Hikuleo finally made his long-awaited WWE debut, but will not be going by that name moving forward.
During the Night of Champions post-show, a graphic revealed that Hikuleo would now be known as Tala Tonga, as was shown via a graphic when Solo Sikoa was being interviewed following his victory over Jacob Fatu at the Premium Live Event.
The former NJPW star made his first appearance on WWE TV in Saudi Arabia on June 28, assisting Sikoa in defeating Jacob Fatu and in the process becoming the new United States Champion. The match saw interference multiple times, as JC Mateo was the first to distract the referee, allowing a returning Tonga Loa to hit a top rope neckbreaker onto Fatu. With the referee distracted again, a hooded figure dragged Fatu out of the ring and slammed him through the announce table, revealing himself to be Hikuleo. With Fatu back in the ring, Sikoa hit the spike to win the match and the title, his first on the main roster.
It should be noted that commentary did not refer to Hikuleo by name during the assault, signalling that a name change was on the way.
Who Is WWE Star Tala Tonga [FKA As Hikuleo]?
Best known for his time in New Japan, Tala Tonga previously captured the Strong Openweight and IWGP Tag Team Championships while with the promotion. Previously a member of the Bullet Club, Hikuleo later joined the Guerrillas of Destiny stable alongside his brothers Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, both of whom are signed to WWE.
Finishing up with NJPW in June 2024, Tala Tonga reportedly signed with WWE shortly afterwards but was off TV for the best part of a year. Prior to his onscreen debut, the former Hikuleo did compete in 2 dark matches on Main Event and SmackDown.
Featured image: WWE
