Afa Amituana'I "i Anoa" Anoa'I

WWE Hall of Famer, Afa The Wild Samoan
Born in the village of Leone in American Samoa on November 21, 1943, Afa was the son of the late Elder Reverend Amituana'i Anoa'i and Tovaleomanaia Leoso Ripley-Anoa'i. He was a dearly beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle.
Afa spent time serving his country in the United States Marine Corps and lived in San Francisco, California, where his father established the First Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa in California. It was in San Francisco that Afa's journey into professional wrestling began, under the guidance of his uncle, High Chief Peter Maivia, and Rocky "Soulman" Johnson.
This mentorship led Afa to an incredibly illustrious wrestling career. After training his brother Sika, they formed the iconic tag team, The Wild Samoans. Together, they traveled the world, wrestling and developing a fearsome reputation, ultimately holding 21 championships, including three WWE Tag Team titles. Their achievements and impact on the wrestling world were solidified with their induction into the 2007 class of the WWE Hall of Fame.
However, Afa's true passion was in giving back and helping others. He established the Wild Samoan Pro-Wrestling Training Center, where he trained hundreds of young men and women who dreamed of following in his footsteps. Afa also played a pivotal role in training and mentoring his sons, many nephews, and even his grandson. Known affectionately as "Pops" by his countless students, Afa was not just a mentor but a father figure who provided priceless knowledge and guidance to thousands throughout his many years in wrestling.
To extend his impact beyond the ring, Afa created WXW Wrestling, an extension of his training center that grew into a successful promotion in both Pennsylvania and Florida. His caring heart also led him to establish Usos: The Samoan Family Foundation, which provided scholarships to at-risk youth, offering them more than just wrestling training. Through this foundation, Afa imparted life skills, discipline, respect, business acumen, and a true sense of family and purpose to those he mentored.
Outside of wrestling, Afa was a lifelong San Francisco 49ers fan. He cherished the simple joys of life-fishing, swimming, doing yard work, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Perhaps his favorite pastime was hosting barbecues in his backyard, where he brought together his closest friends, wrestlers, students, and their families.
Afa's final WXW Wrestling event took place in April of 2024, in a fully packed arena in Minneola, Florida. Despite recovering from a significant back surgery, Afa's unwavering commitment brought him to the event, surrounded by fans, students, wrestlers, and loved ones who had traveled from far and wide to be there. It was a beautifully fitting tribute to a legendary man who always strived to help the next generation.
Afa is survived by his beloved wife, Lynn Anoa'i, his children: Sam, Komiti, Bernadette, Monica, Lloyd, Afa Jr., Vale; his goddaughters, Paige and Alison; his grandchildren: Samuel, Keilani, Brittany, Vanessa, Justin, Angel, Ali, Alyssa, Lance, Samantha, Jamie, Kolene, Tiara, Tiany, Jaye, Tama, Erica, Keane, Keanu, Leila, Storm, Rayna, and Zaraina; 27 great grandchildren; siblings: Initalia Anoa'i Tofaeono, Ifopo Tusipa Anoa'i, Failauga Peteroni Anoa'i, and Matalima Anoa'i Amituana'i Tinae Ilalio.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elder Reverend Amituana'i Anoa'i and Tovaleomanaia Leoso Ripley-Anoa'i; his grandchildren, Jordyn I and Jordyn II Trotter; his sisters: Sinaimoana Anoa'i, Elevera Anoa'i Fatu; and his brothers: Fasito'o Anoa'i, Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa'i, Afoafouvale Anoa'i, and Peseta Tumua Anoa'i.
Afa will be missed by many, but his legacy will live on through his amazing life journey. He took great pride in loving all the people in his life and in being someone who truly cared.
Services will be private.