WWE Universe, say hello to Tonga Loa.
Former New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Tanga Loa made his return to WWE during the Backlash premium live event on Saturday. Loa aligned with Solo Sikoa and his brother, Tama Tonga, as part of the new Bloodline lineup.
Earlier that morning, WWE applied to trademark TONGA LOA to use for the performer (Tevita Tu’amoeloa Fetaiakimoeata Fifita). This is a slight change from the previously used spelling, switching the first ‘a’ to an ‘o’, which now matches his brother’s spelling.
WWE is using the previous spelling of his name on social media for content from the 2024 Backlash event. It’s worth nothing WWE also applied to trademark the old spelling, but they are moving forward with the new spelling.
WWE made the change official on Friday’s episode of SmackDown. When he accompanied Tama Tonga to the ring for his King Of The Ring match, the on-screen chyron spelled it “Tonga Loa.”
More on Tonga Loa
Dave Meltzer addressed Loa’s arrival in WWE on Wrestling Observer Radio. Meltzer said that Loa and Tama Tonga got deals together, noting how the former’s departure from New Japan didn’t get out. It was noted that the deal was not a quick decision, and it had been decided upon months ago.
Tanga Loa last wrestled for New Japan Pro-Wrestling at its Road to Sakura Genesis event on March 31. There, he lost to Great-O-Khan in a Rural Revitalization In Hamamatsu, a best-of-three falls match that also included an eating contest as a stipulation.
Loa had been with NJPW since 2016. During his run in Japan, he held the IWGP Tag Team Championship seven times with Tama Tonga. He also won the NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championship three times.
Loa previously worked for WWE from 2009 to 2014 as Camacho. He has also wrestled for TNA and CMLL, working as ‘Micah’ for the former promotion.
Read More: WWE Backlash France Results (5/4/24)
