Tama Tonga confirms he had talks with WWE and reflects on what happened.
Tama Tonga is one of the top stars in New Japan-Pro Wrestling, and he currently holds the NEVER Openweight Championship. Earlier in 2023, Tonga was heavily linked to WWE, as it was reported that the company was interested in him. Fightful Select had also reported that his NJPW contract was coming up. However, Tonga has stayed with NJPW.
Speaking with Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, Tonga confirmed that he was in talks with WWE, and he even worked without a contract for a few months. He noted that he didn’t know anything about WWE’s hiring freeze, and he chose to stay with NJPW. (H/t Jeremy Lambert of Fightful for the transcription).
“Yes, I was in talks with them,” Tama Tonga said. “Very much interest in myself and my brother. Out of respect for New Japan, I have to always give them the doors first and see what they can do. Yes, there was a period of a few months of myself working without a contract to give New Japan a chance.
“I know in this game, it can get messy with contracts and the way we’re talking right now. I was raised by my father on the way to go about business and treat loyalty and respect to those who put me through the door. New Japan, first and foremost. Yes, there was talks with WWE. I don’t know anything about the hiring freeze. I ended up choosing New Japan at the end, and here we are.”
Tama Tonga Talks His Loyalty To NJPW
When Fightful noted that Tama Tonga’s loyalty has paid off, he expressed his gratitude, as he noted that the game has changed a lot. He stated that he was always taught to do good business.
“Thank goodness, because you never know these days. The game has changed so much, the environment, the community, everything has changed and you don’t know what from who. Just doing everything I was taught and moving forward from there. That’s it. I was always taught to do good business, stick with your gut, and do good business. That’s it.”
The full interview is available below:
Tama Tonga will defend the NEVER Openweight Championship against Shingo Takagi at NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed on October 28. WrestleZone will have coverage of the show once it aits.
