Hall of Fame Wrestler Afa Anoa'i, Uncle of Roman Reigns, Dead At 81

WWE Hall of Famer Afa Anoa’i, uncle to WWE Superstar Roman Reigns, has passed away at 81 years old.

The daughter of the legendary wrestler confirmed his passing with a heartfelt message to him posted to X.

“I love you so much, Dad,” she wrote. “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,” she continued. “That’s all I could have hoped for. I love you so much.”

In a detailed note accompanying her post, she revealed that he suffered two heart attacks in January, followed by him breaking his back in March.

Anoa’i began wrestling in 1971 in Phoenix, Arizona. He would team up with his brother Sika to become the Wild Samoans and win multiple Tag Team Championships.

He would officially leave wrestling in 1995 (except for a one night team-up at the IWA Night of The Legends in 1997, popping out of retirement briefly for World Xtreme Wrestling in 2013 and 2014, and then at a Hell in a Cell match in 2020) to train wrestlers at his Wild Samoan Training Facility with his brother. Anoa’i was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

The wrestler's death comes a few months after the passing of his brother, Sika on June 25 (who was the father of Roman Reigns). At the time, a family member shared the news with an Instagram post announcing the sad news, but also celebrating him for his achievements.

“He was many things: a hard working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather,” they wrote. “He was a cherished friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless individuals.”

“His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, reminding us of the impact one person’s life can have on so many,” they continued. “Rest in love Uncle Sika🤍🕊️ #wildsamoans #halloffamer #sikaanoai."