Jacob Fatu Explains Why The Tongan Death Grip Is Sacred To Him

Jacob Fatu explains why the Tongan Death Grip is a sacred move for him.

On the 4/27 edition of Monday Night Raw, Jacob Fatu hit Roman Reigns with the Tongan Death Grip. This maneuver was popularized by Haku and has become key to Fatu and Reigns’ rivalry. 

Speaking with Peter Rosenberg on Cheap Heat, Fatu discusses his close relationship with Tonga Loa and why the Tongan Death Grip is sacred to him.

“Tonga Loa looked out, man. This is why I’m so close with them. It ain’t because they’re Tongan. It ain’t because our dads used to tag. Nah, man, I know these brothers. I know I genuinely love my Tongan brothers. This is why the Tongan Death Grip, it’s not about changing the name. No. I’m getting goosebumps right now because this move is a sacred move. It’s different.”

Fatu believes this is the only move that could take Roman down.

“I talked to Talla Tonga. I mean, I’m just happy and I’m thankful I’m able to use this and bring it back because, man, there’s no other move that could have did this with Roman. Let’s be for real. What else? This guy has been F5’d. This guy has been through it all. You got to hit them and this is one thing, if you can’t go against it man. There’s only one thing that’s going to take us down and take us out. That’s anything to do with our bloodline or our family. There’s no other move besides the Tongan Death Grip. I couldn’t have it no other way. No, we’re not changing the name because it wouldn’t be what it is if it’s not the Tongan Death Grip.”

Fatu says he brought this move back to pay homage to Haku.

“Shout out to Haku, man. Everything that he has done for us, for the business, also for my father as well. He was actually looking out for my dad. … I was kind of like my dad, in and out. So pops used to wrestle as the Tonga Kid, came in as Tama of the Islander, met up with Haku in Canada. That’s a man that my dad was very scared of, but also respects so much. Haku is the most loving, nicest, such a great grandfather as well. So for us to all be tied in and for me to bring this back out, it’s really to pay homage.“

Elsewhere in the interview, Fatu recalled being rejected after a WWE tryout session in 2016. Fans can check his comments here.

If you use any of the quotes from this article, please credit the original source with a h/t and a link back to Fightful for the transcription.