NXT’s Solo Sikoa Has Proven He Can Be A Star Without The Bloodline
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There’s no doubt that the best thing going on in WWE right now is Roman Reigns and The Bloodline. Reigns is doing the best work of his career as the monster final boss heel, and his cousins, The Usos, are the perfect choice to back him up, from their starts as enemies, to their current roles of acknowledging lackeys.
Many think that it’s time for The Bloodline to expand. If the faction were to add more members, the most logical choice for inclusion is the Usos' younger brother, NXT star Solo Sikoa. He’s family and looks just like his older brothers. Sikoa has proven himself on his own though, without riding the coattails of his famous family. He doesn’t need The Bloodline to make it in WWE. Sikoa is doing just fine on his own.
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Sikoa Comes From Wrestling’s Most Dominant Family
Born Joseph Fatu, Sikoa is the 29-year-old son of WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, and the younger brother of Jimmy and Jey Uso. He is a member of the legendary Anoa’i family, a Samoan legacy that has produced legends such as Yokozuna, Haku, Umaga, The Wild Samoans, Roman Reigns, and The Rock.
Before joining WWE, Sikoa performed on the indie circuit for two years as Sefa Fatu in Old School Championship Wrestling and Future Stars of Wrestling (FSW). Nothing was handed to him. Despite his famous lineage, Sikoa worked his way up, paying his dues in near-empty arenas, bettering himself, rather than coasting on his name. He caught WWE’s attention by earning it.
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Sikoa Has Been Impressive In NXT
Sikoa was signed as a recruit to WWE’s Performance Center in 2021, where he received his new name. The choice raised eyebrows. While the easy thing to do would have been to christen him something such as Joey Uso, playing off his heritage, he was taken in a different direction, showing that WWE saw something in him and wanted to build him up into a star of his own making.
His older brothers agree. Jimmy Uso recently told WWE’s After The Bell, "We told lil bro, 'You have to find your way. We have been through this fire before. You have to find what works for you.' He's down there doing his thing…First thing is, don't look like us because we look a lot alike. 'Alright, bet.' He had long hair, he chopped his hair, dyed his hair, went from the Air Forces to barefoot. He's uncomfortable in the ring barefoot, but he's doing whatever he needs to do to make his own mark."
With his intimidating facial expressions, long trunks, and towel draped over his head, Sikoa is presented more like a next-generation Samoa Joe than an Uso. It has worked. Since his call-up in late 2021, Sikoa has dominated NXT, beating the likes of Grayson Waller, LA Knight, Santos Escobar, and Roderick Strong, becoming a fan favorite along the way. He currently finds himself in a feud with Cameron Grimes and Carmelo Hayes that his him on a collision course with a shot at the North American Championship.
It’s not hard to fathom that he’ll be the one to beat Grimes and be the number two guy on the brand behind Bron Breakker. He has the look, the mic skills, the talent, and that indescribable “it” factor that could turn him into a solo star akin to his father, rather than a tag team specialist. Sikoa has shown that he can believably stand on his own and truly live up to his new first name.
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What Does A Main Roster Call Up Look Like For Sikoa?
To say that WWE’s creative direction is fluid is an understatement. Many NXT stars see a change to their character when they are called up to Raw or SmackDown. Names change, and personas evolve into something completely different. For all we know, when Sikoa debuts on the main roster, it will be beside The Bloodline, his blonde hair gone, shoes back on his feet, and his name now Uso.
There’s no doubt that direction would work. It would put Sikoa in the spotlight immediately with WWE’s most popular star and storyline. He would bring a freshness to The Bloodline that the faction needs. Hopefully, however, WWE sees what they have in Sikoa as his own man. He has “it” and that shouldn’t be diminished. The Usos are one of the all-time tag team greats. Just because Sikoa is their brother and looks just like them doesn’t mean he has to follow in their footsteps. He can be the next Rikishi or even the next Roman Reigns. Don’t hold him back. Let him fly solo.
