Tag: The Bloodline

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.

WWE Will Not Introduce A Tribal Chief Championship

As previously reported here on Wrestling News Blog, WWE had been exploring the idea of introducing a new championship to highlight the intense rivalry between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa. However, according to the latest update from The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, those plans have officially been shelved.

The Tribal Conflict

The feud between the two Bloodline leaders has been brewing for months, with both Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa vying to establish themselves as the true Tribal Chief. At Survivor Series: WarGames 2024, Reigns solidified his dominance by pinning Sikoa in a high-stakes WarGames match. The event saw the Original Bloodline, alongside CM Punk, clash with the New Bloodline and Bronson Reed, leaving fans buzzing about the heated familial warfare.

The rivalry is far from over, as Reigns and Sikoa are set to collide in a Tribal Combat match on the premiere episode of RAW on Netflix next month in Los Angeles. The bout promises to be another brutal chapter in their ongoing saga.

No Tribal Championship

While early speculation suggested that WWE was considering creating a “Tribal Championship” to symbolize the ultimate prize in their feud, recent reports confirm that such a title will not be introduced. Instead, the focus will remain on the ula fala, a traditional Samoan necklace that has become a symbol of leadership within the Bloodline storyline.

“Regarding reports of a new title being added called the Tribal Chief title, we’re told that’s not happening,” the Observer noted. “Now will guys feud over the ula fala? Yes, obviously.”

What’s Next?

With the rumored championship off the table, the ula fala remains at the heart of this epic Bloodline conflict. The unique stakes and cultural significance of the ula fala have added depth to an already captivating story, allowing Reigns and Sikoa to channel their personal and professional tensions into one of WWE’s most talked-about rivalries.

Fans can expect fireworks when Reigns and Sikoa square off in Los Angeles next month. Will Reigns continue to assert his dominance, or will Sikoa rise to the occasion and claim his spot as the rightful Tribal Chief?

WWE Reportedly Considering a ‘Tribal Chief Championship’ for Bloodline Storyline

The Bloodline saga has been one of WWE’s most captivating storylines in years, but even its biggest supporters have pointed out a minor flaw: the rivalry is built around an abstract concept. While Roman Reigns’ title as “Tribal Chief” is deeply rooted in the faction’s Samoan heritage, it lacks the tangible symbolism often seen in championship-driven feuds. However, WWE may soon change that.

According to a report from WrestleVotes, WWE is considering introducing a Tribal Chief Championship belt into the Bloodline storyline, giving Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and the entire faction something more concrete to fight over. The report suggests this championship would be similar to the People’s Championship presented to The Rock earlier this year at WrestleMania 40.

If this move happens, it could coincide with the highly-anticipated January 6 debut of WWE Raw on Netflix, where Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa are already set to clash. Their match, which Reigns officially laid out on the December 13 episode of SmackDown, will be a “Tribal Combat” Match — a stipulation that features no disqualifications and no outside interference. WWE elaborated further on Raw three days later, building anticipation for this significant showdown.

While the introduction of a Tribal Chief Championship is still speculative, it wouldn’t be the first time wrestling has seen story-driven titles designed to enhance rivalries.

  • In the late ’80s, Ted DiBiase introduced the Million Dollar Championship, a flashy symbol of his wealth and influence.
  • In ECW, Taz debuted the rebellious FTW Championship (affectionately called the “F*** the World” title) as a darkly humorous declaration of dominance.
  • In WWE’s early 2010s, Matt Cardona (then Zack Ryder) crowned himself the Internet Champion, a nod to his social media success and rising online fanbase.

These titles, while not always formally recognized, added depth to storylines and served as symbolic trophies for larger-than-life personas. A Tribal Chief Championship could play a similar role, giving Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa an unmistakable prize that embodies their struggle for leadership and power within the Bloodline.

The timing would certainly make sense. With the Netflix era of WWE Raw on the horizon and Roman Reigns’ storyline entering yet another pivotal chapter, a new championship would help escalate tensions and provide fans with a fresh visual centerpiece for the Bloodline feud.

Should WWE proceed with this plan, the Tribal Chief Championship could become a unique piece of wrestling lore — a title driven less by traditional wrestling wins and losses and more by legacy, dominance, and family pride.

Stay tuned to wrestlingnewsblog.com as we continue to cover all the latest developments leading up to WWE Raw’s Netflix debut and the ongoing Bloodline saga. Could Solo Sikoa or Roman Reigns soon hold a title that defines the true Tribal Chief? We’ll find out soon enough!

WWE Announces Tonga Loa Is Out Indefinitely Due To Torn Bicep Sustained At WarGames

The fallout from WWE Survivor Series: WarGames continues to take its toll on Solo Sikoa’s New Bloodline faction, with another key member now sidelined due to injury. Following the brutal WarGames main event this past Saturday, WWE confirmed on SmackDown that Tonga Loa has suffered a torn bicep and is out indefinitely.

During Friday’s SmackDown, WWE displayed both a scan of Loa’s torn bicep and footage of him wearing a sling. It was also revealed that the former WWE Tag Team Champion has already undergone surgery to begin the recovery process. While there’s no clear timeline for Loa’s return, torn biceps typically require several months of rehabilitation, leaving a significant hole in Solo Sikoa’s New Bloodline moving forward.

Loa is just the latest casualty from Survivor Series: WarGames. As reported earlier, Bronson Reed sustained a serious ankle injury, which WWE also addressed during the SmackDown broadcast, while Jimmy Uso is dealing with a broken toe. Despite speculation about Jacob Fatu suffering a scare during the chaotic match, he appears to have avoided any significant injury.

The WarGames match saw Solo Sikoa’s New Bloodline—featuring Sikoa, Tanga Loa, Tama Tonga, Jacob Fatu, and Bronson Reed—come up short against Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, and CM Punk. With three members of Sikoa’s group now banged up, the faction is already showing signs of strain as they attempt to establish dominance under Solo’s leadership.

Interestingly, Tonga Loa’s absence was felt immediately during SmackDown. The show opened with Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and Tama Tonga attacking Apollo Crews backstage—without Loa in tow—suggesting the group is wasting no time in carrying out their agenda despite the mounting injuries.

For fans, this latest injury raises questions about how the New Bloodline will regroup and adapt in Loa’s absence. Will Solo Sikoa look to bring in reinforcements, or will the remaining members of the group step up to fill the void? One thing is certain: The battle between Roman Reigns’ Bloodline and Solo Sikoa’s New Bloodline is far from over, but injuries could force a shift in strategy for the faction.

Paul Heyman Returns On WWE SmackDown, Introduces CM Punk As OG Bloodlines 5th War Games Team Member

Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown delivered one of the most electrifying moments of the year as CM Punk made his much-anticipated return. Joining the original Bloodline team for War Games, Punk’s comeback was orchestrated by none other than Paul Heyman, who also made a dramatic return to the fold.

Punk had been absent from WWE television, selling injuries sustained during his brutal Hell in a Cell victory over Drew McIntyre at Bad Blood. Fans were left guessing who would fill the fifth spot for the babyface War Games team, and the answer came in epic fashion when Heyman interrupted a tense in-ring confrontation between the two teams.

Solo Sikoa’s Power Play Backfires

Earlier in the night, Solo Sikoa took center stage, attempting to gain control of the narrative. With the opposing team seemingly unable to secure a fifth member, Sikoa called out Roman Reigns and the OG Bloodline faction for what he labeled “terms of surrender.”

Sikoa delivered an emotional plea laced with threats, telling Reigns and his crew that they could dominate WWE for decades if they joined forces. He wasn’t shy about pointing out Roman’s lack of a “Wise Man” or a fifth ally, raising the stakes with the ominous ultimatum: surrender and align with him, or face destruction.

The tension in the ring was palpable as Sikoa handed Reigns the microphone. But before Reigns could respond, Paul Heyman made his presence known.

Heyman’s Surprise and Punk’s Explosive Entrance

In classic Heyman style, the legendary advocate interrupted with a dramatic apology for his absence, referencing the brutal table spot at Madison Square Garden that took him out of action. Heyman then dropped the bombshell—War Games would indeed be five-on-five, revealing CM Punk as the final member of the OG Bloodline team.

As the unmistakable sound of Cult of Personality (Punk’s entrance music) hit, the crowd erupted. Punk sprinted down the ramp, wasting no time in igniting a brawl. The chaotic clash saw Punk and Roman Reigns dominate, with Tonga Loa and Tama Tonga each falling victim to a spear and Punk’s signature Go to Sleep (GTS).

The night ended on a powerful visual, as Paul Heyman stood on the ring apron, smiling broadly at the alliance between Punk and Reigns.

What’s Next for War Games?

With CM Punk’s return and his alignment with the original Bloodline, the War Games match has gone from must-see to absolutely unmissable. The dynamic between Punk, Reigns, and Heyman adds a layer of intrigue, as does the question of how Solo Sikoa will respond after his failed coup attempt.

SmackDown has officially raised the stakes for Survivor Series, and fans are eager to see what chaos unfolds when War Games hits the cage. Will Punk and Reigns be able to coexist, or is this alliance destined for implosion?

BONUS: CM Punk and The OG Bloodline stand tall: SmackDown exclusive, Nov. 22, 2024

Original Bloodline Reunites On WWE SmackDown, Will Enter WarGames At Survivor Series

The Original Bloodline has fully reunited with Sami Zayn on last night’s WWE SmackDown.

After an opening segment that saw Reigns reject a reconciliation with his former “Honorary Uce” and subsequently appear to lose the trust of The Usos, Reigns came to the ring on his own during the main event segment to confront Solo Sikoa. Reigns challenged his cousin to a singles match, but Sikoa laughed in his face, challenging him instead to find four more others backstage ready to support him in a war. Reigns asked Sikoa if his intention was WarGames, saying Sikoa only had three men beside him; Sikoa then claimed Zayn had joined his side in the battle, prompting Zayn to emerge at the top of the ramp. Zayn stood and watched as Reigns was attacked by The Bloodline, with The Usos coming down to save their cousin. 

Sikoa called for Zayn to deliver the Helluva Kick to Reigns, but Zayn instead kicked Sikoa’s head, allowing for Reigns to hit a spear, and then The Original Bloodline fought the rest of the mutineers to clear the ring. Zayn and Reigns stared one another down as The Usos threw up the ones, the former raising his own finger and visibly asking Reigns “Are you in, or are you out?” Reigns finally raised a finger with the other three, signaling that at least for now, the band is back together.

As the segment closed, commentary stated clearly that Reigns, Zayn and The Usos would meet Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, and the one-time Guerrillas of Destiny at Survivor Series in a WarGames match. It remains unclear whether a fifth man will be added to each side, but the reiteration of the five-on-five format WWE has used in main roster WarGames matches thus far suggests there are more participants to come.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

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.

The Bloodline Ruins Tag Title Match In WWE NXT Invasion

In the opening contest of this week’s “NXT,” Axiom and Nathan Frazer defended their NXT Tag Team Championships against “WWE SmackDown” stars Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, together known as the Street Profits. The Street Profits put forth a valiant effort against Frazer and Axiom and even appeared to be closing in on a victory. Unfortunately for them, Ford’s pinfall attempt on Frazer was interrupted by the surprise arrival of The Bloodline’s Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa, who currently hold the WWE Tag Team Championships via the Freebird rule.

Tama was the first to enter the scene when he pulled Ford out of the ring and sent him crashing into the nearby steel stairs. As Dawkins approached Tama in defense of his partner, Jacob Fatu came charging at him. Joining in on the action, Loa then wiped out Axion with a clothesline in the ring, while Tama laid out Frazer with a suplex. The Bloodline concluded their attack with a Swanton to Dawkins, courtesy of Fatu.

For Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu, tonight marks their first appearance on the “NXT” brand. For Tonga Loa, it marks his return to the “NXT” brand. Under his former ring name of Camacho, Loa wrestled over three-dozen “NXT” matches between 2012 and 2014, with his last taking form in tag team action against The Ascension at a June 2014 “NXT” live event.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Paul Heyman Refuses To Acknowledge Solo Sikoa, Put Through Announce Table On WWE SmackDown

The new Solo Sikoa-led Bloodline bookended last night’s “WWE SmackDown,” as Solo Sikoa awaited his official annointment as “The Tribal Chief,” “Head of the Table,” et al in an “Acknowledgment Ceremony.” With WWE Undisputed World Champion Cody Rhodes and his allies Randy Orton and Kevin Owens excused early on in the night’s show, there wasn’t much left to stand in the way of Sikoa accepting the ceremonial ula fala, but the Madison Square Garden crowd seemed to either anticipate a betrayal from the latest Bloodline inductee, Jacob Fatu, or perhaps a return from Roman Reigns or The Rock. Neither happened in the end, and ultimately, it was Paul Heyman as the lone resistor, with “The Wiseman” taking the beating of a lifetime as a result.

Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Heyman all hit the ring together, and the group then introduced Fatu as its latest official member with a proper introduction, TitanTron, music, graphics and all. All of Tonga, Loa, and Fatu acknowledged Sikoa as their new Tribal Chief, but when it was Heyman’s turn, he hesitated, buried his head, told Sikoa that he loved him, but then admitted that he did not acknowledge him in assuming Reigns’ previous position.

At that point, things only got exponentially worse for Heyman, with Sikoa nailing his former “Wiseman” with the Samoan Spike, then ordering Fatu to hammer him with a diving headbutt. As the crowd roared “We want Roman!” Fatu then led the way in a Triple Powerbomb through the announce desk, with an assist from Tonga and Loa, and down went Heyman, with The New Bloodline raising “The Ones” as the show went off the air.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

https://twitter.com/WWEonFOX/status/1806869888008597790

Jacob Fatu Makes Long-Awaited WWE Debut

The newest member of The Bloodline made his debut after the main event of “WWE SmackDown” on Friday, making a big impression after sending Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes through the announce desk with a big splash. Jacob Fatu made his debut to help his cousin, the new “Head of the Table” Solo Sikoa, against Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens following a match between Rhodes and Sikoa. 

Sikoa was set to face off against Rhodes with none of The Bloodline ringside, but Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa made their presence known shortly after the bell rang for the match, causing the disqualification. Orton and Owens ran down the ramp to help Rhodes against the stable, and all three men had Sikoa backed into a corner of the ring, where he started groveling to be spared before breaking his face broke into a grin. That’s when Fatu debuted, sneaking up behind Rhodes, Orton, and Owens, taking the latter two men out before beating down Rhodes. Fatu got him onto the announce desk and hit a big splash from the top rope of the ring, then got back into the ring and hugged Sikoa, and Fatu, Sikoa, Tonga, and Loa raised their “ones” in the middle of the ring as “SmackDown” went off the air.

Fatu, a former Major League Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion, revealed he had agreed to a deal with WWE over WrestleMania 40 weekend back in April. He had been a free agent for much of 2024.

Source: Wrestling Inc.