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Current AEW star drops Jacob Fatu reference

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, October 14th 2025 at 14:26 GMT by sportskeeda.com
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In a recent episode of AEW Dynamite, an unexpected jab slipped into the broadcast that has fans buzzing across wrestling forums. While the show’s main event centered on a heated feud between Chris Jericho and the emerging talent Adam Page, a brief off‑camera moment featured AEW’s rising star, Will Ospreay, tossing a reference to Jacob Fatu—the well‑known WWE powerhouse—into a backstage promo. The line, delivered with a characteristic swagger, read, “You think you’re tough? You haven’t seen what Jacob Fatu’s got in the ring.” Ospreay’s off‑script remark was instantly picked up by social media, generating speculation that the move could foreshadow a future confrontation or at least a narrative nod to the family of the Usos.

Who is Jacob Fatu?

The reference itself carries weight because Jacob Fatu, also known by his WWE ring name J. Fatu, hails from a legendary wrestling lineage. Born into the Samoan‑American Fatu family, Jacob is a cousin of the Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and the uncle of the tag‑team duo The New Brothers (The Young Bucks). He first stepped onto the WWE stage in 2019 under the name “J. Fatu” in a brief match against Kevin Owens, where he showcased the family’s signature athleticism and striking power. After a short stint on the main roster, Fatu was released and later appeared in NXT, where he formed a tag partnership known as The Fatu Family—featuring his brother, Jacob Fatu’s sibling, and the then‑promising wrestler Kofi Kingston.

Fatu’s in‑ring style blends Samoan hard‑hitting strikes with high‑impact moves, and he has earned a reputation for his fearless entrances and raw power. A notable highlight of his career was a victory over Shinsuke Nakamura in a match that aired during a “Hardcore” special episode of WWE’s NXT. Fans have watched his journey from the wrestling dojo in Samoa to the bright lights of WWE, anticipating his potential move to AEW as the promotion seeks to attract top talent.

The Ospreay Moment and its Implications

Will Ospreay, celebrated for his aerial maneuvers and dynamic presence, is not traditionally associated with a storyline involving Fatu. The brief mention in the backstage segment was delivered in a light‑hearted context, following Ospreay’s victory in a high‑stakes ladder match earlier that night. By invoking Jacob Fatu, Ospreay might have been making a tongue‑in‑cheek reference to the “big brother” of the Samoan wrestling dynasty, thereby adding an extra layer of intrigue to the storyline. Fans have suggested that this could be an early hint at an upcoming match, especially as Ospreay has been shown a number of times working in the “AEW World Championship” tournament bracket.

In addition to Ospreay’s line, a subtle nod was found in a separate cutaway that showcased Jacob Fatu’s past matches. A brief montage—displaying Fatu’s signature moves and crowd reactions—was used in a segment that highlighted the “Legacy of Samoan wrestlers.” That montage included an interview clip with Fatu in which he discussed his aspirations to compete in AEW. The combination of Ospreay’s jab and the montage could be seen as a coordinated attempt by AEW to build anticipation for a possible face‑off.

How the Fan Community Responded

The tweet that captured the moment (#OspreayFatu) trended worldwide within 30 minutes, with thousands of reactions from both AEW and WWE loyalists. Some fans noted that the reference was a nod to the “family feud” angle that has been a staple of wrestling storytelling for decades. Others speculated that the comment might simply be an homage to a respected peer. Wrestling columnist Mark Daniels pointed out that references to wrestlers from other promotions are not uncommon; they serve as “in‑the‑loop” content for dedicated fans.

On Reddit, a thread titled “Will Ospreay’s Jacob Fatu reference – what does it mean?” generated over 3,000 comments, debating everything from possible future storylines to whether Ospreay might cross over to WWE in the long term. One commenter, a former AEW production assistant, noted that the reference could also be a simple joke about Fatu’s reputation for being a “big, scary guy” who can’t be underestimated. This aligns with the typical sense of humor that Ospreay uses when engaging with his audience.

Potential Future Directions

Given the current storylines, Ospreay is on a trajectory that could either lead him toward a title shot or open a new feud with a Samoan‑based wrestler such as Jacob Fatu. If AEW wishes to build a match that resonates with fans of both promotions, they could set up a scenario in which Ospreay, known for his high‑flying style, faces Fatu’s raw power in a “Style vs. Strength” bout. This type of matchup has a proven formula for drawing significant viewership, as seen with the “Hardcore” match that featured both Fatu and his nephew, T.J. Fatu, against their rival, Finn Bálor, in WWE’s past.

The reference also adds a layer to Ospreay’s character, highlighting his awareness of wrestling history and his ability to pay tribute to legends while continuing to forge his own path. Whether or not a match materializes, Ospreay’s mention of Jacob Fatu is a testament to the interconnected nature of the wrestling world and showcases the respect among peers.

Final Thoughts

The moment when Will Ospreay dropped a Jacob Fatu reference may have seemed like a casual remark at first glance. However, it carries significant cultural weight, drawing on the legacy of the Samoan wrestling dynasty and suggesting potential storyline developments. With AEW continuing to weave intricate narratives that often reference both in‑house talent and rivals from other promotions, this cameo serves as a reminder of the deep history that underpins modern wrestling. Fans should keep an eye on upcoming episodes, as the hint could be the starting point for a fresh, high‑stakes storyline that could capture the excitement of both AEW and WWE audiences.