Jacob Fatu applied the Tongan Death Grip to Roman Reigns during a WWE RAW episode on May 4, 2026 [1].

The incident escalates a high-stakes rivalry between the two competitors. It serves to establish Fatu as a legitimate threat to Reigns' dominance before their scheduled clash for the WWE World Heavyweight Title.

The confrontation took place during a contract signing segment on the May 4 episode [1]. During the encounter, Fatu locked Reigns in the Tongan Death Grip, a submission hold that nearly caused the champion to lose consciousness [2]. This specific maneuver is designed to restrict blood flow and air, highlighting the physical danger Fatu brings to the ring [3].

WWE said the use of the grip emphasizes the danger associated with the move [5]. The attack is part of a broader narrative build-up intended to intensify the feud between the two athletes. By showcasing Reigns' vulnerability to the hold, the promotion is creating a central tension for their upcoming match [4].

The two are set to face off at WWE Backlash 2026 [6]. This event will determine the holder of the WWE World Heavyweight Title, with the recent RAW segment serving as a catalyst for the match's anticipation. The use of the Tongan Death Grip marks a pivotal moment in the storytelling leading into the premium live event.

WWE officials and commentators said the moment educates the audience on the mechanics of the grip [3]. The hold's ability to floor a competitor as formidable as Reigns suggests a shift in the power dynamic of the current title picture.

“Jacob Fatu applied the Tongan Death Grip to Roman Reigns”

The use of the Tongan Death Grip is a strategic narrative tool used by WWE to build 'threat equity' for Jacob Fatu. By having a dominant champion like Roman Reigns nearly pass out, the promotion signals to the audience that the title is in genuine jeopardy, thereby increasing the commercial appeal and stakes for the Backlash 2026 event.