversation that I had was great," said Santana. [H/T - Fightful]

Santana was in action at TNA Against All Odds 2024, teaming with Steve Maclin to defeat Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the former Inner Circle member in the Nashville-based company.