Royce Keys Backs Jacob Fatu on SmackDown Before Backlash Title Match

Jacob Fatu drew support from fellow wrestler Royce Keys on Friday Night SmackDown before his World Heavyweight Championship match against Roman Reigns at Backlash on Saturday.

Fatu had just received warnings from Jey and Jimmy Uso in the ring when cameras caught him backstage. He encountered Keys, a longtime colleague from West Coast Pro and other promotions before both reached WWE.

"I heard what your cousins said out there, forget all that noise," Keys told him. "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. 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 ass up because Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it. People like us, we’re gonna take everything we want."

Keys and Fatu share a history from wrestling in the Bay Area. Keys recently described their indie circuit struggles in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Earlier, Fatu delivered a promo about his upcoming match with Reigns at the premium live event in Tampa, Florida. The Usos interrupted, and Jey Uso warned Fatu of defeat.

"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 promised victory. "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," he said. He warned the Usos against interference: "If you think about interfering, I will bring this whole goddamn family tree down."

Jey Uso later approached Keys before Keys' match against Tama Tonga and told him to stay in his lane or risk drawing the attention of the 'Tribal Chief.'

In another segment, Gunther appeared ready to join SmackDown. Paul Heyman seemed set to repay a favor to 'The Ring General' that night. As Gunther met SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis, Cody Rhodes entered the ring.

Gunther complained that Rhodes was stealing his time and walked out without signing the SmackDown contract. Rhodes addressed Gunther's sleeper hold attack from the previous week.

Heyman interrupted Rhodes and held up a contract for an Undisputed WWE Championship match at Clash in Italy on May 31. Heyman said Rhodes would need to deliver it personally.

Gunther then emerged from the crowd to attack Rhodes, but Rhodes dodged and struck back.

SmackDown match results: Tiffany Stratton defeated Kiana James to retain the United States Championship. Talla Tonga defeated Damian Priest. Ricky Saints defeated Matt Cardona. Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid defeated Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley after Jade Cargill attacked Ripley. Royce Keys defeated Tama Tonga.