Afa Anoaʻi passes away at age 81

WWE Hall of Famer Afa Anoaʻi, one half of the legendary Wild Samoans, has passed away at age 81.

His passing comes just two months after his brother Sika, father of WWE Superstar Roman Reigns, passed away at age 79.

The news was announced by his son, Samu.

“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,” he wrote.

Afa had been dealing with several health issues lately, including two heart attacks. He also underwent several surgeries after falling earlier this year.

Afa started his wrestling career in 1971 and was trained by his cousin Rocky Johnson and uncle Peter Maivia. He teamed up with his brother and started terrorizing promotions such as Stampede Wrestling, the NWA, and others, before moving to the WWF in 1979.

He and Sika had two stints with the WWF and returned alone in 1992 as the manager of The Headshrinkers. He had his final match for WWF in 1994. He also managed Samu and Sione, the man formerly known as The Barbarian.

After his departure from national television, Afa started the Wild Samoans Training Center where he trained several people along the way and ran his wrestling promotion World Xtreme Wrestling.

Afa, a former three-time WWF tag team champion, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007 along with his brother. He last appeared on WWE television at the Hell In A Cell premium live event in 2020 to celebrate Roman Reigns’ victory.