Toa Liona Bio
Early Life and Background
Bruce Orlando Leaupepe, known professionally as Toa Liona, was born on January 30, 1991, in San Jose, California. He attended Oak Grove High School, where he played both football and basketball. After graduating in 2009, he pursued higher education at the City College of San Francisco and De Anza College before enrolling at San Diego State University, where he majored in criminal justice. Liona played football for the San Diego State Aztecs but had to quit due to a back injury, which led him to transition into professional wrestling.
Path to All Elite Wrestling
Liona began his wrestling career in 2020 after being trained by Rikishi. He started on the independent circuit, primarily wrestling in promotions across Los Angeles, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada. In early 2021, he formed a tag team with Juicy Finau called “Toko Uso,” marking his early achievements in the wrestling world before transitioning to larger promotions.
Toa Liona Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Liona’s early career saw him wrestling primarily on the independent circuit, where he gained valuable experience and honed his skills. His first notable appearances came in 2021, where he began to establish himself as a promising talent in the wrestling community. During this time, he formed a tag team with Juicy Finau, which helped him gain recognition.
All Elite Wrestling / Ring of Honor Breakthrough (2021–Present)
Toa Liona made his All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debut on October 23, 2021, on AEW Dark: Elevation, teaming with Mike Reed in a match against FTR. Shortly after, he appeared on AEW Dark, teaming with Bison XL. In April 2022, Liona was introduced as one of Tully Blanchard’s new clients, forming the tag team Gates of Agony with Kaun. The duo quickly made an impact, defeating the Shinobi Shadow Squad at their first event together.
Gates of Agony made their AEW television debut on July 6, 2022, where they secured a victory against Jonathan Gresham and Lee Moriarty. They continued to build momentum, culminating in a victory at Final Battle, where they won the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship. However, they faced challenges, including a loss to FTR at Battle of the Belts IV when they challenged for the ROH World Tag Team Championship. On November 1, 2023, they regained the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team titles on AEW Dynamite.
Current Team Era (2025–Present)
In 2025, Gates of Agony continued to evolve, aligning themselves with Ricochet and rebranding as “The Demand.” They participated in significant matches, including a notable victory at All Out on September 20, 2025. However, they faced setbacks in rematches against The Hurt Syndicate, showcasing the competitive nature of the tag team division in AEW.
Professional Wrestler Style and Strengths
Toa Liona is known for his powerful in-ring style, utilizing his height and strength to dominate opponents. His strategic approach to tag team wrestling, combined with his agility, makes him a formidable competitor in the ring.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Liona is a former two-time ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champion, highlighting his success in tag team competition. His performances in AEW and ROH have established him as a rising star in the professional wrestling landscape.
Toa Liona Career Wins
Toa Liona has achieved notable success in his wrestling career, particularly in tag team competitions. His victories in various promotions have contributed to his reputation as a skilled wrestler.
Current All Elite Wrestling Series Highlights
As of 2025, Liona has secured multiple wins as part of the Gates of Agony and The Demand. His first significant win in AEW came shortly after his debut, and he has continued to add to his accolades, including championship victories.
Previous Ring of Honor Series Achievements
In Ring of Honor, Liona’s most significant achievement includes winning the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level in prestigious matches.
Toa Liona Family
Family Background and Wrestling Lineage
Toa Liona is of Samoan and Puerto Rican descent, reflecting a rich cultural heritage that adds to his wrestling persona. While specific details about his family are not publicly available, his background plays a role in his identity as a professional wrestler.
Personal Life
Details about Liona’s personal life remain private, with a focus primarily on his professional wrestling career. He has not publicly disclosed information regarding his marital status or family.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a pivotal year for Toa Liona and the Gates of Agony. They have been actively competing in AEW, showcasing their skills in high-stakes matches. The team has maintained a strong presence in the tag team division, with key victories and championship pursuits. As they continue to build momentum, the outlook for the remainder of the season appears promising, with potential for further accolades and recognition in the wrestling world.
