Former New Japan Pro Wrestling star Hikuleo officially made his WWE on-screen debut at the Night of Champions event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Known previously as an IWGP Tag Team Champion and a member of NJPW’s Bullet Club faction, as well as part of the Destiny Stable’s Guerrillas, Hikuleo signed with WWE in July 2024 but had his first match back in June 2024. During the WWE Night of Champions Post Show, it was subtly revealed on Fightful Wrestling’s X account that Hikuleo’s new WWE ring name is "Tala Tonga."
Tala Tonga’s debut at Night of Champions highlighted his impressive wrestling lineage. Alongside Returning Tongaroa, Tala disrupted the WWE US Championship match between Solosikoa and Jacob Fatu by breaking Fatu’s pin attempt and delivering a chokeslam to Fatu on the announcer’s table. This interference helped Solosikoa win the title, underscoring Tala’s strong in-ring heritage.
Besides his reign as an IWGP Tag Team Champion, Tala has also held major strong openweight singles and tag team titles during his tenure in NJPW. The Destiny Faction’s Guerrillas, originally formed in 2008 by WWE stars Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, included Hikuleo as a third member in 2022 while in NJPW. Beyond NJPW, Tala has also competed in Impact Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and All Elite Wrestling.
Fan Take: This name change and debut mark an exciting new chapter for WWE, adding a wrestler with deep roots and proven success in top global promotions. WWE fans should watch closely, as Tala Tonga’s arrival could inject fresh energy and nostalgia, while potentially reshaping the landscape with his unique style and strong wrestling pedigree.
