Tama Tonga achieved a surprising victory during a recent episode of WWE SmackDown, delivering a major upset by pinning a top WWE Superstar who had not competed in a televised match since June 2025. This moment has generated significant buzz, with fans and insiders speculating about its implications for the ongoing tag team and singles divisions, making the Tama Tonga SmackDown victory a key talking point in WWE circles.
Encounter with Shinsuke Nakamura Highlights Growing Rivalries
In the lead-up to his memorable match, Tama Tonga was involved in a notable backstage segment alongside Shinsuke Nakamura, a fellow former New Japan Pro-Wrestling standout and 2018 Royal Rumble winner. Nakamura issued a subtle challenge by suggesting that their paths would inevitably cross if Tama pursued championship gold. Their exchange included a brief but sharp response from Tama in Japanese, followed by Nakamura’s remark about Tonga’s outspoken attitude. When Solo Sikoa inquired about the conversation, Tama brushed it off as an event from their shared wrestling history, hinting at unfinished business in the WWE landscape.
Eight-Man Tag Team Match Delivers Unexpected Outcome
The climax of the night arrived during an eight-man tag team clash featuring The Wyatt Sicks and the MFTs. Tama Tonga’s performance stood out as he delivered the decisive pin on Uncle Howdy, also known as Bo Dallas, who was making his ring return after nearly 200 days away. This win not only marked a significant milestone for Tama but also ended Uncle Howdy’s hiatus, with the result surprising many due to Howdy’s stature and anticipation around his comeback.
Tag Team Dynamics and Notable Performances
The match dynamic included intriguing moments as Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis, currently holding the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, showcased their championship form. Erick Rowan, serving as the powerhouse for The Wyatt Sicks, impressed by managing to lift Talla Tonga, a feat not often witnessed since Tonga’s debut the previous year. This display of strength and shifting alliances underlines how the tag team scene on SmackDown remains unpredictable and competitive.
Tama Tonga’s Prospects in the Championship Scene
Speculation continues regarding Tama Tonga’s potential move toward the United States Title, a development that has been hinted at since Ilja Dragunov’s championship reign. Recently, Shinsuke Nakamura took on Carmelo Hayes’s open challenge for the US Title on SmackDown, further fueling rumors about future contenders. With the US Title picture growing more dynamic under Sami Zayn’s open challenge policy, Tonga’s recent successes could pave the way for an eventual title opportunity.
The Lasting Impact of a Standout Victory
Tama Tonga’s win on SmackDown not only disrupts current storylines but also reinvigorates the tag team and singles title chases. As the US Title scene thrives and key WWE Superstars like Shinsuke Nakamura and Sami Zayn remain central to championship narratives, Tonga’s emergence as a formidable challenger points toward compelling future matchups and continued surprise outcomes for WWE fans.
SOLO GRABS THE WYATT'S LANTERN
UNCLE HOWDY GETS DISTRACTED
TAMA TONGA PICKS UP THE WIN FOR THE MFTS!
SOLO TAKES THE LANTERN WITH HIMSELF
"I got the whole world in my hands." – Solo#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/5N6psY8vLa
— ibobo prince (@iboboprince336) January 9, 2026
