Is Tama Tonga Leaving NJPW? Why is Tama Tonga Leaving NJPW?
by Sona
Updated Feb 03, 2024
Is Tama Tonga Leaving NJPW?
Yes, Tama Tonga has officially left New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). After winning the NEVER Openweight Championship for the fourth time at Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4, Tama announced his departure as his contract expired. The decision stems from missing significant moments in his children's lives due to his wrestling commitments in Japan.
Despite his love for Japan, Tama prioritizes being with his wife and kids during their formative years. Having joined NJPW in 2010 and being a key member of the Bullet Club, Tama Tonga had a notable career, including a recent victory over Shingo Takagi at WrestleKingdom 18.
There is speculation that WWE is interested in signing him. Tama's departure coincides with the expiration of Kazuchika Okada's NJPW contract, sparking interest from both WWE and AEW. While AEW offers a better-paying deal and work schedule, WWE emphasizes its global exposure and star-building potential.
As of now, no deal has been confirmed with either promotion for Okada. The wrestling community awaits official announcements to see where Tama Tonga and Kazuchika Okada will continue their careers.
Who is Tama Tonga?
Tama Tonga, whose real name is Alipate Aloisio Leone, is a professional wrestler from Tonga with American roots, born on October 15, 1982. He is widely known by his ring name, Tama Tonga. Until recently, he was a prominent figure in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he held the NEVER Openweight Championship four times.
Besides NJPW, Tama also makes appearances in the United States for Impact Wrestling. Tama Tonga is the nephew and adopted son of another famous wrestler, Haku. He formed a successful tag team called Guerrillas of Destiny (G.O.D) with his cousin and adoptive brother, Tanga Loa, during their time in NJPW.
Tama played a crucial role as a founding member of the Bullet Club, one of the most famous wrestling stables. He left NJPW in 2024, concluding a long and notable tenure that began in 2010. In addition to his NJPW career, Tama has worked with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), a wrestling promotion in Mexico, winning the CMLL World Tag Team Championship twice.
Tama Tonga further achieved the ROH World Tag Team Championship at G1 Supercard, joining an exclusive list of wrestlers who have secured championships in NJPW, CMLL, and ROH.
Specification
Details
Birth Name
Alipate Aloisio Leone
Ring Name
Tama Tonga
Date of Birth
October 15, 1982
Age
41
Place of Birth
Nukuʻalofa, Tonga
Height
1.83 meters (6 feet 0 inches)
Weight
95 kilograms (209 pounds)
Wrestling Debut
November 2008
Promotions
NJPW, Impact Wrestling, CMLL, others
Tama Tonga Early Life and Career
Tama Tonga, whose real name is Alipate Aloisio Leone, has an interesting early life and career. Born on October 15, 1982, in Tonga, he and his younger brother Taula were adopted by their aunt and her husband, a famous wrestler known as Haku or Meng, while visiting their native island in 1991. They moved to Poinciana, Florida, where Tama grew up with his adoptive brother Tevita and older sister Vika.
After graduating from Poinciana High School, Tama took a unique path. He joined the United States Air Force, serving as a B-2 Spirit mechanic at Whiteman Air Force Base for six years. During this time, his brother Tevita played college football with the UTEP Miners.
In 2004, during a phone call, the brothers decided to become professional wrestlers once their respective commitments were fulfilled. They started training under their father and later joined the Team 3D Academy of Professional Wrestling in Kissimmee, Florida, where they received guidance from wrestling legends Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley.
Tama Tonga made his professional wrestling debut in 2008, initially wrestling as part of a tag team called The Sons of Tonga. They continued their journey through various wrestling promotions in Florida and Puerto Rico. In 2010, Tama ventured to Japan and impressed New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), marking the beginning of his successful career in the world of professional wrestling.
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Tama Tonga Age
Tama Tonga, born as Alipate Aloisio Leone on October 15, 1982, hails from Nukuʻalofa, Tonga. At the time of this information, he is 41 years old. Having ventured into professional wrestling and establishing himself as a notable figure in the industry, Tonga's age reflects the experiences and achievements amassed over his extensive career.
As a veteran in the wrestling world, Tama Tonga's age serves as a testament to the years of dedication and hard work he has put into his craft. Born in the vibrant Tongan city of Nukuʻalofa, his journey from there to becoming a renowned professional wrestler is marked by both personal and professional growth, contributing to the legacy he has built within the wrestling community.
Tama Tonga Height and Weight
Tama Tonga, the skilled professional wrestler, is billed at a height of 1.83 meters, which is equivalent to 6 feet. Alongside his height, he is listed at a weight of 95 kilograms, or 209 pounds. These specifications, often used in the wrestling world for promotional purposes, provide fans with an idea of Tama Tonga's physical stature in the ring.
In the dynamic world of professional wrestling, Tama Tonga's billed height and weight of 6 feet and 209 pounds contribute to his presence and athleticism during matches. These figures, though part of the scripted portrayal of a wrestler's character, offer fans insights into the physical attributes that play a role in Tama Tonga's performances within the squared circle.
Why is Tama Tonga Leaving NJPW?
Tama Tonga has decided to leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) due to a heartfelt reason. After winning the NEVER Openweight Championship for the fourth time on January 4 at Wrestle Kingdom 18, Tama officially departed from NJPW as his contract came to an end.
The key factor behind this decision is Tama's desire to be more present in his family's life, particularly with his growing children. He expressed that the fast pace of their growth, coupled with missed birthdays and important moments, made him prioritize being with his wife and kids over continuing his wrestling journey in Japan.
Despite his love for Japan and the success he achieved in NJPW, Tama Tonga emphasized the importance of not missing out on his children's upbringing. This heartfelt reason guided his choice to leave the promotion.
The departure adds a personal dimension to his wrestling career, shedding light on the sacrifices wrestlers make for their profession and the ultimate value they place on family. As the wrestling community reflects on Tama's departure, fans await updates on his future endeavors and the potential impact on the landscape of professional wrestling.
Is Tama Tonga Leaving NJPW - FAQs
Tama Tonga, whose real name is Alipate Aloisio Leone, is a professional wrestler from Tonga with American roots, born on October 15, 1982.
Yes, Tama Tonga has officially left New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
Tama prioritized being with his family, missing out on important moments due to wrestling commitments.
Tama Tonga joined NJPW in 2010 and had a notable career, becoming a founding member of the Bullet Club.
Tama officially left NJPW after winning the NEVER Openweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4.