In a tale of family dynasties, backstage intrigue, and enough Tongan power to flip the wrestling world on its head, Hikuleo has been quietly training in WWE’s developmental system since joining the company in July. For those keeping score, this makes him the latest addition to a lineage that includes his brothers Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, who are already raising hell on SmackDown. The question on everyone’s lips: when will Hikuleo storm the scene?
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the towering second-generation star isn’t hiding out due to injury or some top-secret storyline (yet). Instead, he’s honing his craft, likely in preparation for an NXT debut before taking his inevitable spot alongside—or maybe against—his family in the New Bloodline faction. Fans are already speculating if he’ll become a “Solo 2.0” or go full rogue and out-Tongan his brothers.
Hikuleo is no stranger to the limelight. Known internationally as the “Tongan Giant,” he’s a former NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion and tag team phenom alongside El Phantasmo, with whom he’s held titles like they were participation trophies. His last notable appearance was at NJPW Dominion, where he and Phantasmo dropped tag titles to TMDK in a tornado tag eliminator so wild it could have doubled as a demolition derby.
While WWE fans wait for his debut, it’s worth remembering Hikuleo’s roots—adopted son of the legendary Haku (which probably means he’s been headbutting people since kindergarten) and someone who’s already appeared for AEW and TNA in his pre-WWE days. With a resume like that, the “Tongan Giant” is poised to make a big splash…once WWE decides the pool is deep enough.
Will Hikuleo be the next breakout star or the wild card that upends the New Bloodline from within? Stay tuned, wrestling fans. The drama is just getting started.