“More Over”: Tama Tonga’s Run in Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline Praised Over Tony Khan's Handling of AEW Debuts

Kazuchika Okada was one of the hottest free agents earlier this year after his contract with NJPW expired. During the following weeks, talk began about his next destination, and soon the Rainmaker reached an agreement with the Tony Khan -led promotion. He made his first appearance as an official part of the roster on the March 8 edition of Dynamite. Joining the Elite in their evil schemes.

In his very first singles match in AEW, Okada faced Eddie Kingston and became the new AEW Continental Champion. Thus ending Kingston's 81-day, four-defense reign since his victory at Worlds End 2023. This proves the level of trust that the company has in the former NJPW superstar, as they see him as a top-level draw who could bring in a major crowd for the promotion that recently hit a record low in terms of ratings.

However, despite the win, it seems like Okada still isn't over with AEW fans. Mercedes Mone too suffers a similar fate, as despite being pushed to the moon, she often receives flak for her promos and the quality of matches that she has been made a part of. And in the latest edition of the Busted Open Podcast , Denise Salcedo and Matt Camp talked about how the situation is very different for the WWE, as Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu have already won over the fans despite being in the WWE for a really short amount of time.

In the very first edition of Friday Night SmackDown, right after the fortieth edition of the Showcase of the Immortals, Tama Tonga made his debut. A NJPW superstar who recently signed a contract with the federation based in the city of Stamford. Tama sided with Solo Sikoa, becoming the first member of the now-reformed Bloodline 2.0. Since then, Tonga has made himself the right-hand man of Sikoa and an established fixture in the WWE. Something that was praised by the hosts of the Busted Open Podcast.

Tama Tonga's run wins in comparison to AEW's top draws They said, "But not just Jacob Fatu's first night in, even Tama Tonga. He was kind of not one of those names coming out of New Japan that people talked about. I've seen the reactions he's gotten on these shows. He's more over certainly than Okada is with the AEW fans, I think." Tama Tonga was soon joined by his brother Tanga Loa. But it was Jacob Fatu who showed everyone how one can win the crowd overnight. Fatu made his debut in the main event of SmackDown. Where he saved Bloodline 2.0 leader Solo Sikoa from Cody Rhodes , Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens. And the way he destroyed his opponents won the support of fans and other veterans of the sport.

So now that AEW, which is already looking to have an upper hand in their negotiations, is already failing in terms of views, it would be best if they tried and established their superstars the way the WWE did. Which is by sending them right into the thick of action. A formula they did now apply to Mercedes Mone. Looks like the Florida-based promotion has initiated course correction for the female star, as she did not fight for a long time despite making her debut in AEW. Something that irked fans and critics. Especially knowing the fact that the CEO is not her very best on the microphone. So, what do you think? Did AEW actually fail to establish their stars? Let us know in the comments.