Since the start of 2024, WWE has been making some surprising moves by signing and collaborating with top talents from around the world. One such moment happened at the Women’s Royal Rumble 2024, when the TNA Women’s Champion, Jordynne Grace, made a surprise entrace in the match.
Amid swirling rumors about Kazuchika Okada joining the WWE, there’s now speculation circulating in internet regarding the possibility of former New Japan Pro Wrestling star Tama Tonga making a move to the WWE, along with discussions about his connection to The Rock.
Is Tama Tonga related to the Rock?
One of the latest names to join the WWE roster is Tama Tonga, who is a former NJPW superstar and a member of the legendary Bullet Club faction. Tama Tonga, whose real name is Alipate Aloisio Leone, comes from Tonga, a Polynesian island nation in the South Pacific.
He is the son of wrestling legend Haku, who was a big star in WWE and WCW throughout the late 80s and early 90s. Haku and The Rock’s grandfather, Peter Maivia, were close friends and tag team partners during their days in WCW in the 1970s. Haku and Maivia considered each other as brothers and their families have maintained a strong bond ever since.
The Rock comes from a famous wrestling family, the Anoa’i family, which includes WWE stars such as Yokozuna, Rikishi, Umaga, Roman Reigns, and the Usos.
Tama Tonga is not related to The Rock by blood, as he comes from a different Polynesian community, the Tongan lineage. However, he is considered part of the Rock’s extended family, through his father, Haku. Despite the fact that he is not related to the Rock by blood, he is part of his family by spirit and he is ready to make his own mark in the WWE
How did Tama Tonga in Wrestling scene?
Tama Tonga began his wrestling career in 2008, training in Puerto Rico and Mexico. In 2010, his wrestling career went uphill when he joined one of the top wrestling factions, New Japan Pro Wrestling. In NJPW, he became a tag team specialist with his brother Tanga Loa, forming the Guerrillas of Destiny. Together, they won the IWGP Tag Team Championships seven times, making them the most decorated tag team in NJPW history.
Tama Tonga also had success as a singles competitor, winning the NEVER Openweight Championship four times. He was a loyal member of the Bullet Club, a heel stable that featured stars like AJ Styles, Finn Balor, Kenny Omega, and the Young Bucks.
After 14 years with the promotion, he has ended his career with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Tonga announced his departure from NJPW in January 2024, after losing his title at Wrestle Kingdom.
Still, there is no official confirmation of Tonga joining WWE, but the fans and the WWE Universe expect him to land in the WWE very soon.
