Ever since Jacob Fatu made his WWE debut in June, 2024, I've been waiting on his one-on-one clash with Roman Reigns. It seems a bit overdue, but Fatu's back-against-the-wall, I-need-it-for-my-family approach has sparked something.

If that approach and posturing was the spark, the introduction of the Tongan Death Grip has added the fire emojis.

The legendary move made popular by WWE Hall-of-Famer Haku has made a reappearance at an ideal time, and it's given this feud a new layer.

Why Has The Tongan Death Grip Worked As A Storyline Device?

So many moves in professional wrestling have become overused. For example, the Super Kick used to be super. Now it is so common that it can't effectively function as someone's finisher.

The Tongan Death Grip is another story. Cultural lines have guarded it well and Fatu busting it out for this feud fits perfectly.

WWE creative has used the move on Solo Sikoa, Talla Tonga, and now Reigns over a tight stretch of weeks, building it into a recurring story beat rather than a one-off spot. That consistency has done the work, transforming what could have been a quick visual into a credible character signature for Fatu .

How Has WWE Built The Reigns vs. Fatu Match So Far?

This one came together pretty quickly. Reigns just defeated CM Punk to become the World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania 42. In three weeks, WWE has managed to pull something meaningful together for Reigns-Fatu.

The booking has leaned into a family civil war framing, with Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso used as storytelling bridges around the central conflict. Fatu’s "I’m going to take everything from you" line before locking in the Tongan Death Grip during one of the first face-to-face meetings crystallized the stakes without overcrowding the dynamic.

What Does This Storyline Mean For The Bloodline Civil War?

This feels like a new beginning for the Bloodline, almost like a spin-off of a major gangster film. I wouldn’t be surprised to see The Usos turn on Roman at Backlash. The hope is that it leads to the arrival of Zilla Fatu — the next great performer in the Samoan dynasty — on one side or the other.

The Bloodline Civil War has been one of WWE's most durable creative properties, and Fatu's chapter is the rare addition that adds rather than recycles. The Tongan Death Grip storyline opens a clear lane for future family-tree booking, with Zilla as the most obvious next domino if WWE chooses to pull it.

What Should Fans Watch For At Backlash?

I don't believe Zilla will be at Backlash, but the seeds should be planted for a major upheaval in the Bloodline. Reigns isn't expected to be on WWE programming in June, which means he could lose his title and suffer a beatdown that writes him off television for a while.

Watch for how WWE handles the Tongan Death Grip in the match itself, the Uso brothers' allegiance in the closing moments, and whether the post-match angle does the seed-planting work for the next Bloodline chapter. Fatu's storyline density gives Backlash multiple meaningful payoff paths.