Afa the Wild Samoan brought a feeling of menace whenever he stepped into the ring.
Afa Death – Undisclosed Causes
1942-2024 (Age 81)
Afa Anoa’i radiated savagery and menace in the ring, making him the ideal monster heel.
Paired with his equally wild-looking brother Sika, the two would enjoy success as The Wild Samoans. Behind the scenes, Afa gave back generously to the community, including the wrestling community.
Afa was born on November 21, 1942 in Samoa. He and his family would relocate to San Francisco. The future pro wrestler would serve in the United States Marine Corps before pursuing a career in the squared circle.
The future Wild Samoan’s training with Rocky Johnson, High Chief Peter Maivia, and later, Kurt Von Steiger would prepare him for an outstanding career.
Succeeding with Sika
Afa broke into wrestling in the early 1970s. He persuaded his brother Sika to join him, and before long, the two were working together as “The Wild Samoans” and “The Islanders.” Tag team success followed them wherever they went.
An initial run in Calgary led to two runs with the Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Championship. Thus began a two-decade-long run that saw The Wild Samoans work around the world.
The Wild Samoans would win tag team gold in many promotions including Georgia Championship Wrestling, NWA Mid-America, Southeastern Championship Wrestling, and of course, the World Wrestling Federation.
Although Afa and Sika’s personas as wild savages limited the amount of wrestling holds they could use, both men overcame these restrictions, developing an entertaining brawling style.
Afa would have his share of singles matches too although his championship success would remain in the tag team division.
The Wild Samoans battled some of wrestling’s biggest names. The twin terrors would clash with The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes and Terry Gordy), The Junkyard Dog and Dick Murdoch, Ivan Putski and Tito Santana, The Strongbows (Chief Jay Strongbow and Jules Strongbow), Rocky Johnson and Tony Atlas, and many others.
WWF Fame
Afa and Sika would find their biggest fame in the WWF, winning the promotion’s WWF Tag Team Championship three times. With Captain Lou Albano guiding them, Afa and his brother seemed unstoppable.
The Samoans stopped wrestling during the 1980s. Afa would return in 1992 to manage The Headshrinkers (Samu and Fatu).
After retirement, Afa and Sika launched their Wild Samoan Training Facility, training many future Superstars. In addition, Afa contributed to various charities.
The Wild Samoans’ contributions to wrestling would be recognized by inductions into the WWE Hall of Fame and The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame.
The Death of Sika Anoaʻi
Afa Anoa’i would serve as an elder statesmen to the many members of his family. His experience and integrity made him a reliable source for anyone with the wisdom to come to him for help.
According to SLAM! Wrestling, Afa had been dealing with significant health issues:
Afa had faced health challenges since late 2023, including a fractured back, a heart attack and battling pneumonia…
Afa’s daughter Vale announced Afa’s death on August 16, 2024. Vale tweeted:
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. pic.twitter.com/0mt5blynH3
— Vale Anoa’i (@ValeAnoai) August 16, 2024
Many wrestlers would take to social media to mourn Afa’s death including his nephew 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…
— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) August 16, 2024
Afa Anoai’i was 82.
What are your favorite memories of Sika Anoa’i? Let us know in the comments below.
Other pro wrestlers who died in 2024 include include Ole Anderson, Ice Train, Kevin Sullivan, Chris Markoff, Sid Vicious, Sika, Paul “Butcher” Vachon, and Virgil.
