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4 things wrestling fans should know about Afa Anoa'i

Posted: Aug 21st 2024 By: Charlene Badasie - The Sportster.com

Afa Anoa'i trained under legends like Rocky Johnson and Peter Maivia, forming the dominant tag team, The Wild Samoans.
Afa's legacy lives on through his respected work as a trainer, shaping the careers of stars like Batista and Yokozuna.
Roman Reigns now carries on the torch of the Anoa'i family, with Afa and Sika passing it to him in 2020.

Afa Anoa'i, who passed away at the age of 81 on August 16, was a legendary figure in professional wrestling. While younger fans may primarily know him as Roman Reigns' uncle, Anoa'i made a massive impact on the sport during his in-ring career and beyond.

Afa Anoa'i Was One Half Of The Wild Samoans Tag Teams
Afa Was Born In The Western Samoa Trust Territory.

Afa Anoa'i trained under wrestling legends Rocky Johnson and Peter Maivia.
The Wild Samoans became known for their savage persona.
They left WWF in 1984 after a successful run.

Afa was born in the Western Samoa Trust Territory and later moved to San Francisco with his parents. After leaving the Marines, which he joined at age 17, Afa trained to be a wrestler under his relatives Rocky Johnson and Peter Maivia, with additional guidance from Kurt Von Steiger. Although he made his wrestling debut in 1971, Afa's career really took off when he teamed up with his brother Sika to form The Wild Samoans.

The Wild Samoans were known for their savage persona, which included eating raw fish. Their in-ring careers were marked by their success in various promotions, including winning the IWA World Tag Team Championship in Japan. The duo were dominant in the early 1980s, winning the WWF Tag Team Championship three times, during which they feuded with Bob Backlund and others. They eventually left the company in 1984 and missed out on appearing in the first WrestleMania.

The Wild Samoan Training Center Was Responsible For Training Many Legends
Afa Became A Respected Trainer In The Wrestling Industry

Afa founded the Wild Samoan Training Center.
The school focused on physical skills and wrestling psychology.
Afa earned respect as a dedicated mentor to stars like Batista, Yokozuna

Afa returned to the WWF as a manager of The Headshrinkers in the early 1990s. The tag team featured his son Samu and nephew Fatu. He made his final wrestling appearance in 1994 before leaving the WWF in 1995. Afa went on to become a respected trainer by helping to shape the careers of many future stars, including his nephew, Roman Reigns. He founded the Wild Samoan Training Center, which became one of the most respected wrestling schools in the industry.

Located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the center trained Batista, Yokozuna, Rikishi, Junkyard Dog, and Michael P.S. Hayes. According to those who knew him, Afa's training also included the psychology of wrestling and the importance of storytelling. "He was a man who protected and appreciated the Pro Wrestling business," Jim Cornette said via PW Insider. "Afa was his own man, and along with his brother Sika, both were great teachers and a tag team respected by all."

Roman Reigns Now Continues The Legacy Of The Wild Samoans
Afa and Sika Passed The Torch To Roman Reigns In 2020

Afa and Sika honored Roman Reigns as the Tribal Chief at Hell In A Cell 2020.
This marked the passing of the torch within the Anoa'i family.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson also honored his uncles.

Afa and Sika made their final WWE appearance during the 2020 Hell in a Cell premium live event. The pair joined Roman Reigns on stage after his victory over Jey Uso, who quit to save his brother Jimmy from Roman's guillotine chokehold. Following the match, Afa and Sika came to the ring and placed the ceremonial Ula Fala around his neck. The moment was not just a passing of the torch but also an acknowledged Roman as the Tribal Chief of the family and WWE.

Afa and Sika were also mentioned by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson during an event prior to WrestleMania 40 - just before he turned heel by slapping Cody Rhodes. The names of the WWE Hall of Famers came up while the Final Boss was making a point about his family being a dominant force in the wrestling business. While it served as an excellent storytelling tool, the nod to the entire Anoa'i family was a fitting tribute to the legendary brothers.

The Anoa'i Family Is A Family In Mourning
The Anoa'i family Suffered Two Losses In 2024

Afa Anoa'i passed away shortly after his brother Sika, leaving the Anoa'i family grieving.
Roman Reigns led the tributes, honoring the legacy of the Wild Samoans.
Reigns expressed comfort in knowing the brothers are reunited in heaven.

Afa Anoa'i has passed less than two months after his brother Sika (Roman Reigns' dad) died. Roman led the tributes for his uncle in a post on social media. "Our family has suffered another great loss with the passing of my uncle and WWE Hall of Famer, Gataivas? Afa Amituana'i Anoa'i," Reigns wrote on X on Friday:

"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."