10 Fascinating Backstage Facts About The New Bloodline
Whoever wears the famous ula fala, the Anoa'i family's most recent additions are here to stay.
The New Bloodline, now led by Solo Sikoa, has been all over WWE programming for almost a year. After breaking away from the original Bloodline, Solo stepped up as the new leader, bringing a fresh energy to the faction.
Under Solo's leadership, the New Bloodline has continued the Anoa'i family's legacy of dominance in professional wrestling. The group includes some familiar faces and new allies, all united by their shared goal of maintaining their family's storied reputation.
It seemed like the Bloodline was coming to an end after Roman Reigns lost the Undisputed WWE Championship to Cody Rhodes and disappeared from TV, but in came Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa (with a slightly altered name) and Jacob Fatu. To casual fans, it might've felt like The Rock was using his position on the Board of Directors at TKO Group Holdings to get his family through the door, but those who watch the indies were very excited by what was happening.
The Original Tribal Chief might have taken his crown back, but there's plenty of reasons why Sikoa, Tonga, Loa, and Fatu were chosen to carry on that legacy in the Head of the Table's absence.
10. Solo Sikoa's Middle Name Is Yokozuna
Solo Sikoa, whose real name is Joseph Fatu, carries a significant middle name that pays tribute to his family's wrestling legacy.
Named after the legendary WWE Hall of Famer Yokozuna, Solo Sikoa's middle name is an homage to his uncle.
Yokozuna, whose real name was Rodney Anoa'i, was a two-time WWE Champion and a prominent figure in the wrestling world during the 1990s. Solo Sikoa's father, Rikishi, who is also Yokozuna's cousin, chose the name when Sikoa was born in March 1993, just weeks before Yoko became WWE Champion for the very first time at WrestleMania IX. The name "Yokozuna" means "grand champion" in Japanese, a fitting gimmick for a man who'd win the big one twice within 12 months of debuting.
Solo Sikoa has expressed pride in carrying his uncle's name, viewing it as a symbol of the greatness and responsibility that comes with being part of the Anoa'i dynasty. This connection to Yokozuna underscores the deep familial ties and the rich heritage that Solo Sikoa brings to the Bloodline.