Royce Keys has offered his support to Jacob Fatu before his World Heavyweight Championship match at Backlash.
The two men have a history, having worked together at West Coast Pro and other promotions before joining WWE. Keys recalled grinding on the indies with Fatu.
Keys’ Words of Encouragement
Fatu was given a warning by Jey and Jimmy Uso in the ring and was then found by Keys. Keys told Fatu to forget the noise made by The Usos.
“Failure has never been an option for us, has it? Failure was never an option, even when we didn’t know where our next dollar was coming from,” Keys said. “Tell me this – when has Jacob Fatu been afraid of any man that breathes the same air as him?
“Go to Backlash, bring that home. Werewolf your a– up because Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it. People like us, we’re gonna take everything we want.”
Fatu’s Impassioned Promo
Before meeting with Keys, Fatu delivered an impassioned promo, with the match against Roman Reigns looming. The Usos interrupted Fatu’s initial speech, and Jey Uso warned Fatu that he was going to lose.
“Wanna know the worst part? He’s gonna break you down, emotionally, physically and he gonna do all that to you right in front of your family, Uce,” Jey Uso said.
Fatu vowed that he wasn’t losing the match. “This isn’t just a main event. This is for my family. If there’s one thing my family will see me do it’s becoming the WWE world heavyweight champion,” Fatu said, also warning The Usos against interfering.
The Usos’ Warning to Keys
Jey Uso met with Keys before Keys’ match against Tama Toga later in the night. He told him he needed to stay in his lane or he was going “catch the eyes of the ‘Tribal Chief.’”
Gunther’s SmackDown Appearance
Gunther appeared to be set to sign with the SmackDown roster, with Paul Heyman seemingly looking to do him a favour. However, Cody Rhodes came out to the ring while Gunther was meeting with SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis.
Gunther was upset that Rhodes was taking his screen time and then left Aldis’ office without signing the SmackDo.
Fatu is set to face Roman Reigns at Backlash.