WWE’s creative team has come under fire for its approach to Solo Sikoa WWE booking, particularly involving how the faction known as the MFT (Most Fabulous Truth) was introduced on SmackDown. The controversy emerged after Solo Sikoa featured in a video package last week, promoting new members Talla Tonga, Tonga Loa, and JC Mateo, raising questions about the timing and strategy behind these promotions.
Solo Sikoa Urges Power and Loyalty on SmackDown
On the recent episode of SmackDown, Solo Sikoa spotlighted the imposing seven-foot Talla Tonga, urging him to tap into his destructive potential and defeat anyone opposing the MFT faction. This came following Solo’s previous introductions of Tonga Loa and JC Mateo over past weeks, continuing to build the group’s presence. Despite these efforts, Solo hinted that the faction still lacked something essential, possibly referring to the sidelined Tama Tonga.
Vince Russo Critiques WWE’s Backward Booking Strategy
Vince Russo, former WWE head writer and veteran commentator, strongly criticized the direction WWE has taken with the MFT’s video package, stressing that the timing is off. Speaking on BroDown with host Mac Davis, Russo argued that the faction should have been introduced individually through vignettes before appearing on television as a unit. He described the current approach as unclear and ineffective, implying that WWE’s creative team has been improvising rather than following a coherent plan.
“It’s comical to me that now we’re doing Solo Sikoa and his whole group, now we’re doing vignettes on these guys, and now, we’re introducing these guys. How many months after the fact? Isn’t that the first thing you’re supposed to do? Shouldn’t we have had Solo introduce these guys one by one before we saw them as a group? That right there just tells you they have no clue what they’re doing. You don’t give these guys introductions after you’ve seen them on television for six months. That doesn’t make any sense.”
– Vince Russo, Former WWE Head Writer
Creative Missteps Underscore Broader Issues for WWE Factions
Russo’s remarks underscore wider concerns about WWE’s booking methods for emerging groups like the MFT. Introducing faction members individually before showcasing the stable allows viewers to form connections with each wrestler and understand their roles. Deviating from this standard practice can lead to confusion among audiences and hinder fan investment in the team’s storyline.
After unpacking the recent vignette, it is evident that WWE’s last-minute introductions for members like Talla Tonga arrive late in the narrative, leaving fans and critics questioning the overall creative direction. The absence of Tama Tonga, who has been inactive due to injury, adds to the uncertainty around the faction’s full potential and future storylines.
Implications for Solo Sikoa and the MFT’s Future on WWE Programming
The backlash over Solo Sikoa WWE booking illustrates the challenges WWE faces when aligning its creative strategies with fan expectations and narrative clarity. For both Solo Sikoa and the MFT, these missteps risk diminishing the impact the faction could have had if introduced with stronger storytelling foundations. Going forward, WWE’s booking team will need to navigate these critiques carefully to maintain audience interest and develop compelling story arcs.
As the faction builds momentum, the next episodes of SmackDown will be crucial for addressing these concerns and potentially reestablishing the group’s identity in the eyes of viewers.
