The “Bloodline” member is officially facing internal consequences for a recent social media lapse. According to Andrew Zarian of Fightful.com, Tama Tonga has been fined by WWE management after posting behind-the-scenes footage from the March 13, 2026, episode of Friday Night SmackDown. The video, which was recorded at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona, just moments before doors opened to the public, reportedly violated an “unwritten rule” regarding the recording and posting of rehearsal sessions.
“Word going around at SmackDown is that Tama Tonga was fined by WWE for posting a video of rehearsals last week,” Zarian reported. “Was told it was significant of a fine. WWE has an unwritten rule about not recording/posting during rehearsal.” Tonga has since removed the original video from his accounts, though the footage was captured and re-posted by fans before it was deleted. On Friday, March 20, Tonga appeared to acknowledge the reports on social media with a cryptic response to the news of his penalty.
Details of the Leaked Video and SmackDown Involvement
The footage in question provided a rare view from the SmackDown stage, showing the arena’s production graphics reading “DOORS IN: :00.” In the clip, Tonga panned the camera toward the entrance aisle where Solo Sikoa was seen sitting nearby. The video also captured approximately a dozen individuals around the ring, including a figure who appeared to be the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes. Tonga could be heard interacting with a production assistant named “T,” asking when doors would open, to which the assistant replied, “Now.”
Tonga did not compete in an official capacity during that specific Phoenix broadcast. However, he was present at ringside to support Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga in a non-title tag team encounter. The Bloodline duo ultimately suffered a loss to the team of Erick Rowan and Uncle Howdy during the broadcast. This incident highlights a strict internal policy regarding “exposing the business,” even as the company continues to produce its own behind-the-scenes content under the WWE: Unreal banner.
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