Jacob Fatu finds support from familiar WWE colleague ahead of title match at Backlash

Royce Keys bolsters Jacob Fatu before Backlash title bout

JACSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Jacob Fatu drew encouragement from fellow WWE wrestler Royce Keys on Friday Night SmackDown ahead of his World Heavyweight Championship match against Roman Reigns at Backlash. The exchange came backstage after Jey and Jimmy Uso warned Fatu in the ring. Keys, a longtime colleague from independent promotions including West Coast Pro, urged Fatu to ignore the criticism.

Keys told Fatu he had heard the Usos' words and dismissed them, saying failure had never been an option for them even in tough times. "Go to Backlash, bring that home. Werewolf your a-- up because Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it. People like us, we’re gonna take everything we want," Keys said. The two shared roots in Bay Area wrestling circuits before joining WWE.

Earlier, Fatu delivered a promo vowing victory for his family and threatening the Usos against interference. Jey Uso replied that Reigns would break Fatu down emotionally and physically in front of his family. Later, Jey warned Keys to stay out of it before Keys faced Tama Tonga or risk drawing the attention of the "Tribal Chief."

Fatu meets Reigns at Backlash in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday. The event follows SmackDown at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on May 8, 2026.