Report: Update On WWE's Interest In NJPW Star

While WWE have been interested in several talents in 2023, including the likes of Jay White, Hikuleo, and Nick Aldis, the company have been unable to sign anyone due to an unofficial hiring freeze.

That hiring freeze has affected the organisation's interest in Tama Tonga, according to Fightful Select. WWE had been interested in bringing in the two-time NEVER Openweight Champion and tentative creative plans were pitched to the Bullet Club original, but he was "a victim of the unofficial hiring freeze and WWE had not maintained contact with him."

WWE higher-ups reportedly maintained interest in Tonga even after contact was cut off. 

Tama Tonga has reportedly been performing in New Japan Pro-Wrestling without a contract for several months. His future with the promotion is currently uncertain after he dropped the NEVER Openweight Championship to David Finlay at Wrestling Dontaku and was stretchered out of the arena in Fukuoka.