Jacob Fatu Recalls William Regal Suggesting Him To Keep Going After Failed WWE Tryout In 2016

Jacob Fatu recalls William Regal talking to him after WWE rejected him during tryouts.

The Samoan Werewolf signed with WWE in 2024. He was part of The Bloodline at one point, but he is currently working as a singles star on the main roster. Fatu has a criminal record, which was brought up by Drew McIntyre several times during their rivalry. 

Speaking with Peter Rosenberg on Cheap Heat recently, Jacob Fatu recalled being told by WWE that he’ll never work for them.

“I had a tryout 2015, ’16, and they told me I would never work here because of the mistakes that I made when I was 18 in life. So what I had a tryout, I went to, I was 18, for robbery. Fresh 18. I literally turned 18. My birthday was in March 7th. I got the case in May. So for me to double back on there, I didn’t think I was going to make it. But I just knew it was something. I manifested something. But anyways, I stuck with it. I had to try out. Crazy thing, Shayna Baszler was in that tryout, Shotzi, my boy Royce Keys, Eddie Kingston, there was a lot of us in that tryout. Scotty 2 Hotty was there. But I remember being told no. I just broke down. I was crying, man. I didn’t have anything else to do.”

Before Fatu could get in his car, William Regal spoke to him. He suggested that Fatu keep going at it. 

“Right before I was about to hop in the car, the referee come give me, ‘Hey, they want to speak to you.’ I remember Norman Smiley and William Regal. ‘Just stay at it. All right, keep working. We know it’s okay.’ This is William Regal, ‘I’m not saying you will ever work for this company.’ Then he goes, ‘My suggestion is just keep staying at it. Just keep going at it.’ 

Jacob Fatu is currently scheduled to challenge Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash 2026. Fans can check results from the show by clicking here. 

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