The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Afa Anoa’i Sr., a WWE Hall of Famer and uncle of current WWE Superstar Roman Reigns. Afa, who was one-half of the legendary tag team The Wild Samoans, passed away at the age of 81.
Afa Anoa’i Sr. and his brother Sika Anoa’i dominated the wrestling scene in the 1970s and 1980s as The Wild Samoans. The duo’s fearsome in-ring presence earned them three World Tag Team Championships in WWE, cementing their status as one of the most formidable tag teams in history. Beyond their achievements in WWE, The Wild Samoans also made their mark in promotions such as Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), where they gathered numerous accolades.
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…— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) August 16, 2024
In 1992, Afa transitioned into a managerial role in WWE, guiding The Headshrinkers—a tag team featuring his son Samu and nephew Fatu, also known as Rikishi. He retired from WWE in 1995 but continued to impact the industry by co-founding The Wild Samoan Training Facility with his brother Sika, training future WWE stars, including Batista.
WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa’i, Father of Roman Reigns, Passes Away at 79
Afa’s passing was confirmed by his son, Samu Anoa’i, in a Facebook post: “It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of my father Afa Anoa’i Sr. It was a peaceful transition, and he was surrounded by loved ones. Please respect our privacy as we mourn our father.”
Earlier reports had surfaced regarding Afa’s declining health, but the Anoa’i family clarified that he was still fighting, even as the situation became increasingly dire. Afa had been dealing with several health issues over the past year, including heart and back surgery in May. These challenges ultimately led to the closure of his Florida-based wrestling promotion, World Xtreme Wrestling.
WWE issued a statement on Afa’s passing, expressing their condolences: “WWE is saddened to learn that Afa Anoa’i Sr.—a WWE Hall of Famer and one-half of the iconic Wild Samoans tag team—has passed away. WWE extends its condolences to Anoa’i’s family, friends, and fans.”
Sika, the fat, her of Roman Reigns and late WWE star Rosey and brother of Afa had died at the age of 79 earlier this year in June.
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