WWE Newcomer Finally Has Debut Match

WWE had signed Hikuleo and Lance Anoa’i last year, but neither of them had debuted until the latest episode of SmackDown on June 13th, 2025.

Hikuleo signed with the wrestling juggernaut in July 2024 after departing from New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).

On the other hand, Lance Anoa’i signed during the summer of 2024. Fans expected them to be added to The Bloodline storyline, but that did not happen.

Hikuleo finally made his WWE debut

Since signing with the company, Hikuleo had been practising in the Performance Center. The WWE Universe was eagerly waiting for his debut, with previous reports stating that his debut would be with NXT.

During the Main Event tapings ahead of SmackDown, Hikuleo made his WWE debut by taking on Pretty Deadly’s Kit Wilson.

Fan footage shows him walking out to the arena using Hikuleo, the name he used for NJPW.

HIKULEO IS HERE!!! #Smackdownpic.twitter.com/Xafsf8acnw

— Blake (@IAmBalakay) June 13, 2025

His television debut is yet to happen, but given that he has performed in front of fans, it can be an indication of the wrestling juggernaut having a creative plan for him.