Jacob Fatu: Prison, Teeth Removal, Children, WWE

Jacob Fatu has been a prominent figure in WWE since his debut in 2024, but the path to the ring was anything but straight. A criminal record, a dental surgery that removed 11 teeth, and a claim of seven children have all fueled curiosity—here’s what the available sources actually confirm and what remains unclear.

Full name: Jacob Fatu · Born: April 18, 1992 (IMDb) · Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) · Weight: 275 lb (125 kg) · Number of children: 7 (claimed) (Sportskeeda) · WWE debut: 2024 (Fightful)

Eight key facts about Jacob Fatu, one pattern: most of his personal claims come from his own interviews.

The table below distills the basic biographical data into a single view.

What was Jacob Fatu locked up for?

Charges and sentence details

• Jacob Fatu was arrested at age 18 on charges related to robbery, according to The Sportster.
• He served time in jail before his wrestling career gained traction. The exact length of his sentence is not publicly confirmed.

Duration of incarceration

No official records specify the duration of Fatu’s incarceration. The Sportster reports that watching The Usos wrestle on a jail television inspired Fatu to pursue wrestling, indicating the sentence was long enough to allow for a turning point.

Impact on wrestling career

Fatu’s incarceration created a significant detour. He has stated that his time in jail was a wake-up call, and he credits his family for helping him stay on track after release.

The implication: Fatu’s prison experience is a central part of his origin story, but the lack of official documentation leaves room for skepticism.

Why did Jacob Fatu get 11 teeth removed?

Medical reasons for dental surgery

• Jacob Fatu said he had 11 teeth pulled during a dental procedure and was originally supposed to have 12 removed, according to Busted Open WWE.
• A separate interview with No-Contest Wrestling attributes the same account, specifying the removed teeth were in the back.
• Fightful reported that Fatu explained the surgery and that he had initially been scheduled for twelve.

Connection to his wrestling persona

Fatu’s ‘werewolf’ gimmick in WWE often plays up his intimidating look. Some fans speculate the missing teeth contribute to his menacing appearance, though Fatu has not directly linked the surgery to his character.

Number of teeth removed: verification

The number 11 is consistently reported across multiple sources: Yahoo Sports also confirmed the dental procedure and noted that Fatu took time away from wrestling in late 2025 to address the issue.

The trade-off: Fatu’s openness about the surgery builds trust with fans, but the lack of a medical explanation leaves room for rumor.

Does Jacob Fatu have 7 children?

Confirmation from Jacob Fatu himself

• In an interview on November 17, 2023, Fatu disclosed having seven children, as reported by Sportskeeda.
• The Sportster also described Fatu as a proud father of seven children.

Names and ages of children (if public)

No official public records confirm the names or ages of all seven children. Fatu has not released further details, and media reports rely solely on his statements.

Debate over the exact number

Some sources contradict the number, but Fatu’s own claim is the most cited. The discrepancy may stem from the absence of formal documentation or from different definitions of ‘children’ (e.g., biological vs. stepchildren).

What this means: the number of children is a personal detail that Fatu has chosen to share selectively, and the absence of public records may reflect a desire for privacy.

Is Jacob Fatu related to Dwayne Johnson?

Bloodline and Anoa’i family connection

• Jacob Fatu is part of the Anoaʻi family wrestling dynasty, which includes Roman Reigns, The Usos, and The Rock, according to IMDb.
• A family tree entry on Pro Wrestling Fandom states that Jacob Fatu is the son of Sam Fatu (The Tonga Kid).

Degree of kinship (cousin, etc.)

Fatu is a distant cousin of Dwayne Johnson. The exact degree is not specified, but the two share a common ancestor through the Anoaʻi and Maivia lines.

Other famous relatives in wrestling

Sam Fatu is also the father of twins Jonathan and Joshua Fatu (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Joseph Fatu (Solo Sikoa), making Jacob Fatu a half-brother to the Usos and Solo Sikoa, according to the Pro Wrestling Fandom family tree.

The pattern: Fatu’s family ties are well-documented, but the specific degree of kinship to The Rock is often loosely described as ‘distant cousin,’ which is accurate but not precise.

Did drugs and street life nearly end Jacob Fatu’s WWE dream?

Jacob Fatu’s confession about drug use

• Fatu admitted that drug addiction and street violence almost prevented his WWE career, according to Busted Open WWE.
• He stated that the dental work happened during a period when he was at home recovering, watching his children go to school and return home — a sign of his reorientation toward family.

How street life interfered with early training

Fatu’s arrest at 18 and subsequent jail time derailed his early wrestling ambitions. The time away from the ring forced him to watch his cousins, The Usos, perform on television from prison, which he later said inspired him to turn his life around.

Turning point and recovery

Fatu credits family support and personal determination for his transformation. His past is often referenced in his wrestling persona as a ‘werewolf’ — a character that embodies raw, untamed energy.

“I was supposed to have 12 teeth pulled, but I ended up with 11,” Fatu said during an interview with Busted Open WWE, adding that the recovery period allowed him to reconnect with his children.

For Jacob Fatu, the blend of a troubled past and a powerful family legacy creates a unique position in WWE. The wrestling world will be watching whether his personal story becomes a permanent part of his on-screen character or a closed chapter he leaves behind.

For Jacob Fatu, the blend of a troubled past and a powerful family legacy creates a unique position in WWE. The wrestling world will be watching whether his personal story becomes a permanent part of his on-screen character or a closed chapter he leaves behind.