The world of professional wrestling is once again in mourning. WWE Hall of Famer Afa Anoa’i passed away today, August 16, at the age of 81. Afa will be remembered for being a part of the Wild Samoans, a team that remained active for more than two decades. His brother and teammate, Sika Anoa’i, passed away on June 25.

His daughter, Vale Anoa’i, announced the passing on X, as she wrote, “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.”.

The Hall of Famer was an iconic figure in the pro wrestling industry, so it is no wonder that several WWE superstars were stunned by the news. One of them was his nephew Jey Uso, who took the mic on SmackDown as he revealed how his family is grieving by performing on SmackDown and how thankful he is to the fans for their support.

He said, “But, like, being in the center of the ring, still brings joy still brings joy to each one of our family members that you saw performing tonight. Now we needed this tonight. We needed you guys tonight. So, yo from our family, you know, thank you. Thank you all tonight for showing. Damian Priest, thank you Uce. Yeet.”

Well, it surely looks like Jey Uso has been really affected by the passing of his uncle. And while we got Usos’ reaction, a statement was also shared by the Original Tribal Chief Roman Reigns, as he took to share his statements on the passing away of the legend. He wrote, “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 loving brothers, the greatest tag team of their generation, and now they’re reunited together in heaven. Rest in Power Wild Samoans.” During his wrestling days, Afa Anoa’i was the tag team partner of Reigns’ father, Sika Anoa’i. The duo were known as the Wild Samoans, and coincidentally, both passed away in 2024, with Sika Anoa’i passing away on June 25. But how did Afa Anoa’i pass away?

The troubling health of the WWE Hall of Famer

Afa Anoa’i had been facing a health scare for a while now. The WWE Hall of Famer underwent two exploratory cardiac procedures in December, aimed at evaluating its valves. During that time, there were indications that he might need a valve replacement. Then, in January, Anoa’i suffered two heart attacks and then caught pneumonia, which led him to his hospitalization. Fortunately, his health improved, and he was released from the hospital.

However, as per the statements released by his family, he also broke his back a few months prior to his death and had to get surgery to fix that as well. With these constant surgeries, Anoa’i was left really weakened and frail. Something that ultimately led to his passing. But he surely left a legacy behind that will be remembered by fans and family for years to come. We at EssentiallySports would like to share our condolences with the Anoa’i family and those affected.