4-time champion to no longer join The Bloodline? Exploring potential plan for the new WWE Superstar
Throughout the majority of 2024, WWE fans have seen The Bloodline as they knew it, change dramatically. The faction has undergone some massive changes and completely altered their perception.
Gone is the original lineup of Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, and Jey Uso, with Solo Sikoa now leading the faction along with Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, and Jacob Fatu. Paul Heyman was also taken out as The Wiseman and the group practically functions on their whim with Sikoa having seized the sacred Ula Fala.
With an extensive lineage in the wrestling business, it is not surprising to hear that WWE has reportedly signed another member of the legendary Tongan wrestling family, that being Hikuleo, the adopted son of Haku. However, according to reports surrounding the former Strong Openweight Champion and Tag Team Champion's signing to WWE, he will not be joining up with The Bloodline on the main roster but instead be performing in NXT for the time being.
This move has come as a surprise to many as the former IWGP Tag Team Champion has a close connection with many of the current Bloodline members having worked with both Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa in New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Since the rumors of Hikuleo joining WWE started doing the rounds, it was widely thought that he would be joining Solo and his men and wreaking havoc in WWE. However, it seems that it may not be the case and that the star will first have to go through NXT, to have any chance of joining his family members.
It should be noted that plans are always subject to change in WWE, and one can only be sure when he shows up in the promotion.
Ex-WWE employee questions Solo Sikoa's spot as a top heel
Since taking over The Bloodline from within, Solo Sikoa has looked to establish himself as the biggest heel in WWE today.
One person who is not yet overly convinced of Sikoa's performance as SmackDown's top villain is Jim Cornette, who gave his thoughts on the former Enforcer's work while speaking on his Experience podcast.
"Solo is not a cool heel. I hate to say this, it's gonna sound like I'm knocking. Solo's not an impressive enough worker to be a cool heel. But, Solo has gotten good enough for this spot. They've put him in a spot where he's tried to take Roman Reigns' place and he has heat with the fans because of that. If he was doing the Jacob Fatu stuff, it would be too much. Solo can get by and he can be a heel but he's not so impressive that you can fall in love with him. Does that make sense?" said Cornette.
On Saturday, October 5, Solo Sikoa will have the chance to show that he is the top dog on SmackDown as he and Jacob Fatu will take on the team of Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes at Bad Blood.
It remains to be seen whether Hikuleo will prove all the reports wrong and arrive on the scene to help the new Bloodline or if he will join WWE under Shawn Michaels' creative direction.