Hikuleo - The next rising star who could join WWE

Hikuleo is another name who could join WWE

Tautuiaki Taula Koloamatangi was born on February 7, 1991. He is better known by the ring name Hikuleo. He is an American professional wrestler. He is most known for his tenure in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he was a member of Bullet Club and Guerrillas of Destiny.

During his stay with NJPW, he was a former Strong Openweight Champion, two-time Strong Openweight Tag Team Champion, and one-time IGWP Tag Team Champion with partner El Phantasmo as part of a new iteration of GoD. He is the nephew and adoptive son of professional wrestler Tonga Fifita.

Koloamatangi and his older brother Alipate were adopted by their maternal aunt Dorothy Koloamatangi and her husband Tonga Fifita, who took them to America. He was reared in Kissimmee, Florida, and attended Osceola High School. He studied sports management at Florida’s Webber International University and played center for the Webber International Warriors basketball team. He was selected in Webber International University’s junior varsity men’s basketball most valuable player in 2009-2010.

Early Career and Training

Hikuleo, born Koloamatangi, began his professional wrestling career at the Team 3D Academy in Florida, where Bully Ray and Devon trained him. In 2016, he moved to Japan to continue his training at the famed New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) academy. His professional wrestling debut occurred on November 12, 2016, at NJPW’s On the Mat Internet pay-per-view in Auckland, New Zealand, against Henare.

Hikuleo was part of the infamous stable Bullet Club (2016–2022)

Hikuleo began wrestling under the ring “Leo Tonga” and joined the infamous Bullet Club stable, alongside his siblings Tanga Loa, Tama Tonga, and cousin Bad Luck Fale. His affiliation with Bullet Club allowed him to compete in important events like Wrestle Kingdom 12 and The New Beginning in Sapporo, where he went under the ring name “Hikuleo.” Despite suffering a serious ACL injury in 2018, he remarkably recovered in 2019, appearing in different NJPW events and excursions, including Revolution Pro Wrestling in Europe.

Guerrillas of Destiny (2022–2024)

Hikuleo’s allegiance to Bullet Club was put to the test in 2022 when his brothers were ejected from the organization. After momentarily confirming his commitment to Jay White and the Bullet Club, he finally turned against White and joined the Guerrillas of Destiny.

His renewed aggression and alliance resulted in memorable battles and triumphs, including a solid finish in the G1 Climax tournament and the solid Openweight Championship. Hikuleo’s feud with Jay White ended in a “Loser Leaves Japan Match,” which Hikuleo won and sent White packing.

All Elite Wrestling (2021, 2022)

Hikuleo’s All Elite Wrestling (AEW) appearances began in July 2021 at Fyter Fest. He challenged Lance Archer following his IWGP United States Championship bout, which led to a match between the two at Fight for the Fallen. Hikuleo also appeared on AEW Dark and teamed up with Undisputed Elite members for a memorable ten-man tag bout on Dynamite.

Impact Wrestling (2021–2022)

Hikuleo boosted his presence in the United States through Impact Wrestling, where he joined the Bullet Club’s U.S. chapter. He competed in high-stakes battles alongside Chris Bey, including a three-way tag team match at Bound for Glory and many bids to reclaim The Good Brothers’ Impact World Tag Team Championship.

Hikuleo is soon making his way to WWE

Hikuleo and El Phantasmo won the Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships and qualified for the 2023 World Tag League toward the end of his NJPW career. Despite their outstanding performance, they were unable to advance to the finals. Hikuleo’s most recent NJPW match was at Dominion 6.9, and reports say he may be heading to WWE in the future.

Hikuleo championships and accomplishments

New Japan Pro-Wrestling

• Strong Openweight Championship (1 time)
• Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with El Phantasmo
• IWGP Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with El Phantasmo

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

• Ranked No. 350 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 of 2022

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