Tama Tonga Confirms He Had Talks With WWE

It was reported over the last year that Tama Tonga was one of a few free agents in talks with WWE, though with the alleged hiring freeze which took place amidst WWE’s Endeavor sale, a deal was never struck between the two parties.

Tonga has now revealed in an interview with Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful that these reports were in fact true, and that he did hold talks with WWE, but he gave priority to NJPW, where he ultimately ended up staying.

"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.”

He was unable to confirm any truth behind the hiring freeze, but either way he ended up choosing NJPW as his home for the foreseeable future.