From college football to a record-breaking wrestling dynasty
In short: Before becoming one of the most decorated tag teams in WWE history, Jey Uso was a college linebacker. After a football career stalled, he pivoted to the ring, eventually helping his brother Jimmy secure a championship reign that lasted over 600 days.
Jey Uso, born Joshua Samuel Fatu, grew up in a wrestling lineage. He was trained from childhood by his father, WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi. Before entering the professional wrestling world, Jey pursued a career in football, attending Escambia High School and later playing linebacker for the University of West Alabama from 2003 to 2005. However, after realizing his athletic trajectory in football wasn't meeting his goals, he and his twin brother Jonathan joined their father and uncle Umaga in the wrestling industry.
The brothers debuted as 'The Fatu Twins' in 2007 before moving into the WWE developmental system, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), in 2010. Wrestling under the name Jules Uso, Jey and Jimmy won the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship in March 2010. They transitioned to the main roster later that year, eventually adopting the name The Usos. During this era, they became known for incorporating the Siva Tau, a traditional Samoan war dance, into their entrance to showcase their heritage and build energy.
The Usos became a dominant force in the tag team division, becoming the first team to hold both the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championships simultaneously as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship. Their most notable achievement came during their fifth reign with the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, where they held the titles for 622 days. Beyond tag team success, Jey has carved out a significant singles career, winning the 2021 André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and capturing his first world title, the World Heavyweight Championship, in February 2025.
Jey's career is defined by a balance of family legacy and individual milestones. While he spent years as a villainous member of The Bloodline from 2021 to 2023, he has also achieved high-profile singles accolades, including the 2020 Feud of the Year award for his rivalry with Roman Reigns. His journey from a college athlete to a multi-time champion illustrates a successful transition from traditional sports to the performance-based world of professional wrestling.
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