Backstage Update On WWE Status Of Hikuleo & Lance Anoa'i (WWE News)
Fans have speculated about Hikuleo and Lance Anoa'i joining the Bloodline.
With Hikuleo and Lance Anoa'i both having long signed with WWE, there's now somewhat of an update on the status of the pair.
Both talents signed with WWE last summer, with many fans speculating that one or both could wind up in involved in the ever-developing Bloodline saga. For those unaware, Hikuleo is the brother of Tama Tonga, the adoptive brother of Tongo Loa, and the adoptive son of the legendary Haku. As for Lance Anoa'i, he's the son of former Headshrinker and Samoan Swat Team man, Samu, and the grandson of the legendary Afa of the Wild Samoans. The point being, both have a vast family history that makes them prime candidates for the Bloodline.
While the fallout from WrestleMania 40 saw Solo Sikoa take control of the Bloodline and give it a refresh by bringing in the Tongans and Jacob Fatu, Hikuleo and Lance Anoi'a have yet to be seen. On that topic, Fightful Select has a minor update on the status of Hikuleo and Lance.
In the case of Inoa'i, it was previously reported that he suffered an unspecified injury last year. The latest from Fightful is that the 33-year-old was originally expected to be back from injury "about now", which could indicate a return to the ring in the near future. As for that return, there were rumblings last month that Lance Anoa'i would be a part of the WWE Evolve roster.
Where Hikuleo is concerned, the update from Fightful is that, basically, there is no update, with the outlet not having heard much about the 6'8" former Bullet Club star since his signing last summer. Purely speculation on your writer's part, but Hikuleo would seem a little more suited to head straight to the main roster than Lance Anoa'i at this stage should he be fit and healthy.
Another Bloodline Reshape?
Famously, Solo Sikoa seized control of the Bloodline after WrestleMania 40, putting his own aggressive stamp on the faction by bringing in Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu. Now, though, it appears that Solo and Fatu are on a collision course that should see the two face off at WrestleMania 41 next month.
Could the Samoan Werewolf be on the cusp of usurping Solo Sikoa at the top of the Bloodline tree? And if so, could Jacob follow in Sikoa's footsteps and make his own changes to the group... such as bringing in the hulking frame of Hikuleo to stand alongside his brothers?
Initially trained by the Dudley Boyz at their Team 3D Academy, Hikuleo had notable success in Japan, being a member of Bullet Club and winning the IWGP Tag Team Championships with El Phantasmo. He and ELP would also win the NJPW Strong Tag Titles, while Hikuleo would have singles success with a short run as the Strong Openweight Champion.
As for Lanca Anoa'i, he's worked a handful of WWE enhancement matches over the years, and his biggest success came for MLW where he, at one point, brought back the Samoan Swat Team with Jacob Fatu and Juicy Finau - Anoa'i and Finau winning the MLW Tag Team Titles.