The WWE universe is abuzz with excitement as former NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion Hikuleo makes his grand entrance into WWE. The explosive news comes as Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes prepares to kick off Friday night’s double taping of “WWE SmackDown,” setting the stage for a new chapter in his ongoing feud with Solo Sikoa.
Rhodes, who has been entangled in a heated rivalry with Sikoa, will need to be on high alert. A new menace is on the horizon. The highly anticipated debut of Hikuleo, who has officially signed with WWE, could spell trouble for the blue brand’s top star. The whispers of Hikuleo’s WWE arrival have been circulating for months, and now, Fightful Select has confirmed the long-rumored move.
Hikuleo’s entry into WWE marks a significant shift in the dynamics of The Bloodline faction. Known for his formidable presence in NJPW, where he reigned as the STRONG Openweight Champion, Hikuleo’s addition to The Bloodline is poised to shake up the faction’s already volatile environment. Joining forces with his brother Tama Tonga and their adopted brother Tanga Loa, Hikuleo will bring a new level of intensity and unpredictability to the group.
The anticipation surrounding Hikuleo’s WWE debut has been building since June, when Bodyslam reported his impending departure from New Japan Pro-Wrestling. At that time, it seemed almost certain that the talented wrestler was headed to WWE. Fightful Select’s recent confirmation adds a layer of officialdom to the speculation, although the exact timing of Hikuleo’s WWE introduction remains under wraps.
Adding to the intrigue, WWE’s history of strategic reveals suggests that Hikuleo may not make an immediate appearance. This pattern was evident with the debut of Jacob Fatu, who joined WWE months before making his on-screen debut. As a result, fans may need to exercise patience before witnessing Hikuleo’s full impact on WWE programming.
Hikuleo’s credentials speak volumes about his potential in WWE. Beyond his reign as NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion, he also holds accolades as the STRONG Openweight Tag Team Champion and IWGP Tag Team Champion alongside El Phantasmo. His connection to The Bloodline runs deep, as he shares a familial bond with Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa through their adopted father, former WWE star Haku.
As WWE prepares for a high-stakes SmackDown episode, Rhodes will undoubtedly have his hands full dealing with not only Solo Sikoa but also the looming presence of Hikuleo. The clash of these wrestling titans promises to deliver electrifying moments and unexpected twists, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The stage is set for a dramatic evolution in WWE’s landscape. With Hikuleo’s official signing and the imminent clash with Rhodes, the blue brand is about to witness a seismic shift. The arrival of Hikuleo is not just a new chapter for The Bloodline but a potential game-changer for the entire WWE roster.
As the drama unfolds, fans should brace themselves for a rollercoaster of emotions, rivalries, and unforgettable moments. WWE’s SmackDown is poised to be more thrilling than ever, and Hikuleo’s debut is sure to be a defining moment in the saga of The Bloodline.