King Haku

HAKU 

For those wrestling fans just getting into wrestling I bring to you Haku ... He was one of my fav wrestlers growing up and you will learn alot about him here. 

Tonga Fifita, known to fans around the world as Haku (and later Meng), is widely regarded as one of the toughest and most respected figures in professional wrestling history. His career spans decades, multiple continents, and some of the biggest wrestling organizations, including WWE and WCW. While he may not have always been in the spotlight as a main-event champion, his legacy is built on credibility, intensity, and the respect he earned from peers and fans alike.

Haku was born in Tonga, a Polynesian island nation known for its strong warrior culture. Before entering professional wrestling, he trained in sumo wrestling, which helped him develop balance, strength, and discipline. This background gave him a unique foundation that translated well into the physical demands of wrestling.    At the age of 15, he was part of a group of six teenagers and young men sent by the King of Tonga, Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV, to Japan to study sumo. Sione Vailahi, who would later become better known as pro-wrestler "The Barbarian", was also a part of this group.  Barbarian also is a After moving to Japan in 1974, he competed under the shikona (sumo name) of Fukushima (福ノ島). He made his debut in November 1974 and reached the rank of Makushita 27. However, in 1975 the stablemaster who recruited him died, and he and the other five Tongan wrestlers got entangled in a dispute with his successor, which led to him being forced to retire by the Japan Sumo Association in 1976 .

Haku’s rise to prominence came during his time in the WWF (now WWE) in the 1980s. Initially appearing as part of tag teams, he later gained recognition as a singles competitor. One of his most notable achievements came in 1988 when he won the King of the Ring tournament, adopting the persona of “King Haku.” Managed by Bobby Heenan, he became a key member of the Heenan Family, one of the most famous villainous factions in wrestling history. As King Haku, he was portrayed as a ruthless and regal competitor, reinforcing his image as someone not to be challenged.
During his WWF run, Haku also found success in tag team competition. He teamed with the legendary André the Giant to form The Colossal Connection, a team that combined André’s iconic size with Haku’s toughness. Together, they captured the WWF Tag Team Championship, further cementing Haku’s place in the company’s history. 

His ability to seamlessly transition between singles and tag team roles made him an invaluable asset to the roster.

In the 1990s, Haku moved to WCW, where he competed under the name Meng. This period of his career emphasized his reputation as an unstoppable force. As Meng, he was often portrayed as nearly indestructible, with a brutal in-ring style that made him one of the most intimidating competitors in the promotion. He formed the tag team Faces of Fear with The Barbarian, creating a duo known for their sheer physical dominance.
Beyond championships and storylines, Haku’s legacy is heavily shaped by his real-life reputation. Countless stories from fellow wrestlers describe him as one of the toughest men to ever step into the industry. Unlike many larger-than-life personas in wrestling, Haku’s aura of danger was grounded in reality.

 When Fifita joined WCW, he adopted the name Meng and was presented as a savage, nearly indestructible competitor. Unlike flashy or comedic characters, Meng was portrayed as serious, dangerous, and unpredictable. His in-ring style was hard-hitting and physical, emphasizing strikes, submissions, and brute strength.

One of his most notable alliances was with The Barbarian. Together, they formed The Faces of Fear, a tag team known for their intimidating presence and raw power. Managed by Jimmy Hart at times, the duo often dominated opponents and became a key part of WCW’s tag team division. In WCW he won the WCW Hardcore Championship as well. 

Haku is married to Dorothy Koloamatangi whom they have a daughter, Vika; a son, Tanga Loa who is also a wrestler; and two adopted son who were the nephews of his wife Tama and Talla . His son Tanga Loa played football as a defensive end for the University of Texas at El Paso and was on the WWE roster from 2009 until 2014, as Camacho, and was also known as Micah in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Among Fifita's cousins are former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Steve Fifita and Australian Wallabies rugby international player Tatafu Polota-Nau. Haku made a cameo appearance in the 1978 Sylvester Stallone movie Paradise Alley along with many other professional wrestlers. In New Japan Pro Wrestling Tama and Tanga Loa and Talla aka Hikuleo were known as Guerrilas of Destiny and they were 8 time IWGP Tag Team Champions. 

Haku  also has close connections with Dwayne Johnson, who also wrestles as The Rock, a non-blood related member of the Anoaʻi family, whom Johnson considered as his uncle.

In conclusion, Haku’s history is one of resilience, strength, and respect. From his early days training in sumo to his time as King Haku in WWF and Meng in WCW, he consistently proved himself as one of wrestling’s most formidable figures. While he may not have always held the top titles, his impact on the industry is undeniable. Haku remains a symbol of toughness and professionalism, and his legacy endures as one of the most respected in all of professional wrestling.