Two Tongan wrestlers “Tama Tonga” and “Bad Luck Fale” have gained a cult following among Japanese wrestling fans. Both Tama Tonga and Bad Luck Fale are competing in Japan’s prestigious professional wrestling tournament, the 2016 G1 Climax tournament.

Bad Luck Fale, born Fale Simitaitoko (34), is a former professional rugby player for Japanese rugby club Fukuoka Sanix Blues. He moved to Japan from New Zealand in 2001 on a Rugby scholarship to Tokuyama University. Fale switched to professional wrestling in 2009 and in 2010 he made his debut in Japanese professional wrestling. In 2013, Fale defeated reigning Japanese champion Nakamura to become the IWGP Intercontinental Champion. Also known to Japanese fans as Tonga-ban Gojira (Tongan Godzilla) Bad Luck Fale’s signature moves include the “Falling Coconut”, “The Bad Luck Fall” and the “Catching Choke Lariat Slam”.

Tama Tonga, born ‘Alipate Fifita (33), is the step-son of WWF legend King Haku (Tonga Fifita). ‘Alipate started his professional wrestling career in the United States in 2008 before moving to Japan in 2010. Prior to becoming a professional wrestler, ‘Alipate served in the United States Airforce for six years. Known for his menancing white painted face, Tama Tonga’s signature moves include the “Tongan Twist” and the “Head Shrinker”.