It looks like Hikuleo could finally be coming to WWE TV.
The former New Japan Pro-Wrestling star signed with WWE in 2024, but he still has not made his debut. According to a new report from PWInsider.com, he is scheduled to be at tomorrow’s WWE SmackDown taping in Lexington, Kentucky. This could be a sign that Hikuleo might finally make his on-air debut for WWE, likely as a member of the Bloodline faction.
Hikuleo left New Japan after losing a tag team title match at NJPW Dominion in Osaka in June 2024. He is a former STRONG Openweight Champion, STRONG Openweight Tag Team Champion, and IWGP Tag Team Champion. When he signed with WWE a year ago, he was assigned to the NXT roster. However, he never officially made his debut for the brand.
According to a March 2025 report from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful (via Fightful Select), Hikuleo has been on the WWE internal roster for months. Main roster creative sources also said that they were made aware that he had been signed. However, he was not factored into creative plans upon signing. Sapp reiterated that Hikuleo was listed internally in the company.
If Hikuleo joins the Bloodline, he would join a lineup that includes Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa and JC Mateo (aka Jeff Cobb). Mateo is the newest member, as he made his debut on May 10. Hikuleo could be a replacement for Jacob Fatu, who turned on Solo Sikoa at the Money In The Bank premium live event on June 7.
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