Tonga is a tall man who made his first entry in WWE when he entered the ring during the Night of Champions in Riyadh. The ex-New Japan Pro-Wrestling heavyweight, who is popular among the fans as Hikuleo, had his official debut at the post-pay-per-view section. There was a flash of graphics to tell us that the six-foot-eight Tongan giant was now to be known as Tala Tonga, a new era as it were, of his developing career.
This is not like changing names, it is a declaration. In transition to the WWE, Tala Tonga instantly joined The Bloodline, the SmackDown powerhouse headed by Solo Sikoa. He even entered the final United States Championship match, helping Solo to make Jacob Fatu fall with a vicious chokeslam through the announcer's table, to support Samoan Spike succeeding in the win.
From NJPW Renown to WWE Ascendancy
Tala is Hikuleo of New Japan fame, born Taula Koloamatangi. In a span of more than eight years, he rose up the ladder of the promotion- winning the Strong Openweight and Tag Team titles, and even securing a stint with the IWGP Tag Team titles with El Phantasmo. In July 2024, he went to WWE and spent the next months training at the Performance Center. His main-roster debut was on a dark match on June 13, in which he beat Kit Wilson shortly before SmackDown rolled into sight.
The appearance of Tala gives The Bloodline a fresh air to its roster of sadists. He reunites with his blood family Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, who are already established in WWE, and new signee JC Mateo, to strengthen the quest of Solo Sikoa to become supreme. In the meantime Jacob Fatu, a former backbone of the stable was pinned on WWE programming, the first time, effectively a handoff to Tala Tonga.
WWE has gone as far as trademarking the name, which it originally registered as Talla Tonga last year, which is a sign that it is taking his new identity seriously. Having the brand and lineage in place, Tala Tonga makes a good start in the WWE.