Jacob Fatu's WrestleMania 42 Ambitions & Shreveport's Wrestling Drought
A WWE analyst believes Jacob Fatu has a strong chance of main eventing WrestleMania 42, while Shreveport, Louisiana, a former wrestling hotspot, grapples with a lack of major wrestling events. This article explores Fatu's potential ascent and the challenges facing Shreveport's wrestling scene.
Sam Roberts' Vision for Jacob Fatu
Media personality Sam Roberts, on his “Notsam” podcast, outlined a specific scenario for Jacob Fatu to reach the WrestleMania 42 main event. The key, according to Roberts, is for Fatu to completely sever ties with The Bloodline. This includes distancing himself from both Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso.
“Yes, I think he should be separated from Solo. I also think he should be separated from Jimmy Uso,” Roberts stated. “I think it’s time for Jacob Fatu to really branch out… And then start a whole, fresh story with Jacob Fatu.”
Roberts believes that after establishing himself as a singles competitor, Fatu should face proven main-event talents. This would involve matches against stars like Drew McIntyre and AJ Styles to elevate his status and demonstrate his capabilities.
Shreveport's Wrestling Void
While professional wrestling experiences a resurgence with booming attendance for AEW and WWE events, fans in the Ark-La-Tex region, specifically Shreveport, feel left out. Despite a rich wrestling history, the city rarely hosts major wrestling promotions.
Shreveport was once a crucial stop for Mid-South Wrestling. However, the decline of the territory system and WWE's reduced live show schedule in the area have left a void. Even AEW, WWE's biggest competitor, has rarely visited Louisiana.
Earlier in the year, WWE's decision to move WrestleMania away from New Orleans further highlighted Louisiana's seeming unimportance to major wrestling promoters.
Indie Wrestling: A Potential Solution for Shreveport?
The demise of the territory system led to the rise of independent wrestling promotions. Although they may not possess the same financial resources or star power as WWE or AEW, these indies maintain the heart and tradition of professional wrestling. While Louisiana boasts indie promotions like Wildcat Wrestling in New Orleans, Shreveport lacks a regular wrestling presence.
According to wrestling database Cagematch.net, no WWE, AEW, or independent wrestling show has taken place in Shreveport since a WWE NXT event in 2020.
Shreveport, with its historical significance in wrestling and dedicated fanbase, presents a valuable market for an independent wrestling promotion to cultivate and flourish. The city's enthusiasm for wrestling, demonstrated at events like Geek'd Con, underscores this potential.
