Hikuleo officially got a new name in WWE after making his debut at Night of Champions.
The former NJPW star signed with WWE last year but didn’t appear on TV until now. Over the past few months, Hikuleo wrestled in dark matches using his New Japan name. But this past weekend at WWE Night of Champions, he showed up on screen for the first time, helping Solo Sikoa defeat Jacob Fatu to win the United States Championship.
Interestingly, following his debut, Hikuleo was never mentioned by name during the broadcast. Commentators Michael Cole and Wade Barrett noticeably avoided referring to him by his New Japan ring name.
Although the commentators didn’t mention Hikuleo’s name during Night of Champions, WWE confirmed his new ring name. The company had trademarked the name “Talla Tonga” in 2024, and it’s now official that this will be his new name in WWE.
On the Night of Champions post-show, new United States Champion Solo Sikoa gave an interview after his victory. Although no one mentioned Hikuleo by name, WWE revealed his new ring name at the bottom of the screen.
The screen graphic read, “Solo Sikoa wins with the help of JC Mateo, A returning Tonga Loa, and a debuting Tala Tonga.” Interestingly, WWE had originally trademarked the name as Talla Tonga, but used the spelling Tala Tonga during the show.
