A general view of a wrestling ring. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

WWE legend Afa Anoa’i dead at 81

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Aug 16, 2024 5:44 PM ET

Former wrestling legend Afa Anoa’i died on Friday at the age of 81, his family announced.

Anoa’i went by “Afa” in the ring and was best known for teaming with his brother Sika on the WWF tag team The Wild Samoans. His son Samu, who also helped “The Wild Samoans” and later was part of the tag team “The Headshrinkers,” posted a note on Facebook regarding his father’s death.

“It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of my father Afa Anoa'i Sr. It was a peaceful transition and he was surrounded by loved ones. Please respect our privacy as we mourn our father,” Samu wrote.

Afa put together quite the legacy in the wrestling world. He and Sika opened The Wild Samoan Training Facility where they trained wrestlers, including Batista.

Afa’s death comes two months after Sika died at age 79.

Afa was devoted to his family, dominant in the ring, and dedicated to building future generations of @WWE Superstars. My thoughts are with the entire Anoa’i family as we remember the legendary Afa. https://t.co/S3bIsGbuNG

— Triple H (@TripleH) August 16, 2024