WWE Interest In Signing NJPW Giant
WWE higher-ups are chasing this big-time acquisition from NJPW...
NJPW's Hikuleo is on WWE's radar.
Fightful Select reports that WWE higher-ups are interested in the towering Tongan, who stands at 6'8". This has been the case for several months, with the talk predating this week's well-received Wrestle Kingdom 17 show.
The story broke on the same day that Hikuleo was booked in a 'Loser Leaves Japan' match with 'Switchblade' Jay White, with the bout put together on Thursday's New Year Dash!! show. Understandably, that situation created speculation on White's own future in New Japan, despite reports of a seven-year contract signed in 2018.
There is currently no indication that the 'Loser Leaves Japan' stipulation is a consequence of WWE's interest in Hikuleo, who has become an increasingly prominent fixture in global professional wrestling since pandemic-related travel restrictions started easing off. As well as starring in an NJPW storyline that saw him reunited with brothers Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa, the Guerrillas of Destiny, upon leaving Bullet Club, 2022 brought him appearances in both AEW and IMPACT Wrestling, as well as on NJPW's US brand, STRONG.
Hikuleo debuted for NJPW in November 2016, becoming a regular the following year.