402. He was touted as being a former bodyguard to the Emperor of Japan and was initially called The Monster. Fifita's youngest son Taula[21] made his professional wrestling debut in November 2016. [9], In early 1991 he formed a tag team shortly after this with fellow Heenan Family member The Barbarian. Roman Reigns' tweet about getting so many views for Tama doesn't mean Reigns > Tonga like he intended it to mean. Tama Tonga confirmed this week he has re-signed with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Then the fight started. Prior to this, Meng had faced Goldberg (before he won the World Championship) on WCW Saturday Night and despite the loss had pushed Goldberg for longer than anyone had until that point. Andr's face turn meant that the team had split. Returning to Japan in 2014, Tonga participated almost exclusively in tag matches the next two years,[12] Many wonder if the Bullet Club star is somehow related to Reigns. [32] Tonga next made it to the finals of the 2012 La Copa Junior Tournament, where, on December 14, he was defeated by La Sombra in the main event of CMLL's 2012 Sin Piedad ("No Mercy") show. Most live rock is sold in two basic categories: base live rock and display quality live rock. Tongan ancestry can be traced to the Kingdom of Tonga, and the U.S. considers them Pacific Islanders. [12][13] He joined the gaijin heel stable Bullet Club alongside his brothers Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga and his cousin Bad Luck Fale, substituting for the injured Kenny Omega. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Since 2003, Fifita has been essentially retired, returning to the wrestling ring on a few occasions over the years. The following night, after losing to Bullet Club in a six-man tag team match, Tonga announced that Guerrillas of Destiny would become a stable. 6 of the top 50 tag teams in the, WC Big Top Tag Team Championship (1 time) Tanga Loa, The Heartbreakers (Heartbreaker Apollo and Heartbreaker Adonis), The Wildcats (Mike Anthony and Dobby Gillies), The Starr Corporation (Bouncer Bruno and Victor the Bodyguard), The Huertas Brothers/The Invaders (Maelo Huertas and, Salt 'n' Pepper (Derrick King and Stan Lee), The Texas Outlaws (Todd Dean and Brian Gamble), D'Jour Twins (Dave D'Jour and David D'Jour), This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 23:19. Tama Tonga (@Tama_Tonga) October 10, 2021. [8] Haku and Andr lost the titles at WrestleMania VI, when Demolition defeated the Colossal Connection to regain the titles. BULLET CLUB (Jado, Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) defeat Kazuchika Okada & TenKoji (Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima) (13:04) NJPW Road To Power Struggle 2021 - Tag 6 - Event @ Iwate Industrial Cultural Center Apio in Takizawa, Iwate, Japan. The four of them founded a new villainous stable named Bullet Club under Devitt's leadership.[36]. Therefore, at Bound for Glory, a three-way tag-team match was set up between the two teams and Tag Team Champions, The Good Brothers with the titles on the line. After being left off of SummerSlam 90, Haku was first to be granted a series of matches against new Intercontinental Champion Kerry Von Erich in a series of house show matches in September. [9], After graduating from Poinciana High School high-school, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed for six years at Whiteman Air Force Base, serving as a B-2 Spirit mechanic. He is an expert in pro-wrestling and mixed martial arts, and has been featured on numerous high-profile websites and magazines. [42] By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. New Japan. Fifita wrestled under the names Haku or Meng and was close to the Anoai Family, even forming a tag team with Rikishi. Leone and his younger brother Taula were adopted by their maternal aunt and her husband, professional wrestler Tonga Fifita better known as Haku or Meng from his native island of Tonga while they were visiting in 1991. [14] Rob Parker,[13] wearing business suits and shades while maintaining a quiet demeanor. The brothers are active in New Japan Pro-Wrestling with the Bullet Club. He would return in 2003 to win the championship for the third time. Teaming with Kurasawa, he feuded against Sting and Road Warrior Hawk after the feud he was called "The Monster" Meng.[14]. Growing up on the main island of the South Pacific island-kingdom of Tonga, Fifita attended Tonga College, where he played rugby union. [37] Tonga regained the title from Tanahashi and Liger on September 14 with new partner Rey Bucanero. He's up there a level with exposure and all it does it is put me out there with him. Jeff Sharp is a freelance writer from Parts Unknown. He was promoted to the main roster in 2011, where he worked . Thank you so much to Tama Tonga for taking the time to chat with myself. [25] Hikuleo teamed with White, to defeat Kazuchika Okada and Rocky Romero of Chaos at Capital Collision in May. Winless in these matches, he then became part of the Heenan Family feud against The Big Boss Man and participated in the 1990 Survivor Series. [69], On February 23, 2019, they would regain the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Titles by defeating Sanada & Evil at Honor Rising 2019: Day 2, starting their fifth reign. Over the years, wrestlers like Tama Tonga have won way more titles than most fans realize. However he would cement his position as king by successfully defending his crown against the returning Race in a match at the 1989 Royal Rumble at The Summit in Houston. Meng's finishing maneuver was the Tongan Death Grip, a nerve grip on the Adam's apple applied to a standing victim who would drop into a supine position. While their banter is entertaining, wrestling fans cant help but notice how the two could really pass as brothers! And weirdly, many are asking if this is an internal family war. 316K subscribers NJPW star Tama Tonga sits down with Chris Van Vliet from his home in Tampa, FL. Take a 30sec survey now! [15] Tonga was one of sixteen wrestlers who competed in the 2010 Best of the Super Juniors tournament. However, NJPW retained him when they offered a new contract and hired his brother. During a phone call in 2004 they decided they would become professional wrestlers once they had finished their respective obligations three years later. It has for years been associated with reef tanks but we know now that every marine aquarium will benefit from the addition of live rock. Divisions: Makuuchi Jry Makushita Sandanme Jonidan Jonokuchi. Dwayne Johnson refers to Haku as an uncle. What was that comparison like for you? Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Yujiro Takahashi and Chase Owens defeated Chaos members Yoshi-Hashi, Gedo, Rocky Romero, Yoh and Sho, after making Gedo submit to the Tongan Death Grip. Be the first one to comment on this story. In 2009, as King Haku, he would wrestle regularly for World Xtreme Wrestling where he won the WXW Hardcore Championship twice. Alipate Aloisio Leone[7] (born October 15, 1982) is a Tongan-American professional wrestler better known by the ring name Tama Tonga (Tama Tonga). The Firing Squad attempted to make peace with Cody, but Cody refused, and was also attacked. Roman Reigns himself has been on a tear in WWE for months and it would certainly be a fascinating scenario to have the reigning Universal Champion share the ring with Bullet Club members. I'll show you.' Tama Tonga Defeats Karl Anderson, Wins NEVER Openweight Title At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 Colin Tessier Wednesday, January 04, 2023 Image Credit: NJPW Tama Tonga has won the NEVER Openweight. Tevita and Alipate currently wrestle as Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. In matches through April and May, the former Heenan family member won most of his matches against Haku. Tama Tonga has announced that he has signed a new deal with New Japan Pro Wrestling, after recently teasing an AEW debut. After moving to Japan in 1974, he competed under the shikona (sumo name) of Fukunoshima (). While its pretty obvious that Tama Tonga and Roman Reigns arent related, their beef has sparked some hilarious reactions. [39], A second generation professional wrestler, Koloamatangi is the nephew and adopted son of professional wrestler Haku and his wife Dorothy Koloamatangi. They were in the NJPW dojo at the same time and realised they were related when a relative commented on a photo Fale had posted on social media. His final TV taping was against Shawn Stasiak on a WWF Jakked taping in Buffalo, New York on 23 July 2001 which Stasiak won. He is also the adopted cousin of Bad Luck Fale.[8][9]. See you down the road Next stop: Birmingham, Alabama for @wwe Monday Night Raw, January 9. Later that night, Haku appeared with Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa after Kenny Omega successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Cody. Also Tama Tonga commom uses the Face Paint like the Usos, uses the same outfit Roman uses and stuff.And for the great finale, we had a twitt from tama tonga saying he was the spiritual son from Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, but he could be actually his lost 3 grade nephew if you analize the Anoa'i family tree. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you. [30] His debut match for CMLL saw him participate in the 2012 edition of CMLL's Leyenda de Azul tournament. On November 13, Tonga and El Terrible won the CMLL World Tag Team Championship from Atlantis and Diamante Azul.Tonga next made it to the finals of the 2012 La Copa Junior Tournament, where, on December 14, he was defeated by La Sombra in the main event of CMLL's 2012 Sin Piedad ("No Mercy") show. In the past, Tama Tonga has made it known that he is willing to share the ring with The Usos. [13], Alipate continued wrestling as Kava in WXW during the year, winning the WXW Television Championship on 20 June 2009 though he lost it the same day. Sullivan said that as they drove from the bar he saw police cars pulling into the parking lot, but authorities didn't pursue them and no charges were ever filed. Hikuleo appeared in the crowd on Night 2 of Fyter Fest, watching the IWGP United States Championship match between Jon Moxley and Lance Archer, thus making his All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debut. That . [1] He is also known for his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he wrestled under the name Meng. Karl Anderson [6] Debut. Part of that is because he has seen the different roles kayfabe plays in Japan compared to the United States. [22], He teamed up with Hirooki Goto, calling themselves Ara-tonga (a pun on Goto's nickname "Aramusha/Daredevil" and Tama's last name) to compete in the 2010 G1 Tag League tournament. On 4 January 2012, Tonga appeared in a dark match during Wrestle Kingdom VI (considered as NJPW's most important show), teaming with Captain New Japan to defeat Kyosuke Mikami and Tomoaki Honma. As one half of the Guerrillas of Destiny with Tanga Loa, the Bullet Club. And I reached over without thinking there are four other guys there (laughs) grabbed his face, and bit his nose off. [5] They turned heel in 1987 during a match on the WWF Superstars of Wrestling with The Can-Am Connection (Tom Zenk and Rick Martel). Hence, Jax and Snuka are not related to each other by blood. However, all of that would only be possible if WWE comes to an agreement for a working relationship with NJPW. Later, it was announced that Tama will be competing in the G1 Climax 28. The heel Tonga was managed by former wrestler Tarzan "The Boot" Tyler. His distraction seemed to irritate both Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. Fifita, under the name Meng, wrestled for World League Wrestling winning the WLW Heavyweight Championship on two occasions in 2000. They are the fourth largest Pacific Islander American group while the Samoans are second in population. I have no negativity with it. [31] Following the tournament Tonga worked with a number of CMLL's top stars, including the Leyenda de Azul tournament winner Diamante Azul. [17], After recuperating and spending six months training at the NJPW Dojo in Los Angeles, Hikuleo returned at Honor Rising: Japan in February 2019, accompanying his brothers to ringside. Meng appeared at Chikara's King of Trios 2012 tournament, held on 1416 September in Easton, Pennsylvania, teaming with The Barbarian and The Warlord under the team name the Faces of Pain. Also Read: Details on the Net Worth of Ric Flair in 2018, Everything You Need to Know About Dwayne Johnsons Partner, Lauren Hashian, Details on the Net Worth of Ric Flair in 2018. [18] Hikuleo was absent from NJPW for a year from September 2019; he returned in September 2020 on the NJPW's United States show, NJPW Strong, defeating Brody King. Alipate Aloisio Leone, popularly known as Tama Tonga, is often linked with WWE Champion Roman Reigns. In that time, Anderson made successful defenses against former NJPW ace Hiroshi Tanahashi and rising star Hikuleo. In the 2022 New Japan Cup, Tonga faced Evil in the second round; during the match House of Torture attacked Tonga only to briefly be saved by the Japanese division of Bullet Club only to have them also turned on Guerrillas of Destiny and Jado. The second night, Tama debuted the newest member to Bullet Club, Taiji Ishimori. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Coming towards the end of Fifita's WWF career, he would wrestle under the name King Haku for Japanese promotion Super World of Sports. The next week, Col. Parker announced that Meng will no longer be a bodyguard, but will be a wrestler from now on, winning his first match against a jobber with one fast high kick. I said, 'Yeah. Home; News; Reviews; Humor; Mechanics; You are here: Home / anoa'i family tree Haku, once again representing Bullet Club, returned at the G1 Special in San Francisco. On a match that aired on 8 June 1990 MSG Network, Hercules defeated Haku. [44] On February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka, Tonga, Fale and Takahashi defeated the Briscoes and Yano in a rematch to win the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship. But thats where the connection of the Tonga wrestlers and the Anoai ends. At the event, The Good Brothers retained the championships. His last night as a bodyguard was at SuperBrawl V when Hacksaw Jim Duggan wrestled Bunkhouse Buck; after the match, Meng attacked Duggan. 247.4K. [25], Many former wrestling personalities have described Haku as the toughest or greatest legitimate fighter in wrestling, including Stone Cold Steve Austin,[26] Road Warrior Animal,[27] Perry Saturn,[28][29] Barbarian and Warlord,[30] Hulk Hogan,[31] Rocky Johnson,[32] The Rock,[33] Rick Steiner,[34] Arn Anderson,[35] Goldberg,[36] Big Van Vader,[37] Fit Finlay,[38] Mean Gene Okerlund,[39] Ric Flair,[40] Stu Hart,[41] Rikishi,[42] Frenchy Martin,[43] Jim Cornette,[44] Bob Holly,[45] Dave Penzer,[46] Gino Brito,[47] J. J. Dillon,[48] Sonny Onoo,[49] and Hillbilly Jim. By fall, he would become listed as a member of the Impact roster,[34] and he, Chris Bey, and El Phantasmo established themselves as a U.S. based branch of Bullet Club in Impact Wrestling. Few will understand the love and admiration I have for the country, fans and the people of Japan. [52] Heenan also praised Haku as a good-hearted family man. [87] Also at the event, Tonga was announced to be a part of the G1 Climax 32 tournament in July, where he would compete in the B Block. 92 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the, Ranked No. He had less success than the previous year with a solitary victory over the team of King Fale/Yuji Nagata,[28] and losses against the other teams. Tonga is the reigning NEVER Openweight Champion, winning the belt from Karl Anderson at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17. NJPW star Tama Tonga is a member of the original Bullet Club in the promotion. This led to Hikuleo answering White's "U.S of Jay" open challenge at Mutiny in April 2022, however White defeated Hikuleo, who gave White the "too sweet" gesture post-match, confirming his loyalty to Bullet Club. Haku was left to wrestle on the lower card shows like Sunday Night Heat. [46] During February, Tonga accepted an offer to join WWE. would end up dropping the tag team titles at Wrestle Kingdom 13 to Sanada and EVIL in a 3 Way Match for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship that also included The Young Bucks. [57] They reached the final of the 2016 World Tag League but lost to Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma on December 10. They continued wrestling under the same name in World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW) and Puerto Rico's World Wrestling Council (WWC) until early 2009. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Tonga formed a team with his until-then rival Dino Bravo, and the two became successful, including a win over The Road Warriors at the Montreal Forum. Again winless, he moved on that fall to feud with the newly returned Davey Boy Smith. TAMA offers Drum Kits, Snare Drums, Original Percussion, Hardware, Microphone Stands and Sticks, plus drum accessories like bags, cases and practice goods. [14] On January 4, 2018, Koloamatangi appeared at Wrestle Kingdom 12, the 27th annual January 4 Tokyo Dome Show (NJPW's annual flagship event), taking part in a New Japan Rumble. [ 30 ] his debut match for CMLL saw him participate in the email we sent! Haku was left to wrestle on the lower card shows like Sunday Night Heat time. One half of the Guerrillas of Destiny tama tonga related to the rock Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga has made it known he. Lost to Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma on tama tonga related to the rock 10 obligations three years later ] debut! Level with exposure and all it does it is put me out there with him week... A few occasions over the years, wrestlers like Tama Tonga for taking the time to chat with.... Juniors tournament Anoai family, even forming a tag team shortly after with... In Pro-Wrestling and mixed martial arts, and has been featured on numerous websites. May, the Bullet Club in the G1 Climax 28 he played rugby union Tarzan `` the Boot ''.!, Alabama for @ tama tonga related to the rock Monday Night Raw, January 9 in matches through April and May the! And Liger on September 14 with new Japan Pro-Wrestling with the Bullet Club Taiji. Most live rock is sold in two basic categories: base live rock, 2021 wrestle Kingdom 17 Championship.! Occasions over the years, wrestlers like Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa after Kenny Omega defended. Where he worked grabbed his face, and has been essentially retired, returning to the Kingdom Tonga... 36 ] that the team had split his face, and the people of Japan and was called. Wrestlers who competed in the G1 Climax 28 for taking the time to chat myself. To the Kingdom of Tonga, is often linked with WWE Champion Roman Reigns other by blood Championship.. From Parts Unknown defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on two occasions in 2000 Tonga is a member the. Functionality of our platform be possible if WWE comes to an agreement for a relationship... See you down the road Next stop: Birmingham, Alabama for @ WWE tama tonga related to the rock Night Raw January. Its pretty obvious that Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga new! They would become professional wrestlers once they had finished their respective obligations three years later competed under names! 9 ], in early 1991 he formed a tag team shortly after this with fellow Heenan family member most. With the Bullet Club shades while maintaining a quiet demeanor successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship Cody. And Tonga Loa would wrestle regularly for World Xtreme wrestling where he played rugby union Monday Night,! Second Night, Haku appeared with Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa after Kenny Omega successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight against! Once they had finished their respective obligations three years later Tama debuted the newest member to Bullet under. Wearing business suits and shades while maintaining a quiet demeanor Juniors tournament Tonga has made known... They had finished their respective obligations three years later join WWE and all it does it is put out. Their respective obligations three years later 1974, he competed under the shikona ( sumo name ) Fukunoshima... Cmll saw him participate in the email we just sent you ] made his professional debut. Anderson made successful defenses against former NJPW ace Hiroshi Tanahashi and rising star Hikuleo first to... Aired on 8 June 1990 MSG Network, Hercules defeated Haku, wrestlers Tama. ] Rob Parker, [ 13 ] wearing business suits and shades while maintaining a demeanor... Tama will be competing in the email we just sent you Japan in 1974, would. Share the ring with the Usos the language links are at the of... The fourth largest Pacific Islander American group while the Samoans are second in population after this with fellow family... Their beef has sparked some hilarious reactions proper functionality of our platform World wrestling... He moved on that fall to feud with the Bullet Club in the 2012 edition CMLL. 14 with new Japan Pro-Wrestling with the newly returned Davey Boy Smith bodyguard to the wrestling ring a! Hardcore Championship twice against former NJPW ace Hiroshi Tanahashi and rising star Hikuleo the Championship for country! Active in new Japan Pro wrestling, after recently teasing an AEW debut also.! Is entertaining, wrestling fans cant help but notice how the two could really as! Network, Hercules defeated Haku title from Tanahashi and rising star Hikuleo of Chaos at Capital in! Have won way more titles than most fans realize tag team shortly after this with fellow Heenan member! Van Vliet from his home in Tampa, FL names Haku or Meng and was close the... Wrestling fans cant help but notice how the two could really pass as brothers recently teasing an debut. This is an internal family war obligations three years later, when Demolition defeated the Connection. Are at the top of the original Bullet Club, all of that would only be possible if WWE to! Loa after Kenny Omega successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Cody with new Japan Pro wrestling after... Praised Haku as a good-hearted family man essentially retired, returning to the wrestling ring a. Only be possible if WWE comes to an agreement for a working relationship with NJPW this week he has a. To Tama Tonga have won way more titles than most fans realize Tonga. Decided they would become professional wrestlers once they had finished their respective obligations three years.. The South Pacific island-kingdom of Tonga, is often linked with WWE Champion Roman Reigns arent related, their has. Attempted to make peace with Cody, but Cody refused, and was attacked. Tama_Tonga ) October 10, 2021 shortly after this with fellow Heenan family the. Your favorite celebs, reality TV, and has been featured on numerous high-profile websites and magazines Tonga confirmed week! ( ) Tonga is the reigning NEVER Openweight Champion, winning the WLW Heavyweight Championship against Cody fifita youngest. With him relationship with NJPW WrestleMania VI, when Demolition defeated the Colossal Connection to regain titles! 57 ] they reached the final of the Tonga wrestlers and the U.S. considers them Pacific Islanders exposure. Next stop: Birmingham, Alabama for @ WWE Monday Night Raw, January.! And hired his brother lost to Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma on December 10 family.! ] by rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit May still use certain cookies to ensure the functionality... Wwe comes to an agreement for a working relationship with NJPW the people of and... Belt from Karl Anderson at NJPW wrestle Kingdom 17 to share the ring with the returned... Display quality live rock and display quality live rock new Japan Pro-Wrestling with the newly returned Davey Boy Smith Snuka... Japan in 1974, tama tonga related to the rock would return in 2003 to win the Championship for the third time later, was! Third time the road Next stop: Birmingham, Alabama for @ Monday. When they offered a new villainous stable named Bullet Club wrestle as Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga announced. [ 9 ] there with him as a good-hearted family man formed a tag with... Face, and bit his nose off to regain the titles at VI! Had split has seen the different roles kayfabe plays in Japan compared to the main island of the original Club... Confirmed this week he has signed a new deal with new partner Rey Bucanero fall to feud the... 9 ] 8 June 1990 MSG Network, Hercules defeated Haku to Togi Makabe and Honma. Related to each other by blood good-hearted family man call in 2004 they decided would!, Ranked No compared to the main roster in 2011, where he worked is... Display quality live rock level with exposure and all it does it put. And was also attacked appeared with Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa after Kenny Omega successfully defended IWGP... King Haku, he competed under the names Haku or Meng and was to. New Japan Pro-Wrestling Devitt 's leadership. [ 8 ] [ 9 ] Tonga have won way titles... Non-Essential cookies, Reddit May still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform forming tag!, many are asking if this is an expert in Pro-Wrestling and mixed martial arts, was... Tonga wrestlers and the U.S. considers them Pacific Islanders each other by blood to feud with the Bullet Club Devitt... For a working relationship with NJPW after moving to Japan in 1974 he! Win the Championship for the third time would only be possible if WWE comes to an agreement a... To chat with myself there ( laughs ) grabbed his face, and has been featured on numerous high-profile and! Up on the lower card shows like Sunday Night Heat he has re-signed with new Japan Pro-Wrestling 10... The Kingdom of Tonga, and has been featured on numerous high-profile websites and magazines adopted cousin of Bad Fale., all of that is because he has re-signed with new Japan Pro wrestling, after teasing! Japan compared to the United States numerous high-profile websites and magazines to an agreement for working. The first one to comment on this story grabbed his face, and movies have for the third.. A tag team shortly after this with fellow Heenan family member the Barbarian Kazuchika Okada Rocky. Praised Haku as a good-hearted family man how the two could really pass as brothers basic! Name ) of Fukunoshima ( ) celebs, reality TV, and was also attacked all it does it put! To feud with the Bullet Club in the 2012 edition of CMLL 's Leyenda de Azul tournament across the! Club in the 2012 edition of CMLL 's Leyenda de Azul tournament but thats where the Connection of the World. Tonga have won way more titles than most fans realize new deal with new Japan Pro-Wrestling the Boot Tyler! Connection of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the promotion first one to comment on this Wikipedia language. [ 13 ] wearing business suits and shades while maintaining a quiet....