The wrestling world mourns the death of Afa Anoa’i

The wrestling world mourned the death of Afa of the Wild Samoans, with WWE leading the way in tributes.

WWE aired a video of Afa on Smackdown last night, produced and aired just a few hours after his death was announced.

“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,” read a message from the company on X.

WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque wrote that Afa was devoted to his family, dominant in the ring, and dedicated to building future generations of WWE Superstars. “My thoughts are with the entire Anoa’i family as we remember the legendary Afa.”

AEW also sent its condolences, writing, “AEW and the wrestling world mourn the passing of the legendary Wild Samoan Afa. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans.”

TNA added, “TNA is saddened to learn of the passing of Afa Anoa’i Sr., one-half of the legendary Wild Samoans tag team. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Anoa’i family, his friends and fans during this time.”

Others, including family members led by Roman Reigns, also paid tribute to the Hall of Famer.

Roman Reigns: “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.”

Rikishi: “Uncle AFA. Rest In Power #ThankYouAfa #WildSamoan”

Afa Anoa’i Jr: “I’ve lost my Best Friend, My Biggest Fan, my Mentor, my Hero, my Trainer, my Influence, my world, my Father!!! Nothing can prepare for this part of life. I’m devastated! Rest Easy Dad! Give uncle a big hug for me!”

Vale Anoa’i: “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.”

Reno Anoa’i: “I’ll love you forever Uncle, thank you for everything. Gataivasā Afa Amituana’i Anoa’i, a legend. Ia manuia lau malaga, ANOA’I STRONG”

Natalya: “The Hart family has so much love for your family. Reflecting on the incredible life Afa lived and what an amazing family man he was. May The Wild Samoan’s legacy in wrestling burn brightly FOREVER.”

Michael Hayes: “To say how sorry I am to hear of Afa’s passing is a tremendous understatement. I said at the time of Sika’s passing about how instrumental they were in my life and career and will always be!
Afa is no longer suffering and is with God and all his family, don’t get any better.”

Adam Pearce: “Godspeed, Afa. Your contributions are unquestioned and legacy will live forever. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all he touched. Rest well, sir.”

Matt Hardy: “My thoughts & condolences go out to the families, friends & loved ones of both Afa & Sika. May these 2 trailblazers rest in peace & power. These 2 gentlemen built the foundation that the Samoan Dynasty would be built upon. Godspeed”

Gabe Sapolsky: “RIP Afa. Thank you for everything, sir. Condolences to all his many friends, family and students”

Kevin Kelly: “Was talking w/ @brutalbobevans about prolific coaching trees in Professional Wrestling. However you rank them, (Kowalski, Gagne, etc.) Afa Anoai has to be in the conversation with the greats but his ability to connect in a fatherly way with so many was perhaps his greatest gift.”

Mercedes Martinez: “My heart is broken. It hurts more than I can imagine. My dear POPS. U were more than just my mentor, my teacher, my coach for the last years. U were my POPS. A father figure who took me in and made sure I was always taken care through all parts of my life. Throughout my career, you have been instrumental in helping me navigate the choices I have made to mold me into who I am at this very moment. I’m going to miss you dearly more than I can imagine. Today is tough. But I will cherish your legacy as I always have. I will always keep you close to my heart and remember all the life lessons you have taught me, esp in my personal life. Please say hello to my dad and let him know you have taken care of me. All my love sending my love to the Anoai family.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWMGjJrdcWw