WWE History Vol. 3: The Kings of Wrestling

The Second King: Haku

Tonga Fifita is a Samoan native who grew up in the laid back environment of the Samoan islands. When the king of Samoa wanted to learn about Sumo wrestling, he sent Tonga to Japan to study the ancient art.

Unfortunately, the Sumo establishment didn't take well to foreigners in their beloved and sacred sport. Sumo wrestlers are considered to be Shinto priests, and it was believed that a foreign Sumo wrestler would offend the Japanese people.

With his Sumo career stagnant, Fifita would turn to wrestling. He joined the All Japan Pro Wrestling promotion, ironically competing as King Tonga.

When Tonga came to WWE, he was redubbed Haku and was pushed as a babyface. He would achieve fame by body slamming Big John Studd and winning Bobby Heenan's 15k challenge, though of course, the Brain refused to pay him.

After this feat of strength, Haku would eventually join the tag team division teaming with Tama in the Islanders. They turned heel and feuded with the notable teams of the day, such as the British Bulldogs.

When Tama left the company, Haku was soon managed by old nemesis Bobby Heenan. After Harley Race's injury forced him out of action, the Brain crowned Haku the new King of Wrestling.

Haku feuded with notable babyfaces of the day, including Harley Race, who, after returning from injury, was furious that his crown had been abdicated without his consent.

Haku wound up facing off against Race's old nemesis Hacksaw Jim Duggan. This would prove to be the final act in King Haku's legacy.

Haku would feature at the top of anybody's list of WWE superstars who were legitimately tough. His exploits outside the ring have been well documented and his no-nonsense approach made him one of the most feared wrestlers of all time.