The Anoa’i Family and the Wrestling World Say Goodbye to Wild Samoan Afa

Afa Anoa’i was a WWE Hall of Famer, earning the honor as a member of The Wild Samoan tag team with his brother Sika, which was a major presence in the company during the 1970s and 1980s. After retiring, he became a promoter and trainer himself, running World Xtreme Wrestling and the Wild Samoan Training Center in Florida.

On top of that, Afa was a beloved member of the legendary Samoan dynasty. His family seems destined to remain a part of the wrestling landscape forever, as evidenced by how they are currently at the center of much of WWE programming.

The news of his passing last week at the age of 81 was deeply felt throughout the wrestling world, and obviously within the Anoa’i family.

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His daughter Vale and son Afa Jr. both shared their thoughts on social media, with Vale also thanking WWE for their tributes to his father (the memorial video aired on August 16). Smack down is integrated above).

Several members of Anoa’i’s extended family also posted messages, including nephews Roman Reigns and Rikishi.

The reign of Roman“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 take comfort in the fact that he is now resting 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 are reunited in heaven. Rest in peace, Wild Samoans.”

WWE Chief Creative Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque shared the company’s message as well as his own. It was just one of many memories and tributes from across the company.

Adam Pearce:Good luck, Afa. Your contributions are undeniable and your legacy will live on forever. My thoughts are with his family, friends and all those he touched. Rest well, sir.

On behalf of the entire Cageside Seats community, our thoughts are with everyone missing Afa today.