Talla Tonga Wins In-Ring Debut on 8/1 WWE SmackDown – Talla Tonga, the newest enforcer in Solo Sikoa’s ranks, made his official in-ring debut on the August 1 edition of WWE SmackDown by defeating Jimmy Uso in singles action. The match marked Talla’s official first televised WWE bout following a dark match last month.
Jimmy appeared to be building momentum in the final moments of the match, ascending the turnbuckle for his signature top-rope splash. However, Talla caught him mid-air by the throat, stood up powerfully, and planted him with a brutal chokeslam for the pinfall victory.
Talla’s win quickly turned into a post-match ambush. As Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo, and Tonga Loa joined Talla in the ring, it became clear they intended to assault Jimmy. The steel cage began to lower ominously. But before the structure was fully secured, Jacob Fatu stormed the ring to even the odds.
Solo and Talla immediately fled through the cage door, choosing to avoid a confrontation with Fatu. That left Loa and JC Mateo alone, and Fatu wasted no time unleashing on them, clearing the ring to a massive crowd reaction.
This appearance further fuels the tension heading into SummerSlam, where Jacob Fatu will challenge Solo Sikoa for the WWE United States Championship inside a steel cage.
Talla Tonga, previously known as Hikuleo during his time in NJPW, signed with WWE in 2024 and officially debuted on the main roster at WWE Night of Champions. There, he helped Solo Sikoa dethrone Fatu for the U.S. Title. Although he had not competed in over a year following his NJPW departure in June 2024, he recently resurfaced in a dark match on June 13 before now appearing in full force on SmackDown.
The Bloodline (?) continues to evolve with its new iteration under Solo Sikoa’s leadership, and Talla Tonga’s dominant debut solidifies his position as a dangerous new force on the blue brand.
Talla Tonga Wins In-Ring Debut on 8/1 WWE SmackDown
