Last year, rumors began to swirl that Alipate Leone, who wrestles under the name Tama Tonga, was on WWE’s radar. Subsequently, he would depart New Japan a few months ago, and while he would claim at the time it was to spend more time with his family, many predicted he was joining WWE. And now, ahead of tonight’s episode of SmackDown, PWinsider.com has reported that he has been spotted in Detroit, where the blue brand’s taping is taking place.
“Tama Tonga has been spotted in Detroit, Michigan ahead of tonight’s WWE SmackDown.”
PWInsider.com41-year-old Tonga has a long family history in the industry, with his uncle/adoptive father being legit tough guy, Haku. Initially, he would break into the business himself in 2008, being trained by the Dudley Boyz before traveling to New Japan in 2010 for extra training. From there, he was signed by the Japanese promotion and eventually became a founding member of the legendary Bullet Club stable alongside current WWE talents Finn Bálor, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows.
