Afa Anoa’i of the Wild Samoans has passed away at the age of 81.
Afa Anoa’i passes away
Afa Anoai’s son Samu confirmed the demise of his father on August 16. He wrote:
“It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of my father Afa Anoai Sr. It was a peaceful transition and he was surrounded by loved ones. Please respect our privacy as we morn our father.”
Afa Anoai has passed away a couple of months after the death of his brother and former tag partner Sika Anoa’i.
Samu Anoa’i first noted the news of Afa Anoa’i’s condition on August 15.
“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.”
WWE has also issued a statement:
“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.
Anoa’i was best known for teaming alongside his brother Sika Anoa’i as the legendary tag team The Wild Samoans. The siblings began teaming up in the 1970s, collecting accolades and championships in Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling promotion and the National Wrestling Alliance before debuting in WWE in 1979. The brothers dominated WWE in the 1980s, capturing the World Tag Team Championship three times and becoming known as one of the most feared teams in WWE history.
Afa returned to WWE in 1992 as the manager for The Headshrinkers, a team comprised of his son Samu and nephew Fatu, aka Rikishi, before retiring from WWE in 1995.
Afa and Sika later opened The Wild Samoan Training Facility, where the legendary duo would train future generations of WWE Superstars, including Batista. In 2007, The Wild Samoans were bestowed with the highest honor in sports-entertainment when they were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, where they will be forever enshrined as one of the greatest tag teams of all time.
WWE extends its condolences to Anoa’i’s family, friends and fans.”
Afa Anoa’i was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame alongside his brother Sika in 2007. His last WWE appearance took place at the WWE Hell in a Cell 2020 alongside Sika when they acknowledged Roman Reigns as their Tribal Chief.
We at Cage Star News send condolences to the Anoa’i family.
