Tama Tonga was in talks with WWE earlier this year, confirmed re-signing with NJPW (Patreon)

NJPW Star Tama Tonga joined Fightful Select for an exclusive interview. The NEVER Openweight Champion discussed numerous topics with Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp.

Tonga told us that doing more NJPW [New Japan Pro Wrestling] shows in the United States has been great. He spoke about the expansion within New Japan, doing more shows in the United States. Tonga said he’s been with the company for over ten years.

Tonga said things slowed down with the pandemic, but they are getting on course, and he loves it. He says he loves working with other wrestlers from other companies. He noted that New Japan has always had a great working relationship with others.

Sean mentioned to the 7-time IWGP Tag Team Champion that it is noticeable that Tonga has yet to be part of the AEW and New Japan shows. Tonga said that NJPW has other people ahead of him who can do the leg work. He mentioned Zack Sabre Jr. and the IWGP United States Champion Will Ospreay. Tama says everyone knows he is a New Japan guy committed to them first and foremost. Tama told us they’re doing new things within the company but said he did not want to give any details. Tama noted that there is a future there regarding working Forbidden Door and added that New Japan plays the long game.


Tama spoke about how the Briscoe Brothers helped G.O.D. redefine their style. He said they helped bring a new attitude to G.O.D. and pushed them to do new things. Tama added that one of his best memories in the ring tag team-wise was being in the ring with the Briscoes. Tama said everything felt natural and organic.

Tama spoke about his upcoming match against Shingo Takagi in Las Vegas. Tama says he will be prepared for the former IWGP Champion going into the match. Tama said his fighting style will have to evolve against Takagi.

Tama spoke about Fred Rosser reinventing himself. He said everything that has been put in Rosser’s path, he has overcome it and kept moving forward, and that’s what he loves about Fred. Tama added that the former WWE Tag Team Champion, formerly known as Darren Young, does not take days off and has “that grit attitude.”

Sean told Tama about Adam Cole’s Bullet Club comment regarding not wanting a Bullet Club Civil War and that Cole would rather everyone do a group hug instead of fighting. Sean asked “if there was any possibility” to the group hug. Tama, laughing, said, “Absolutely, there has been so much drama and turmoil within Bullet Club. He added let’s bring it all together and hug it out. Tama said that it was the greatest faction in the whole entire industry.

Tama was asked if he considers The O.C. from the WWE a part of the Bullet Club. Tama laughed and said, “I am not Bullet Club anymore, " adding that he is G.O.D. and New Japan.”
Tama mentioned nobody kicked IMPACT Wrestling’s Scott D’Amore out of the Bullet Club.

Tama confirmed that he did have talks with the WWE, and they were interested in him and his brother. He also confirmed that he worked without a contract with New Japan for a short time.
Tama mentioned he loves that El Phantasmo is with him and that El Phantasmo is one of the funniest guys he knows.

When asked if he still gets residuals for Bullet Club merchandise, he laughed and said, “hell no, I’m out.”

When asked for his thoughts on IMPACT Wrestling, going back to their original name, TNA. Tonga says, “I like it, I love it, why not?”

The interview ended with Sean and Tama Tonga reviewing the NJPW Strong Fighting Spirit Unleashed card, which will take place on October 28th, from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.