Tama Tonga Confirming WWE Contract Talks Sparks Speculation

WWE has inked deals with some of the best free agents out there, but they haven’t’ been able to snag them all to deals. That being said, Tama Tonga hasn’t ended up in WWE yet, but there were certainly talks.

In early 2023, reports circulated about the potential connection between Tama Tonga and WWE. It was reported in January that many within WWE showed interest in bringing Tonga aboard. In fact, AEW never offered him deal. Tonga’s contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling was set to expire a few week after that.

Fast-forward to the fall of 2023, and Tama Tonga is still with New Japan Pro Wrestling, currently holding the NEVER Openweight Champion title. That confused some fans, and they wondered what kind of deal he is on.

In a recent interview with Fightful, Tonga mentioned that he had discussions with WWE at one point, but ultimately decided to stay with NJPW. Tonga also expressed uncertainty about whether a hiring freeze existed within the company.

“Yes, I was in talks with them. 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.”

Only time will tell if Tama Tonga ever ends up in WWE or even AEW. He seems very happy with his spot in NJPW, but that doesn’t rule out the possibility that his career.

Keep checking back with Ringside News for more on this story, and so many more in the pro wrestling business. You never know what will happen next, and that is especially true when it comes to contract talks.

Do you think that Tama Tonga would be better off in WWE, AEW, or if he stays in NJPW? Let us know what you think about things in the comments section!