WWE: Jacob Fatu's WrestleMania Dream, Shreveport's Wrestling Drought, and New Orleans' WrestleMania Woes
This article explores three major WWE-related storylines: the potential for Jacob Fatu to main event WrestleMania 42, the lack of major wrestling events in Shreveport, Louisiana, and the recent removal of WrestleMania 42 from New Orleans.
Jacob Fatu: From Upper Card to WrestleMania Main Event?
Jacob Fatu has made a significant impact on the main roster in his first year, including a 69-day reign as United States Champion after winning the title at WrestleMania 41. However, questions remain about his path to the main event of WrestleMania 42. Media personality Sam Roberts, on his "Notsam" podcast, offered a potential booking scenario for Fatu.
According to Roberts, the first step is for Fatu to completely separate himself from any Bloodline affiliations. He emphasizes the importance of establishing Fatu's individual identity, distinct from his initial heel run alongside Solo Sikoa and his subsequent babyface alliance with Jimmy Uso.
"Yes, I think he should be separated from Solo. I also think he should be separated from Jimmy Uso. I think it’s time for Jacob Fatu to really branch out… And then start a whole, fresh story with Jacob Fatu."
Once Fatu is recognized as a singles competitor, Roberts suggests testing him against established main event talents. This would involve matches against performers like Drew McIntyre and AJ Styles to elevate his status and credibility.
Shreveport's Wrestling Void: Can Indie Promotions Fill the Gap?
While professional wrestling experiences a boom period with high attendance figures for both AEW and WWE, fans in the Ark-La-Tex region, particularly in Shreveport, have felt distanced from the action. Major promotions rarely visit the area, and the relocation of WrestleMania 42 from New Orleans has further disappointed local fans. This raises the question of whether Louisiana's vibrant indie wrestling scene can fill this void.
Shreveport was once a regular stop for Mid-South Wrestling. However, with the decline of the territory system in favor of WWE and WCW, only WCW consistently included Louisiana in its schedule. WWE has reduced its live show schedule in recent years, resulting in a lack of WWE events in Shreveport. AEW, despite international shows, has only held seven shows in Louisiana.
The absence of major wrestling promotions in Shreveport presents an opportunity for independent wrestling. While indie promotions often lack the financial resources and star power of WWE or AEW, they can provide a local wrestling experience. Despite Louisiana being home to indie promotions and wrestling schools like Wildcat Wrestling in New Orleans, Shreveport has not hosted a wrestling event from WWE, AEW, or an independent promotion since a WWE NXT live show in 2020. With its wrestling history and dedicated fan base, Shreveport could be a prime market for an indie promotion.
New Orleans Loses WrestleMania: What's Next?
In February, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson announced that WrestleMania 42 would be returning to New Orleans. However, these plans were subsequently canceled, and WrestleMania 42 was moved to Las Vegas, marking the first time WWE's premier event would be held in the same location for two consecutive years.
Local officials confirmed that New Orleans would receive a Money In The Bank live event and that TKO, WWE's parent company, would also bring UFC 318 to the city. However, the UFC event had been announced before the WrestleMania cancellation. Officials also stated that New Orleans would host a "future WrestleMania" event, implying a postponement rather than a permanent cancellation. But further worsening matters, reports indicated that WrestleMania 43 (2027) would head to Saudi Arabia.
The move adds New Orleans to a list of cities, including Nashville and Indianapolis, that are vying for a WrestleMania. London has also been teased as a potential host city in recent years, creating a competitive landscape for future WrestleMania events.
