NJPW Sets the Record Straight on Tama Tonga’s Employment Status After Firing Claim

Tama Tonga announced at Wrestle Kingdom 18 that he would leave the company this month and this led to a lot of discussion. In light of this, EVIL claimed that NJPW had fired Tama Tonga and now NJPW finally set the record straight on his claim.

Leading up to Tama Tonga’s NEVER Openweight Title match against EVIL on January 20 at NJPW New Beginning in Nagoya, EVIL claimed that NJPW had already fired Tama Tonga. EVIL pointed out that he was listed as the NEVER Openweight Champion on the NJPW website, so there was no reason for Tonga to even compete against him.

Tama Tonga was confused after hearing this claim as well. In a recent update, NJPW released footage revealing that EVIL had threatened staff members to make unauthorized changes.

According to NJPW, between January 10, 2024, and January 11 (JST), Tama Tonga’s profile was wrongly removed, and EVIL was inaccurately listed as the NEVER Openweight Champion. NJPW confirmed that these alterations were made under duress at the behest of EVIL and, after reviewing video evidence, corrected the changes.

“NJPW has come to learn that these alterations were made by staff members under extreme duress at the command of EVIL. After reviewing video evidence, these alterations have been amended. We apologise to fans, and particularly to Tama Tonga for the confusion and distress caused.“

It was expected that EVIL had a hand in this whole ordeal. Nonetheless, we’ll have to wait and see if EVIL will end up dropping his title to EVIL at the NJPW event in Nagoya, as Tonga previously had contract talks with WWE and that could be his next destination.

What do you think of this story concerning Tama Tonga? Where do you think he will go next after his NJPW departure? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!