The Hurdle That Potentially Delayed Jacob Fatu's Long-Awaited ...

Details have emerged on the potential reason why it took so long for Jacob Fatu to make his WWE debut, despite him being signed to the company for months!

In the closing moments of last night’s edition of SmackDown, Jacob Fatu finally made his long-awaited WWE debut. The former MLW World Heavyweight Champion brutalised Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens in defence of Solo Sikoa, joining The Bloodline in the process.

Fatu has long been rumoured to be joining WWE, with reports back in April suggesting he’d be joining The Bloodline imminently following the debut of Tama Tonga. Fatu did not appear, however, with Tonga’s brother Tonga Loa instead making his shock debut as the faction’s newest member.

Following Fatu’s surprise appearance, a potential reason has emerged as to why his debut in the company has taken so long. Fightful Select reports that Fatu’s criminal record, as he was arrested for robbery when he was 18, may have played a role in the delay.

Due to his record, Fatu was unable to take bookings internationally during his time in MLW and the wider independents. The outlet was told that this was likely a hurdle for his WWE debut due to the company’s wide array of international Premium Live Events and television tapings in the near future.

While WWE’s old regime did not have this issue as they did not focus nearly as much on international events, Fatu’s criminal history itself was reportedly one of the main reasons the company did not hire him. The new regime, however, has long held an interest in him regardless of his history.