WWE is reportedly interested in signing New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Hikuleo.
According to Fightful Select, higher-ups within WWE have expressed interest in the 31-year-old wrestler for months, although it is not known if contact has been made between the two sides or when Hikuleo’s NJPW contract is set to expire.
WWE Interest In Hikuleo Goes Back Months
Hikuleo, who stands at 6’8″ and has been wrestling for over six years after receiving training at Team 3D Academy, the NJPW Dojo, and Fale Dojo, has also made appearances for IMPACT Wrestling and All Elite Wrestling. He is the brother of Tama Tonga and the nephew of Haku, who adopted him as a son early in life.
While it is not clear if the potential move to WWE is related to Hikuleo’s upcoming “loser leaves Japan” match against Jay White, the news of WWE’s interest in the wrestler suggests that might be the case. WWE has been known to sign top talent from other organisations over the years, an has been highly active in bringing in talent in the Paul Levesque era, and the addition of Hikuleo, who is widely regarded as a skilled and exciting performer, would be a notable acquisition.
The company’s interest in Hikuleo comes after the sports entertainment giant has already secured the services of Mexican star Dragon Lee. The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion is set to begin working in NXT this month.
In the wake of Dragon Lee’s signing it was reported that more “high quality names” could follow in early 2023. It is believed that “Triple H and crew” have high expectations regarding further additions.
Stay tuned to ITRWrestling.com for further updates.