The pro wrestling world lost Afa “The Wild Samoan” Anoa’i today, and that was a hard loss to take. Now, as the reactions are coming in following confirmation of his passing, we are getting even more reactions. His daughter, Vale also spoke out in a heartfelt statement.
Vale Anoa’i posted after her father’s passing. She provided a caption which read, “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.”
That post also included a much longer passage which she wrote in graphic. Those words spoke of not only her grieving, but also the lasting impact that her father left on the entire world around him.
This afternoon, just a very short time ago, I received the phone call from my mom that my beloved father, the center of my universe, passed away. My heart is so full of his presence and strength. I got to spend the vast majority of my life right there by his side, through the best of times and the hardest of times. Thank you, Dad, for every priceless life lesson you taught me. Thank you for being someone who cared, always.
I’ve been preparing to say goodbye to my Dad since January, when he had those two heart attacks. I was prepared to say goodbye to him in March when he fell and broke his back in two places and had to have major surgery. I was prepared to say goodbye to my Dad when he had his heart valve replacement surgery. I was prepared to say goodbye to him when he was having the second back surgery. I was prepared to say goodbye to my Dad when we had to tell him the news of Uncle Sika’s passing. For the last month, I’ve been preparing to say goodbye to my Dad, as his health declined, as he was put on hospice care, as he grew weaker and more fragile.
I’ve been preparing to say goodbye to my Dad. Now I realize I’ll never have to say goodbye, because a very strong part of him will always be part of me. I love you, Dad. This is not goodbye, because I’ll never lose you This is just the end of your lifetime on Earth. I will always love you. You will be remembered, honored, missed, and respected forever. The strongest man I’ve ever known. The 3-count comes for us all, eventually, but you fought it all the way to the end. You kicked out more times than anyone else ever has. You are forever our undisputed champion. I love you so much.
I will never have to know what it is to live without you, because I know you’re always with me. Thank you all so much for your love, respect, stories, and memories that you’ve been sharing over the last few days.
Throughout his life, Afa Anoa’i was known for his significant contributions to wrestling and his deep dedication to his family and community. He earned the respect and admiration of fans and fellow wrestlers alike, recognized for his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the sport that defined much of his life.
Afa Anoa’i’s passing marks the end of an era in professional wrestling, but his influence will continue to resonate for years to come. His legacy endures through the many individuals he inspired and the powerful wrestling dynasty he helped to build. Survived by his wife, children, and extended family, Afa’s traditions and values will be carried forward, and his memory will be cherished not only by his loved ones but by the entire wrestling community, which owes much to this pioneering figure.
Our thoughts are with the entire Anoa’i Family right now. Afa was a great man and he blazed a trail that many have walked down since him. He is gone, but he is certainly not forgotten. Only time will tell what kind of tributes WWE makes for Afa, but his legacy will live on until the end of time thanks to the incredible family legacy he helped forge.
What is your favorite moment in Afa’s legendary career? Where do the Wild Samoans rank among your favorite tag teams in pro wrestling history? Let us know your opinion in the comments section!