Jacob Fatu WWE debut backstage news; potential reason for delay - Reports

Jacob Fatu has arrived in WWE. Tonight's SmackDown saw Fatu make his long-awaited debut by joining his family in The Bloodline. New details are being revealed from backstage on what took so long, Fatu's behind-the-scenes behavior, and other scoops on the latest Anoa'i Family member to join the company.

The Samoan Werewolf is the son of Sam Fatu - known as WWE's The Tonga Kid and WCW's The Samoan Savage, among other gimmicks. Jacob is the nephew of Umaga and Rikishi, cousin to The Usos, Solo Sikoa, Roman Reigns, and so on. The SmackDown main event of Solo vs. Cody Rhodes quickly ended in a disqualification as Tonga Loa and Tama Tonga hit the ring. Randy Orton and Kevin Owens made the save, but then Fatu made his surprise debut to help The Bloodline take control. SmackDown ended with Fatu, Sikoa, Loa, and Tonga standing tall in the ring.

Fatu signed with World Wrestling Entertainment in April and was rumored to debut at WrestleMania XL. The debut of the 12-year veteran may have been delayed due to an issue from his past. Fightful Select noted how Fatu has never wrestled outside of the United States, and MLW sources indicated that this was due to his criminal record from when he was much younger. The former MLW World Heavyweight Champion was incarcerated for armed robbery at age 18, and he was purportedly inspired to become a pro wrestler after seeing The Usos while watching TV in jail.

The latest report noted that Fatu's record prevented him from taking bookings outside of the country, and this was believed to be an issue with WWE due to their recent schedule. Backstage sources said this was a likely hurdle due to the increased number of international TV tapings and premium live events over spring and summer.

A backstage source also pointed to how in the past, WWE would have passed on signing Fatu due to the life he's left far behind. With that said, the current regime of this new era has seemingly had interest in the 32-year-old for a while.

It remains to be seen if the background issues will be a problem for Fatu in WWE moving forward. The company still has Bash in Berlin scheduled for Germany on August 31, and Crown Jewel booked for Saudi Arabia on November 2, in addition th Money in the Bank next month in Canada.

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WWE reactions to Jacob Fatu; The Bloodline going for gold?

The Bloodline has added a new member as Jacob Fatu debuted on tonight's SmackDown, joining Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Paul Heyman. A major development regarding Roman Reigns was also made on the show.

Fatu, who was around during WrestleMania XL week, has already made good impressions within WWE. Fightful Select added that the former HOG World Heavyweight Champion had a very respectful approach to everyone backstage.

WWE officials previously discussed the possibility of forming a tag team with Fatu and Tama Tonga, which could indicate The Bloodline could be chasing the tag team championship, currently held by A-Town Down Under.

The idea was that the two would make a strong tag team as their fathers teamed up in the 1980s as The Islanders. Haku, aka Meng, is the adopted father of Tama Tonga, and the biological father of Tonga Loa.