4 things you must know about WWE's rumored signing Hikuleo's wrestling career

The Bloodline storyline on WWE SmackDown is about to get even more interesting as all signs indicate that Hikuleo, son of the legendary wrestler Haku, has signed with the Stamford-based company. He had previously worked at NJPW.

A recent report from Fightful Select has stated that the former New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) star has signed a deal with WWE. He could be making his on-screen debut pretty soon under the ring name 'Talla Tonga,' which WWE recently trademarked. It will be interesting to see where Hikuleo's loyalties lie once he makes his WWE debut.

Here are four things WWE fans must know about Hikuleo's professional wrestling career so far.

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#4. Early Career

Before entering the wrestling business, Hikuleo was an accomplished basketball player. He was even named the MVP of the junior varsity basketball team while playing at Webber International University.

He started his wrestling career after being trained by the legendary tag team members, Bully Ray and Devon Dudley at the Team 3D Academy in Florida. He then moved to Japan where he became a student of the NJPW dojo. Hikuleo made his in-ring debut for the promotion in November 2016.

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#3. Bullet Club and Guerillas of Destiny (GoD)

After Hikuleo made his debut, he quickly aligned himself with his brothers Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa as part of the biggest faction in NJPW, The Bullet Club.

Hikuleo achieved great success with The Bullet Club, tagging with his brothers as Guerrillas of Destiny (GoD). The trio became a dominant force in NJPW's tag team division, winning multiple championships and participating in high-profile matches.

However, in 2022, after GoD was ejected from the group, Hikuleo was upset and turned on The Bullet Club, choosing loyalty to his brothers over the faction. He left the Bullet Club and rejoined Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa in GoD, continuing their legacy as a formidable tag team unit in NJPW.

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#2. Loser Leaves Japan

In September 2022, Hikuleo turned on the then Bullet Club leader Jay White. This betrayal was a major storyline in NJPW at that time, as White was blaming the 6'8" star for his failures.

This tension culminated at the New Beginning Osaka event in February 2023, where they faced one another in a Loser Leaves Japan match. Hikuleo emerged victorious, which meant that Jay White had to leave NJPW. White's departure led to his eventual arrival at All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

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#1. Accolades and Accomplishments

Many fans believe that Hikuleo is a tag team specialist, especially considering his run as part of Guerillas of Destiny. He has previously held the IWGP Tag Team Championship alongside El Phantasmo. The duo also won the Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships twice.

However, he has also proved himself to be a credible singles star. After defeating Jay White in a Loser Leaves Japan match in February 2023, Hikuleo went on to win the Strong Openweight Championship in May 2023 by defeating Japanese star Kenta Kobayashi.

It will be interesting to see what the Stamford-based promotion has in the works for the talented star down the line.