We are saddened to announce the passing of WWE Hall of Famer and former WWF Tag Team Champion Afa Anoa’i, who was one half of the iconic Wild Samoans tag team. He died at the age of 81. His family has confirmed this sad news.
His daughter Vale Anoa’i wrote the following:
“Today, all of our lives are irreparably changed. I love you so much, Dad. More than any words could ever express. Your strength was absolutely superhuman. You fought all the way to the end, and the end was peaceful. That’s all I could have hoped for. I love you so very much.”
Roman Reigns tweeted the following:
“Our family has suffered another great loss with the passing of my uncle and WWE Hall of Famer, Gataivasā Afa Amituana’i Anoa’i. We thank everyone for their support and are comforted by the fact that he now rests in peace. Afa and my father, Pola’ivao Leati Sika Anoa’I were loving brothers, the greatest tag team of their generation, and now they’re reunited together in heaven.
Rest in Power Wild Samoans.”
Afa had been struggling with several health issues in recent years. He underwent multiple heart surgeries and back surgeries after a severe fall. These health problems had a profound impact on his well-being, raising concerns for him during his last days.
He leaves behind a significant legacy that has greatly impacted the professional wrestling world. He is survived by seven children and numerous loved ones, including his nephew, WWE Superstar Roman Reigns.
Afa Anoa’i’s journey began at the age of 17 when he joined the Marine Corps. After his military service, he shifted to professional wrestling and teamed up with his brother Sika to form The Wild Samoans. Together, they dominated their era, securing titles across various wrestling territories, including three WWF Tag Team Championships.
After departing from the WWF in the mid-80s, Afa returned in 1992 to manage the tag team The Headshrinkers, which featured his family members Sami and Fatu. Following his wrestling career, Afa committed himself to training future wrestlers at the Wild Samoan Training Facility, sharing his expertise and love for the industry.
In 2007, Afa Anoa’i was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, solidifying his status among the legends of wrestling.
Samu Anoa’i, Afa’s eldest son, shared a heartfelt tribute to his father:
“As we embark on your final journey home, we express our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering love and guidance you have bestowed upon us throughout our lives. We find solace in knowing that you will soon be reunited with the Lord Jesus, your parents, siblings, and friends who have gone before us. We have no doubt that you will establish a Wild Samoan training center in the sky, bringing us all together once again. We believe in the power of your love and legacy, and we will continue to honor it in all that we do.
Respectfully yours, Big Sam Anoa’i. The oldest cousin of the Bloodline clan.”
Afa’s tag team partner Sika Anoa’i passed away on June 25th of this year, at the age of 79.
Afa’s last appearance on WWE programming was at Hell in a Cell 2020:
