SmackDown May 22, 2026: Gunther Responds to Cody Rhodes' Attack
A look back at the key events from WWE SmackDown on May 22, 2026, including Gunther's reaction to Cody Rhodes' assault, Rhea Ripley's respon...
Tama Tonga returned to WWE SmackDown after being sidelined with an injury since April.
He reunited with the MFT faction (Talla Tonga, Tonga Loa, and JC Mateo).
Tama Tonga attacked Shinsuke Nakamura during his United States Championship match against Sami Zayn, causing a disqualification.
The MFTs unleashed a post-match assault on both Nakamura and Zayn.
The MFTs were seen wearing face paint similar to their look as the Guerrillas of Destiny in NJPW.
Solo Sikoa observed the attack, seemingly confirming Tama Tonga as the missing piece of the MFT faction.
This strengthens the MFTs' dominance heading into WWE's fall season.
Why this matters: Tama Tonga's return significantly impacts the SmackDown landscape, solidifying the MFT faction as a force to be reckoned with. His addition to the group intensifies the ongoing storyline and sets the stage for future rivalries.
On the October 10th episode of SmackDown from Perth, Australia, Tama Tonga made his comeback, interfering in the United States Championship match between Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura. The attack resulted in a disqualification, ending the match prematurely.
Tama Tonga was then joined by Talla Tonga, Tonga Loa, and JC Mateo, as they assaulted Nakamura and Zayn. The group sported face paint reminiscent of Tama and Loa's time as the Guerrillas of Destiny in NJPW.
Solo Sikoa appeared, observing the scene and seemingly confirming Tama Tonga as the missing piece in the MFT faction. This cements the alliance between Solo Sikoa and the MFTs, suggesting a prolonged storyline.
Q: Why was Tama Tonga out of action?
Tama Tonga was out of action due to an undisclosed injury since April.
Q: Who are the members of the MFT faction?
The members are Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga, Tonga Loa, and JC Mateo.
Q: What was the significance of the face paint?
The face paint is a callback to Tama and Loa's time as the Guerrillas of Destiny in NJPW, signaling a return to their more menacing roots.
Tama Tonga has returned to SmackDown, strengthening the MFT faction.
The MFTs are now a dominant force on SmackDown.
Expect a continued rivalry between the MFTs and Sami Zayn.
Shinsuke Nakamura is also a target of the MFTs.
Do you think Tama Tonga's return will lead to the MFTs becoming the most dominant faction in WWE? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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