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The Bloodline storyline continues to take twists and turns, and Hikuleo could be the latest addition to the most popular WWE SmackDown angle. The 33-year-old has reportedly joined the Stamford-based promotion after a memorable spell with NJPW, where he was a Bullet Club member.
Hikuleo was born on February 7, 1991, in Kissimmee, Florida, and has pro wrestling in his blood. His adoptive father is the legendary Haku (Tonga Fifita), his brother is Tama Tonga, and his adoptive brother is Tonga Loa.
Thus, it's unsurprising that the 6ft8in and 264lb star will likely join The Bloodline story. His real-life family are crucial members of the faction that Solo Sikoa is currently wreaking havoc with on WWE SmackDown.
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Hikuleo attended Osceola High School and Florida's Webber International University, where he majored in sports management. He played basketball for the Webber International Warriors and was named the most valuable player in 2009-10.
Team 3D's Bully Ray and Devon trained the Tongan-born American star at the Team 3D Academy. He traveled to Japan in 2016 and soon got his break in NJPW under the ring name Hikuleo.
The star was a success in Japan, winning the Strong Openweight Championship, the Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship twice, and the IWGP Tag Team Championship. He was a member of arguably the most popular non-WWE faction in history, Bullet Club, and also part of Guerrillas of Destiny, with Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa.
Hikuleo has a dominant in-ring style that should resonate well with WWE fans, especially those of The Bloodline.
His brother Tama Tonga gave a glowing verdict of him four years ago when he said:
"Hikuleo? He's the One. I'm not saying that because I'm his brother. Just wait." [H/T - NJPW Global].
The Bloodline storyline has been a must-watch since Roman Reigns introduced the WWE Universe to The Tribal Chief character four years ago. Every addition has been worthy, and Hikuleo could be the next dazzling addition to the WWE SmackDown stable.
Hikuleo reportedly signs with the company but doesn't appear on WWE SmackDown amid Bloodline beatdown
Hikuleo's arrival in WWE has long been expected, especially after his brothers joined the company earlier this year. He finished up with NJPW in early June, intensifying talks of a move to the Stamford-based promotion.
Fightful Select's Sean Ross Sapp reported that the Tongan-American star had joined the company. The promotion had trademarked the name 'Talla Tonga,' leading many to assume that would be the name given to the new signee.
Solo Sikoa's group destroyed Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens on WWE SmackDown this week. They put the Undisputed WWE Champion through the announcer's table while Tama Tonga threw KO into the ring post with a chair wrapped around his neck.
There was no sign of Hikuleo tonight, but The Bloodline storyline continues introducing fans to a long line of Tongans who fit the saga perfectly. Jacob Fatu's debut was perhaps the most memorable, and now the WWE Universe awaits the expected arrival of Hikuleo.
