Tag: Hikuleo

Hikuleo, Reportedly Will Be Backstage At WWE SmackDown – Could The Bloodline Be Calling?

Nearly a year after word first broke of his WWE signing, it looks like Hikuleo is finally stepping into the WWE spotlight.

According to a new report from PWI Elite, the towering former NJPW standout is set to be backstage at this Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown in Lexington, Kentucky. While Hikuleo has been listed on WWE’s internal roster for some time now, this marks the first indication that the company may finally be ready to integrate him into the on-screen product.

The timing is intriguing — and so is the potential creative direction.

Given his real-life family ties to Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa (all three were members of NJPW’s Guerrillas of Destiny), speculation has long pointed to Hikuleo eventually becoming part of WWE’s ever-evolving Bloodline saga. With the faction undergoing a major shake-up in recent weeks, now might be the perfect time for a new piece to be added to the puzzle.

At Money in the Bank this past weekend, the Bloodline story took another wild twist. Jacob Fatu, who recently debuted and already holds the United States Championship, shockingly cost Solo Sikoa the briefcase opportunity — going as far as to yell “Solo, I hate you!” as he shoved him off the ladder. That moment allowed Seth Rollins to capture the contract, and it signaled that the cracks in this next-gen version of The Bloodline are only getting deeper.

If Hikuleo is coming in now, the big question is: whose side is he on?

It’s worth noting that fellow NJPW alum Jeff Cobb (now competing as JC Mateo) recently aligned with Jacob Fatu, helping him retain his title at WWE Backlash. Could Hikuleo follow suit, or might he be walking into the chaos to back up his brother Tama Tonga — or even Solo Sikoa?

Before signing with WWE, Hikuleo spent eight years making his mark in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He held the IWGP Tag Team Titles, the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship, and had brief appearances in AEW and TNA as well. At 6’8”, with a unique blend of raw power and agility, he certainly brings a physical presence that fits WWE’s main event scene.

Whether Friday’s SmackDown marks his on-screen debut or simply the start of his transition to TV, the message is clear: Hikuleo is on WWE’s radar — and perhaps on a collision course with the chaos surrounding The Bloodline.

What’s Going On with Hikuleo and Lance Anoa’i in WWE?

Back in 2024, WWE made a couple of intriguing signings that had fans speculating about the future of The Bloodline. The company brought in former NJPW star Hikuleo—brother of Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa—and former MLW standout Lance Anoa’i, a direct cousin of Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Jimmy Uso. Given their family ties, it seemed like a natural fit for them to join the dominant faction. However, nearly a year later, neither man has appeared on WWE television, leading to growing questions about their status.

On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer provided an update on both Hikuleo and Anoa’i, but even he seemed uncertain about WWE’s plans. Meltzer did confirm that Hikuleo is under contract, despite some speculation to the contrary. However, the reason behind his absence remains a mystery.

“He’s been in Orlando forever,” Meltzer noted. “They just haven’t decided… I don’t know what the deal is. Maybe they’re waiting until he’s ready for the main roster and don’t want to put him in NXT early. I don’t know… but they have a reason.”

One thing Meltzer made clear is that WWE remains high on Hikuleo, and he hasn’t heard any negative reports about the 6’8″ powerhouse. That said, the same can’t be said for Lance Anoa’i. While Anoa’i was initially believed to be off TV due to an injury, Meltzer mentioned that there has been some criticism of his potential within the company, though he didn’t specify exactly what those concerns were.

With The Bloodline storyline continuing to evolve, it’s possible WWE is waiting for the right moment to introduce Hikuleo—or perhaps they have other plans entirely. As for Anoa’i, his WWE future seems a little more uncertain at this point. Either way, fans will have to keep watching to see if these two ever make their long-awaited debuts.

Backstage Update On WWE Status Of Recent Signing & Potential Bloodline Member Hikuleo

The Bloodline has had three new additions this year following the arrival of Tama Tonga, Tango Loa, and Jacob Fatu. The group could be poised for another new arrival to the faction with the rumored signing of Hikuleo.

But, a report by “PWInsiderElite” has revealed that the former NJPW star will first be a part of “WWE NXT” as he has been added to its internal roster. Hikuleo is seemingly following in the footsteps of Solo Sikoa, who also first featured in “NXT” and then was moved to the main roster, in contrast to Tonga, Loa, and Fatu, who debuted directly on the main roster.

There are no further details about Hikuleo’s WWE character, but the promotion may have a few ring names lined up for him if they don’t use the Hikuleo name as the recently trademarked two names — Talla Tonga and Casesar Sikoa.

The son of the legendary Haku and the brother of the aforementioned Tama Tonga and Tango Loa, Hikuleo began his pro wrestling career in NJPW, where he was a part of the Bullet Club alongside Tonga and Loa. Reports had confirmed that the former Strong Openweight Champion had signed with WWE in July, after his eight-year run with the Japanese promotion came to an end. Hikuleo was reportedly lined up for a move to WWE a year ago, but the promotion had put in place a hiring freeze which resulted in him staying with NJPW.

Aside from wrestling in NJPW, Hikuleo has also wrestled in AEW as well as Impact Wrestling in 2021 and 2022.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Bullet Club Member Hikuleo Appears At AEW Fyter Fest Night Two

NJPW star and Bullet Club member Hikuleo made a suprise appearance during night two of AEW Fyter Fest and laid down a championship challenge for Fight For The Fallen!

During Orange Cassidy’s clash with The Blade, New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Hikuleo appeared at ringside to take in the action. Later, the 30-year-old was shown at ringside donning a Bullet Club t-shirt with commentary noting he had particular interest in the IWGP United States Heavyweight title showdown between Jon Moxley and Lance Archer.

After a brutal and bloody Texas Deathmatch in the show’s main event, Archer regained the gold from the man he’d lost it to a year and a half earlier before being confronted by the Bullet Club member. The two stared down to close the show and it was later made official that Hikuleo will be Archer’s first challenger next week at Fight For The Fallen, the former’s AEW in-ring debut!

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1418010010014130178
https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1418029036006264835

Despite making his pro wrestling debut in November 2016, the 6 foot 8 star quickly made an impression across the world. Immediately joining his fellow Fifita family members Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa in Bullet Club, Hikuleo faced off against some of the biggest stars in NJPW before leaving on excursion for UK promotion Revolution Pro Wrestling. (They are the sons of Haku)

Most recently appearing on NJPW Strong, he’s picked up wins over the likes of Brody King, TJP and Fred Rosser and most notably made it to the semi-finals of the New Japan Cup USA 2021 before falling to eventual winner Tom Lawlor.

Source: Inside The Ropes