WWE’s ongoing relationship with Saudi Arabia continues to spark heated debate, but that hasn’t stopped the sports entertainment juggernaut from pressing forward with its ambitious global expansion. On September 9, 2025, Triple H sat down with Pat McAfee on The Pat McAfee Show to tackle the tough questions surrounding WWE’s controversial Saudi Arabia partnership, the company’s impact on social attitudes in the Kingdom, and the shifting landscape of its on-screen talent—particularly the puzzling trajectory of Jacob Fatu, once considered a future megastar.
Triple H didn’t shy away from the criticism. The deal between WWE and Saudi Arabia has been under fire for years, with detractors pointing to the Kingdom’s poor human rights record, the treatment of the LGBTQ community, allegations of sportswashing, and the shadow cast by the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The tension reached a fever pitch leading up to Night of Champions in June, as political unrest in the region threatened to derail the event. Yet, despite calls from fans to postpone, WWE forged ahead.
During his appearance, Triple H made it clear that WWE’s mission in Saudi Arabia goes beyond entertainment. “That’s been their goal since the beginning, to change their perception, to change how they are, to open up that umbrella for women and with the country. It takes time. You can’t just do that stuff all at once, or you alienate all the people that are in front of it and have a long-standing belief. You have to do it over time. I truly believe that to initiate change, you have to be a part of it. You can’t just sit back on the sidelines and say, ‘We’re not going to participate in that and these people don’t do things right.’ You need to be there and be part of that change. We’ve been part of that change since the beginning,” Triple H explained, as quoted on The Pat McAfee Show.
This vision of gradual change is one that’s been echoed by WWE superstars themselves. Back in July, Cody Rhodes weighed in, defending WWE’s presence in Saudi Arabia and describing the company as a “non-partisan brand” that’s all about bringing people together, regardless of background or ideology. That sentiment underpins WWE’s approach, even as it faces scrutiny from fans and pundits alike.
And the company isn’t backing down. In a move that’s sure to keep the spotlight on Saudi Arabia, WWE recently announced that the 2026 Royal Rumble will be held in the Kingdom this coming January. It’s a bold statement and a sign that WWE’s partnership with Saudi Arabia isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
But while WWE’s global ambitions remain undeterred, the company faces mounting challenges closer to home. One of the most talked-about storylines in recent months has been the rise—and apparent stall—of Jacob Fatu. When Fatu captured the United States Championship from LA Knight at WrestleMania 2025, it felt like the dawn of a new era. Here was a powerhouse with the charisma and in-ring prowess to anchor SmackDown for years to come.
Yet, the promise quickly faded. Fatu lost the title to Solo Sikoa at Night of Champions in June, failed to reclaim it at SummerSlam, and has since been relegated to tag-team action with Sami Zayn and Jimmy Uso. Instead of standing tall as the “Samoan Werewolf,” Fatu now finds himself on the sidelines, mired in a never-ending feud with Solo Sikoa that lacks any real payoff.
The creative missteps are hard to ignore. WWE’s decision to have Sami Zayn—not Fatu—defeat Solo Sikoa for the United States Championship signaled a lack of confidence in Fatu’s ability to carry the blue brand. While Zayn’s victory breathed new life into the title scene, it left fans and analysts alike wondering: where does Fatu fit in now? With no titles to chase and no clear direction, his future on SmackDown looks uncertain at best.
It’s not just the booking decisions that have hurt Fatu’s momentum. His babyface turn, once brimming with potential, has largely fallen flat. The character shift was abrupt and poorly planned, stripping away the edge that made Fatu such a compelling force. Instead of dominating as a lone wolf, he’s been portrayed as needing help from allies like Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn—an odd fit for a character that thrived on his intensity and independence. The result? A disconnect with fans and a noticeable dip in his on-screen presence.
Perhaps most damaging of all was WWE’s handling of Fatu’s feud with Solo Sikoa. What started as a promising rivalry devolved into a directionless slog, with Fatu suffering two high-profile losses to Sikoa and never getting his win back. When Jimmy Uso moved to RAW earlier this year, the storyline lost whatever momentum it had left, leaving Fatu adrift and his character diminished.
As one source put it, “It is clear that even if WWE has not given up on Jacob Fatu, they surely have no idea what to do with him, which is an utter shame considering how unique and talented he is.” That assessment rings true for many fans who saw Fatu’s star on the rise just months ago.
The shakeups haven’t been limited to the ring. Triple H also addressed criticism of the new Netflix docuseries, WWE Unreal, which debuted in July. The show promised unprecedented access behind the scenes, including glimpses into the writers’ room and the creative process. While some fans relished the candid look at the inner workings of WWE, others—veterans and purists among them—argued that too much transparency risks spoiling the magic. Triple H, ever pragmatic, brushed off the backlash: “Even the company’s youngest fans are aware of how wrestling works and backstage news, so it only made sense to embrace that.”
These debates—about transparency, creative direction, and global partnerships—are emblematic of WWE’s current crossroads. The company is pushing boundaries, both in terms of geography and storytelling, but not without stumbling along the way. The handling of Jacob Fatu is a cautionary tale about the perils of poor booking and the importance of character consistency, especially in an era when fans are more informed and vocal than ever.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on WWE as it prepares for the 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. Will the company’s efforts to foster change in the Kingdom bear fruit? Can it recapture the magic with talents like Jacob Fatu, or will more stars fall victim to creative uncertainty? For now, the action is ongoing and the stakes have never been higher—both inside the ring and beyond.
