‘Greatest tag-team’: Sāmoan trailblazers honoured

The lives of two Pacific trailblazers in professional wrestling are being honoured following their tragic deaths earlier this month.

Leati Sika Amituana'i Anoa'i and Gataivasā Afa Amituanaʻi Anoaʻi, better known as “Afa and Sika, the Wild Samoans” both passed away within three weeks of each other. Sika Anoa'i' died on 25 June 2024, aged 79, while Afa Anoa’i passed on 16 August 2024, aged 81.

“Roman Reigns”, Sika Anoa’i’s son, is one of the most successful WWE superstars, and he took to social media to honour his father and uncle.

“Our family has suffered another great loss with the passing of my uncle and WWE Hall of Famer Gataivasa 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 loving brothers, the greatest tag team of their generation, and now they’re reunited together in heaven.

“Rest in Power Wild Samoans.”

Afa and Sika belong to the most patterned family in WWE history who have produced WWE icons like Yokozuna, the Tonga Kid, the Rock, Roman Reigns and the Usos.

Afa Anoa’i began training with his uncle, the ‘High Chief’ Peter Maivia, and cousin Rocky ‘Soulman’ Johnson, before being joined by brother Sika. The pair later formed the “Wild Samoans”, debuting in 1979.

A year after their debut, the Wild Samoans captured the tag-team titles, the first of three reigns for the duo. The tag-team’s final title, which lasted eight months, was stopped by cousin Rocky Johnson and Tony Atlas.

Afa and Sika also set up the Wild Samoan Training Center, helping train hundreds of young men and women.

The pair also helped train the Big Cheese, Afa's nephew Yokozuna (two-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion and WWE World Tag Team Champion), Rikishi (two-time WWE World Tag Team Champions), Yukon Jack, Virgil, "Sensational" Sherri Martel (former Women's Champion and manager of Ric Flair, "Macho Man" Randy Savage and Ted DiBiase.

The training centre was based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where it remained until 2008, when it moved to Central Florida. Since the passing of both brothers, the centre ceased operation.

Afa Anoa’i established the ‘Usos: the Samoan Family Foundation, which provided scholarships to at-risk youth. Through the foundation, Afa imparted several life skills and discipline and instilled a sense of family and respect to those involved.

Afa’s son, Samu, also took to social media following the death of his father.

“As we embark on your final journey home, we express our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering love and guidance you have bestowed upon us throughout our lives.

“We find solace in knowing that you will soon be reunited with the Lord Jesus, your parents, siblings, and friends who have gone before us.

“We have no doubt that you will establish a Wild Samoan training center in the sky, bringing us all together once again. We believe in the power of your love and legacy, and we will continue to honor it in all that we do.

“Respectfully your son, Big Sam Anoa’i. The oldest cousin of the Bloodline clan.”