In a thrilling showdown at WWE Backlash on Saturday, May 10, 2025, Jacob Fatu emerged victorious, retaining his United States Championship title in a chaotic Fatal 4-Way match against Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, and Damian Priest. The match, held at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, was marked by high stakes and unexpected alliances, culminating in a dramatic finish that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Fatu, who entered the match as the defending champion, faced fierce competition from the three challengers, each eager to claim the prestigious title. McIntyre, fresh off a victory over Priest in a Street Fight at WrestleMania 41, appeared particularly determined to seize the championship. However, just as it seemed he might secure the win, the tides turned when Priest intervened, pulling McIntyre out of the ring and breaking up a crucial pinfall attempt.
The action intensified as the competitors battled back and forth, with high-flying maneuvers and powerful slams echoing throughout the arena. Knight, known for his agility and charisma, nearly clinched victory with a series of top-rope assaults on Fatu. Just when Knight seemed poised to deliver a devastating blow, the unexpected arrival of Jeff Cobb altered the course of the match.
Cobb, a former New Japan Pro Wrestling star, made his WWE debut at Backlash, aligning himself with Solo Sikoa. His arrival was nothing short of sensational, as he attacked Knight, allowing Fatu to capitalize on the distraction. This marked a significant moment in Cobb's career, having left NJPW just weeks prior and making headlines with his sudden shift to WWE.
Commentator Michael Cole hailed Cobb as the "biggest free agent on the planet," emphasizing the impact of his presence in the ring. After a wild sequence of events, Fatu managed to pin Knight, securing his title amidst the chaos and confusion. Despite winning, Fatu's reaction was mixed; while he celebrated his victory, he displayed visible uncertainty about Cobb's motives and the implications of his involvement.
Earlier in the night, the match had been set up following a series of controversial events on SmackDown. General manager Nick Aldis had originally booked a No. 1 Contender's match between Knight and McIntyre, which ended in disqualification due to outside interference from Sikoa. The fallout led to Aldis scheduling a Triple Threat match for the United States Championship, which ultimately morphed into the Fatal 4-Way when McIntyre was added to the mix.
In the lead-up to Backlash, Cobb had been the subject of speculation after leaving NJPW, where he had a successful tenure, including multiple reigns as IWGP Tag Team Champion. His abrupt departure from NJPW was confirmed by the promotion just days before WrestleMania, where he was stripped of his titles. Fans were left guessing about his next move, and his shocking appearance at Backlash solidified his status as a formidable force in WWE.
As the dust settled on the Fatal 4-Way match, the wrestling world buzzed with excitement over Cobb's debut and the future of the United States Championship scene. Fatu's retention of the title was significant, but the emergence of Cobb raises questions about the dynamics within the New Bloodline and the potential for future rivalries.
Fatu's victory at Backlash not only cements his status as a champion but also sets the stage for intriguing storylines moving forward. With Cobb now in the mix, fans can expect intense rivalries and unexpected twists in the weeks to come.
This event marks a pivotal moment in WWE history, showcasing the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling. As the aftermath of Backlash unfolds, fans are left eagerly anticipating what comes next for Jacob Fatu, Jeff Cobb, and the rest of the WWE roster.
