WWE Misses Out On Top Signing

WWE couldn't land THIS potential signing despite contract talks.

Tama tonga
NJPW

NJPW veteran Tama Tonga has re-signed with the market-leading puroresu group, despite contract talks with WWE.

The reigning NEVER Openweight Champion told Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp as much in a new interview (via Fightful Select). Tama claimed that he had spoken with WWE, who were interested in bringing him in alongside brother Tanga Loa (his long-time Guerrillas of Destiny tag team partner in New Japan), though it seems Tonga has ended up re-signing with the 'King of Sports.'

Interestingly, Tama noted that he had worked for NJPW without a contract for a short period.

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Fightful Select first reported on WWE's interest in Tonga back in January, when Tama's contract was understood to be weeks away from expiring. It was noted, at the time, that the former Bullet Club man had turned WWE down seven years prior.

Tonga, 41, has been with NJPW since May 2010, when he travelled to Japan to train with the promotion, impressing the organisation enough to earn a full-time role. Bullet Club's 2013 formation saw him rise in prominence, which has continued since he and Loa left the group last year.

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Tama is currently in his third reign as NEVER Openweight Champion, which began with a win over David Finlay on 9 October.

Channel Manager
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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.