![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/hikuleo-NJPW.jpg?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/hikuleo-NJPW.jpg?width=600)
Hikuleo, a well-recognized name on the recent NJPW roster, is now moving away from the land of the rising sun to come and wrestle in the United States! The Tongan brother to Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa has reportedly signed with WWE recently and could be waiting for a debut anytime soon now.
While there are no official confirmations about what could be the date when he finally shows up in WWE, we can speculate that it may be at SummerSlam and there are a few reasons for the same.
Should we expect Hikuleo at SummerSlam with a new name?
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While WWE could have used ‘Hikuleo’s current performing name, the promotion decided to file a trademark for the name ‘Talla Tonga’. This was probably done to make all three Tongan siblings sound similar. Although it wasn’t clear who would be given the new name, now it seems that Hikuleo may be the person who this name was filed for.
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you think Hikuleo's debut as Talla Tonga at SummerSlam will shake up WWE?
Absolutely
Not at all
Maybe, let's wait and see
Who cares?
What do you think about Tony Khan's new deal with WBD?
Great move for AEW
Bad for competition
Indifferent
Only time will tell
Whats your Perspective on:
Will Talla Tonga's debut at SummerSlam be the game-changer WWE desperately needs right now?
Have an interesting take?
Why do you think Jimmy Uso didn't show up as Cody Rhodes' partner on SmackDown?
Injury
Personal issues
Creative differences
WWE politics
Do you agree with Brandi Rhodes calling The Bloodline "crappy"?
Absolutely
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Somewhat
No opinion
Fans have been suggesting several ways the ex-NJPW star could debut in WWE and mostly all of them point toward SummerSlam. One of the reasons for the same is that it is the only upcoming PLE and WWE may not want to introduce a new member of an important storyline on a regular weekly show.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/hikuleo-1.png?width=150&blur=15)
Another reason could be that WWE may be waiting to introduce Talla Tonga on the same day as when Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso return. This could very well be on SummerSlam. Hence, there are chances that fans will get to see Hikuleo as Talla Tonga on the 3rd of August this year.
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For those who are wondering why WWE is trying to change his name, there are opinions behind that too.
What’s your perspective on:
Will Talla Tonga's debut at SummerSlam be the game-changer WWE desperately needs right now?
Have an interesting take?
Reason for not keeping Hikuleo’s name
There can be many reasons why WWE may be trying to change the wrestler’s name when he is introduced to the crowd here. One of the most likely ones seems to be the fact that this way, his name will appear similar to that of his brothers who are already in The Bloodline. Moreover, several weeks ago on the Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez talked about how there could be a context-based reason for this trademark filing. This is because even though Hikuleo is a good ring name, he will sound more intimidating when he becomes ‘Talla Tonga’. The Stamford-based company is going to be needing that intimidation from him if he is to join the rogue Bloodline.
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Additionally, Alvarez also added that the name was probably chosen carefully to tailor-fit Hikuleo because the first part of it says ‘Talla’. This could be a reference to his extraordinary height, making him stand out for being a ‘tall’ person in the wrestling universe. So, in every way, the renaming makes sense. Whether he will show up at SummerSlam or not is still a mystery. However, all we can do is wait and let time unfold the story and events.
To stay updated on the storyline, make sure to stay tuned.
Debate
Will Talla Tonga's debut at SummerSlam be the game-changer WWE desperately needs right now?