On the most recent episode of WWE SmackDown, Tama Tonga secured a victory over Shinsuke Nakamura with assistance from the MFT faction. Following this win, Tonga publicly declared himself the new “King of Strong Style” on X/Twitter, adopting the nickname famously associated with Nakamura’s distinctive wrestling style. He challenged anyone who disagreed with his claim to face him in a contest, stating they should “come die on this hill.”
“I’m the King of Strong Style. Disagree? Come die on this hill.”
Tama Tonga’s assertion sets the stage for a deeper rivalry with Nakamura, as Tonga positions himself as the heir to this moniker after defeating the established veteran.
How MFT Helped Secure the Victory Over Nakamura
During the match, Tonga had support from MFT members Tonga Loa and JC Mateo. A referee distraction caused by Mateo allowed Loa to take advantage, leading to Nakamura’s loss. Tonga finished the match with a Cut Throat maneuver. Following the victory, the three MFT members stood united in the ring, holding up their WWE Tag Team Championship belts, signaling their dominance as a group.
In recent weeks, Tama Tonga has been a prominent figure, not only capturing the tag team titles but also escalating tensions with Nakamura. This win adds momentum to his current run in WWE.
Tongan’s WWE Tag Team Championship Win at Montreal
Two weeks prior in Montreal, the MFTs—led by Tama Tonga and Solo Sikoa—defeated The Wyatt Sicks to claim the WWE Tag Team Championship. This title change occurred on SmackDown preceding the Saturday Night’s Main Event. The former champions, Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis, were unable to retain their belts against the MFT faction.
In the following week’s episode from Riyadh, the MFTs did not compete but were featured in a backstage segment, promoting themselves and Solo Sikoa ahead of the Royal Rumble. It was also in Riyadh where Tama Tonga’s conflict with Nakamura began to intensify, with a warning directed at the 2018 Royal Rumble winner to start his “Saiyonara” retirement tour. This challenge sparked a rivalry that culminated the subsequent week on SmackDown.
The Growing Rivalry and Its Potential Impact on WWE Storylines
Tama Tonga’s bold claim as the King of Strong Style and his recent series of victories have heightened his profile within WWE. His feud with Shinsuke Nakamura not only adds a fresh narrative to SmackDown storylines but also elevates the MFT faction’s visibility as dominant forces in the tag team division. As Tonga continues to defend his championship and assert his new persona, the rivalry is likely to intensify, promising dramatic encounters in upcoming WWE events.
I’m the King of Strong Style. Disagree? Come die on this hill
— Tama Tonga (@TamaTonga01) February 8, 2026
