Roman Reigns retained the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash on Friday night in Tampa, Florida, but Jacob Fatu left the strongest impression after their physical main event war.
Fatu entered the biggest match of his career wearing a custom Oola Fala created by Haku’s daughter. Commentary emphasized the danger of the Tongan Death Grip throughout his entrance, noting the move is rarely used against family unless there are no other options left.
The challenger dominated early and repeatedly overwhelmed the champion with explosive offense. Fatu powerbombed Reigns through the announcers’ table and later connected with his signature triple-jump moonsault for a near fall that nearly ended the match.
Reigns Survives Late Chaos
Reigns fought back with Superman Punches and Spears, but Fatu answered with devastating offense of his own, including multiple applications of the Tongan Death Grip. A referee bump late in the match added to the chaos as both men pushed each other to the limit.
In the closing moments, Reigns created an opening by sending Fatu face-first into an exposed turnbuckle before hitting one final Spear to secure the pinfall and retain the title.
Fatu Snaps After the Bell
The fight continued after the match ended. Fatu snapped and laid Reigns out again before locking in another vicious Tongan Death Grip as officials rushed to the ring. One agent was thrown aside as Fatu continued the assault, while Reigns was shown foaming at the mouth from the hold.
The show went off the air with Fatu standing tall and posing with the championship despite Reigns officially retaining the title.
What happened after Backlash
After Backlash, Reigns was interviewed by Jackie Redmond and threatened that this would be Fatu’s last night in WWE:
“This is why we never should have let Jacob in this company. You don’t belong here Jacob. There is no order with you. This is your last night here.”