Afa Anoa'i

Wrestling Legend Afa Anoa'i Passes Away at 81

The wrestling world mourns the loss of WWE Hall of Famer, Afa Anoa'i, as tributes pour in. Get the inside scoop on this legendary Wild Samoan and his impact on the ring!

The world of professional wrestling is in mourning as WWE Hall of Famer Afa Anoa'i, best known for being one-half of the legendary Wild Samoans tag team, passed away at the age of 81. Afa, along with his brother Sika Anoa'i, dominated the tag team scene and was regarded as one of the greatest tag teams of their generation. Their wild-haired, hard-hitting persona made them fan favorites and cemented their legacy in the annals of wrestling history.

The news of Afa's passing was confirmed by his family and has elicited an outpouring of tributes from across the wrestling world. WWE Superstar Roman Reigns, who is Afa’s nephew, took to social media to honor his uncle’s memory, calling him a pioneer and a crucial part of the Anoa'i family's wrestling dynasty. This comes as a double blow to Roman Reigns, who recently also lost his father, Sika Anoa'i, Afa's tag team partner.

Born on November 21, 1942, in Samoa, Afa Anoa'i moved to the United States where he began his wrestling career in the 1970s. He quickly rose through the ranks with his intense style and crowd-pleasing antics. Together, the Wild Samoans held multiple tag team championships and were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. Their influence on wrestling is still felt today, with many modern wrestlers citing them as inspirations.

Aside from his work in the ring, Afa Anoa'i was also known for his role in training the next generation of wrestlers. His wrestling school, the Wild Samoan Training Center, has produced numerous successful wrestlers and continues to be a respected institution in the wrestling world.

**Did you know?** The Wild Samoans were famous for their pre-match rituals, which included biting into raw fish and gnawing on turkey legs to showcase their 'wild' persona. This unconventional style only added to their mystique and drew in legions of fans.

**Fun Fact:** Both Afa and Sika Anoa'i have achieved individual wrestling success outside their partnership. Afa has wrestled in multiple continents and earned accolades as an individual performer, while Sika had a memorable solo career in the latter part of his wrestling journey.