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It looks like Tama Tonga is done with New Japan Pro Wrestling and is headed to WWE.
According to The Wrestling Observer, Aliopate Aloisio Leone, known to fans as Tama Tonga, is on his way to WWE, marking a significant transition in his wrestling career.
After a remarkable 14-year journey with New Japan Pro Wrestling, Tonga bid farewell to the promotion in a memorable tag team match held in Sapporo last Saturday. Alongside his brother Tanga Loa, they faced off against Hikuleo and El Phantasmo, under the watchful eye of manager Jado.
Tama Tonga’s wrestling roots run deep, inherited from his father Haku, whose legacy in Japan began in sumo before transitioning to All Japan Pro Wrestling as Tama Tonga, eventually becoming King Tonga, Haku, and Meng.
Expressing his desire to prioritize family time after years of rigorous touring, Tonga had publicly expressed interest in signing with a U.S.-based wrestling company. While talks with WWE had commenced last year following the expiration of his New Japan contract, Tonga opted for a one-year extension in Japan before finalizing his move.
During his tenure in Japan, Tonga was a cornerstone of The Bullet Club, alongside notable members like AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows. Furthermore, his familial connection through Haku places him within the extended wrestling dynasties of the Johnson-Maivia and Anoa’i-Fatu families.
Tonga’s accomplishments in Japan include seven IWGP Tag Team Championship reigns alongside his brother Loa, and four Never Openweight Championship victories in singles competition. His final act in Japan saw him relinquish the Never Openweight title to Evil on January 22nd in Nagoya, coinciding with the conclusion of his contract at the month’s end. His farewell match on Saturday marked the end of an era in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
As Tama Tonga embarks on this new chapter with WWE, fans eagerly anticipate the impact he’ll make on the global wrestling stage.
February 27, 2024 2:56 pm
