From NJPW to WWE: The rapid rise of professional wrestler Talla Tonga
In short: Born Taula Leone Fifita, the wrestler known as Hikuleo spent nearly a decade honing his craft in Japan before transitioning to the global stage of WWE. Now performing as Talla Tonga, he has quickly secured championship gold, continuing a storied family legacy in the professional wrestling ring.
Born in Kissimmee, Florida, in 1991, Taula Leone Fifita was adopted by the legendary professional wrestler Tonga Fifita, known to fans as Haku. Before his wrestling career, Fifita was a standout basketball player at Webber International University, where he earned MVP honors for the junior varsity team during the 2009–2010 season. His path to the ring began at the Team 3D Academy, followed by a move to Japan in 2016 to train at the New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) dojo.
During his eight-year tenure in NJPW, Fifita adopted the ring name Hikuleo, a reference to a Tongan deity. He became a prominent figure in the Bullet Club and later the Guerillas of Destiny stable. His time in Japan was marked by significant milestones, including winning the Strong Openweight Championship and multiple tag team titles alongside partner El Phantasmo. A pivotal moment occurred in February 2023, when he defeated Jay White in a 'Loser Leaves Japan' match, effectively ending White's tenure in the promotion.
In 2024, Fifita signed with WWE, rebranding as Talla Tonga. Initially aligning with The Bloodline, he eventually formed a tag team with his brother, Tama Tonga, under the name The MFTs. By August 2026, the duo captured the WWE Tag Team Championship after a triple threat match against The War Raiders and the team of Damian Priest and R-Truth. This achievement highlights his rapid adaptation to the WWE style, following a career that has spanned international promotions including AEW and Impact Wrestling.
Fifita's wrestling lineage is extensive, as he is part of a family deeply embedded in the industry. His brother, Tama Tonga, and his cousin, Bad Luck Fale, are both established performers. As of 2026, Fifita was ranked number 268 in the PWI 500, a testament to his ongoing evolution as a professional athlete. His journey from a young lion in the NJPW dojo to a WWE champion underscores the global nature of modern professional wrestling.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Hikuleo (wrestler)
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