Jacob Fatu Defeats Drew McIntyre in Unsanctioned Match at WrestleMania 42

Jacob Fatu secured a career-defining victory over Drew McIntyre in an unsanctioned match at WrestleMania 42, marking the biggest win of his young WWE career. The bout took place on Night 1 of the event at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18, 2026.

The match began with Fatu immediately attacking McIntyre before he entered the ring, delivering a suicide dive. Both competitors introduced weapons early, including tables, chairs, and a toolbox pulled from under the ring. McIntyre gained early momentum with a big clothesline that sent Fatu into the announce desk area, where he grabbed a phone from a front-row spectator and used it to strike Fatu.

McIntyre continued his aggression with a Swanton Bomb from the top rope onto the outside, followed by a missed Claymore kick in the ring. Fatu countered with his first Mighty Moonsault, though it did not conclude the match. After exchanging blows with weapons—including wrench strikes to Fatu’s forehead and eye, and a chair suplex—Fatu regained control by smashing a chair into McIntyre’s back.

The turning point came when Fatu hit McIntyre with a second Mighty Moonsault, which proved decisive. Despite McIntyre’s resilience—having previously kicked out of Fatu’s Moonsault earlier in the match—the second attempt secured the pinfall victory for Fatu.

The unsanctioned stipulation allowed for no-disqualification rules, enabling the hardcore style that defined the encounter. Fatu’s win ended his rivalry with McIntyre and stood as a highlight of WrestleMania 42 Night 1.