Former NJPW star Hikuleo has officially debuted in WWE under the new ring name Tala Tonga.
Former NJPW star Hikuleo receives a new name upon his WWE debut, being revealed during the Night of Champions Post-Show
Hikuleo Makes WWE Debut as Tala Tonga
Former New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) star Hikuleo has officially made his WWE on-screen debut at the Night of Champions event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Previously a member of NJPW's renowned Bullet Club faction and currently part of the Guerrillas of Destiny stable, Hikuleo signed with WWE in July 2024. His first match took place on June 13, 2025, where he competed in a dark match taping for "WWE Main Event," defeating Kit Wilson from Pretty Deadly.
Name Change and New Identity
During the WWE Night of Champions Post-Show, it was revealed that Hikuleo's name has been officially changed to "Tala Tonga." This change was highlighted by Fightful Wrestling on their X account, marking a significant shift in his wrestling persona. The announcement was accompanied by a tweet confirming the new name, which has since been embraced by fans and commentators alike.
Induction into The Bloodline
Tala Tonga's debut at Night of Champions also marked his induction into the prominent faction known as The Bloodline. Alongside a returning Tonga Loa, Tala made a notable impact during the WWE United States Championship match between Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. The duo interfered in the match, disrupting Fatu's pin attempt and executing a chokeslam on the "Samoan Werewolf" onto the announcer's table at ringside. This interference allowed Sikoa to capitalize, delivering a Samoan Spike to Fatu, ultimately securing the championship and reinforcing The Bloodline's dominance.
Tala Tonga's Accomplishments
Before joining WWE, Tala Tonga had an impressive career in NJPW, where he held multiple titles, including the IWGP Tag Team Championship, the Strong Openweight Championship, and the Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship. His tenure in NJPW was marked by significant achievements and memorable matches, establishing him as a formidable competitor in the wrestling world.
The Guerrillas of Destiny Legacy
The Guerrillas of Destiny, a faction formed by Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa in 2008, welcomed Hikuleo as a member in 2022 while they were still part of NJPW. This trio has been influential in shaping tag team wrestling in Japan and beyond. Their chemistry and shared history have contributed to their success, making them a formidable force in the wrestling industry.
Experience Beyond NJPW
In addition to his time in NJPW, Tala Tonga has also showcased his wrestling skills in various promotions, including Impact Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and All Elite Wrestling. His diverse experience across different wrestling organizations has enriched his in-ring abilities and broadened his appeal to a global audience.
Looking Ahead
As Tala Tonga embarks on this new chapter in WWE, fans are eager to see how he will evolve within The Bloodline and what new rivalries and storylines will unfold. His debut has already set the stage for exciting developments, and the wrestling community is buzzing with anticipation for his future matches and appearances.
With a strong foundation built on his previous accomplishments and a fresh identity in WWE, Tala Tonga is poised to make a significant impact in the world of professional wrestling.