Prior to SmackDown, it was reported that former New Japan wrestler Hikuleo, who was expected to be renamed Talla Tonga, would be in attendance. And while that was the case, he wouldn’t feature on this week’s episode, with those in attendance confirming he actually competed in a match taped for Main Event under his original name, defeating Pretty Deadly’s Kit Wilson.
34-year-old Hikuleo, whose real name is Tautuiaki Taula Koloamatangi, broke into the business via the Dudley Boyz’s Team 3D Academy in 2016 before going on to join the New Japan dojo. This led to him becoming a member of the iconic BC faction alongside his half-brother, Tama Tonga, and his cousin and adopted brother, Tanga Loa.
From there, he wrestled matches for both TNA and AEW, thanks to New Japan having a working relationship with both promotions. However, he ultimately signed with WWE almost exactly a year ago, and since then, it has been speculated that he is destined to become part of The Bloodline at some point.
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