The Rock Mourns Uncle, Wrestling and WWE Legend

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a beloved figure in both professional wrestling and Hollywood, is mourning the loss of his uncle, Afa Anoa’i. Afa, along with his brother Sika Anoa’i, formed the iconic tag team “The Wild Samoans,” passing away recently and leaving a profound legacy in the wrestling world.

The Rock shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, shedding light on Afa’s significant influence on both family and wrestling. In his post, Johnson expressed:

“Rest in Love Uncle Afa ❤️🕊️
Uncle Afa Anoa’i is finally at peace with his brother, Uncle Sika Anoa’i.
‘The Wild Samoans’ were trailblazers in the world of professional wrestling.
Multi-time @WWE tag team champions and eventually, bestowed their rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame.
The last picture is one of my all-time favorites—it’s my uncles Afa and Sika with my grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia and Tor Kamata.
What I love about this picture is you can SEE & FEEL the LOVE & MANA amongst these smiling, loving men.
You can also see and feel that this wasn’t a table you wanted to f*ck with 😂💪🏾
I love you uncle and I’ll never forget what you did for our family in ‘87. ‘Come to me’
Nashville to Bethlehem.
Give my grandpa and my dad a kiss and a hug from me.
❤️🕊️🥃
#restinlove #uncleafa #anoai”

Afa Anoa’i’s contribution to professional wrestling is extraordinary. Forming “The Wild Samoans” with his brother Sika, their dominance in the late 1970s and early 1980s was unmatched. They secured multiple WWE Tag Team Championships, becoming one of the most feared and respected tag teams in wrestling history. Known for their fierce presence, wild persona, and excellent in-ring chemistry, The Wild Samoans made an indelible mark on professional wrestling.

Their influence went beyond wrestling. Being part of the Anoa’i family, a dynasty with names like The Rock, Roman Reigns, and the Usos, Afa and Sika played crucial roles. The Anoa’i family has significantly enriched wrestling over generations, with Afa being a key performer and mentor, cementing their legendary status.

Their WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2007 acknowledged not only the achievements of The Wild Samoans but also their broader impact on the industry. This honor celebrated their contributions, ensuring their legacy in wrestling history.

The Rock’s tribute underscores Afa’s deep personal and professional impact on his life. Referring to “Nashville to Bethlehem,” Johnson recalls 1987, a crucial year when Afa supported his family during tough times, a gesture The Rock cherishes deeply.

The post reflects on the Anoa’i family’s broader legacy. The Rock reminisces about the love, respect, and unbreakable bonds shared among his uncles and his grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, another wrestling legend.

As The Rock mourns his uncle, the wrestling community honors Afa Anoa’i’s memory—a figure whose influence will resonate in the wrestling world for years. His passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to professional wrestling and his family will continue through the countless lives he touched, within and outside the ring.

Source: Instagram, WWE