Family members, wrestling world pay tribute to Afa Anoa’i
The wrestling world is paying tribute to Afa Anoa’i.
Afa, who was part of the legendary Wild Samoans tag team with his brother Sika, passed away on Friday at the age of 81, just weeks after Sika passed away in June. On Friday’s WWE SmackDown, the company aired a tribute highlighting his career.
Afa’s daughter, Vale Anoa’i, responded to the tribute on X.
“Deeply touched and grateful for the absolutely beautiful tribute video @WWE put together for my Dad. That was perfect. My heart is full of love. Thank you so much,” she wrote.
Roman Reigns wrote about his uncle Afa shortly after his passing was announced.
“Our family has suffered another great loss with the passing of my uncle and WWE Hall of Famer, Gataivasā Afa Amituana’i Anoa’i,” he wrote. 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.”
Son Afa wrote on Facebook: “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! #Anoai”
Rikishi, Lance Anoa’i, and Reno Anoa’i also posted on X:
AEW, TNA, and other figures in pro wrestling posted on social media in the hours following the announcement of his passing:
In the 1970s and 80s, The Wild Samoans were a dominant part of the WWE’s tag team divsion, winning the titles three times. They were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007, and their legacy lives on with The Bloodline stable, a prominent part of WWE programing.