Afa “The Wild Samoan” Anoa’i Passes Away at Age 81

WWE Hall of Famer Afa “The Wild Samoan” Anoa’i passed away on Friday at the age of 81.

Anoa’i’s passing was first announced by his son Samu Anoa’i on Facebook.

“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.”

Anoa’i’s daughter Vale confirmed her father’s passing on Twitter.

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

Prior to his passing, Anoa’i had been dealing with several health issues over the past year including suffering a fractured back injury and heart-related issues.

Anoaʻi’s wrestling career spanned from 1971 to 1995 and was most known for his time in WWF and for being one half of the legendary tag team The Wild Samoans with his brother Sika. Anao’i’s tenures in WWF was notable for winning the WWF World Tag Team Championship on multiple occasions and his feuds with Bob Backlund for the WWF Heavyweight Championship.

Anao’i’s first stint in WWF from 1979 to 1980 was also notable for The Wild Samoans time together with WWE Hall of Famer manger Lou Albaino. Following The Wild Samoans returning to WWF in 1983 for a second stint, Anao’i’s son Samu joined the team as a replacement for an injured Sika and remained as a trio until their second departure in 1984. Anoa’i made his return for a final third stint in 1992 as the manager and part-time tag partner of The Headshrinkers, which featured his son Samu and his nephew Fatu (later known as Rikishi).

Following his retirement from wrestling in 1994 and departure from WWF in 1995, Anao’i launched and ran a wrestling school with his brother Sika called Wild Samoan Training Facility.

Sullivan’s wrestling career notable achievements and accolades included being a three-time WWF World Tag Team Champion, three-time Mid-South Tag Team Champion, two-time Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Champion, two-time NWA World Tag Team Champion (Detroit), one-time NWA National Tag Team Champion (GCW), and inductions into the WWE Hall of Fame (2007) and Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (2012).