7 Second Generation Superstars Who Will Surpass Their Parents

6. Tama Tonga

Dusty Rhodes Cody Rhodes
Twitter, @Tama_Tonga

Tama Tonga looked rock hard stood next to his adoptive father Haku and brother Tonga Loa as they beat the living sh*t out of Kenny Omega and the rest of Bullet Club following the 'Best Bout Machine's G1 Special main event against Cody Rhodes.

It was the last sight New Japan fans would see ahead of the tournament itself, suggesting that their attacks could feature prominently within the complex storytelling over the month-long event. The breakout push for Tonga seemed overdue, and recent history alongside Loa in their Guerillas of Destiny unit suggests a brighter future despite under-delivering in his super-charged heel role.

Haku was a huge star during some of WWE's biggest years, but Tonga's potential is substantially greater under the NJPW umbrella. Cody and Jay White have both recently proven that serviceable runs can rapidly turn into something far greater than they first appeared with the majestic creative direction of New Japan booker Gedo. Having an in-ring arsenal that dwarfs his father's won't hurt either.

His prime years are now - Tonga won't ever have a better time to ascend to a promotion's summit if he can overcome this current minor slump.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett