Legendary wrestler and Hollywood superstar Dwayne Johnson paid tribute on August 18 to his uncle Afa Anoa’i Sr, who is a WWE Hall of Famer and one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Johnson, who is famously known as “The Rock” said on his Instagram account that while he feels sad about his uncle’s death, he knows that at least he would be with his brother Sika Anoa’i. He is also another uncle of Jhonson and another famous wrestler who died in June.
In the post, Johnson mentioned the fact that the brothers were the main stars of the legendary “Wild Samoans,” which he described as some of the main “trailblazers” in the professional wrestling universe. The famous actor added that his uncles gained their place in the WWE Hall of Fame because they delivered some of the most memorable moments to the industry and became champions of the world in the tag team category.
Johnson also said that the last picture he published about his uncle Afa was his favorite and was very important for him, as it showed not only his two uncles but also his grandfather Peter Maivia. He explained that the picture was taken at a beautiful moment and it shows some of his most important family members loving each other and having a good time. At the end of the post, the Hollywood superstar explained that those men were tough and no one wanted to mess around with them. He added that he will forever be grateful to his uncle Afa because he personally helped his family in 1987 at a delicate moment.
Journalists on social media explained that the Anoa’i family is known for representing a cornerstone in the professional wrestling industry, as it gave over a dozen members who became famous wrestlers for decades. Some of these included not only Johnson and his two uncles but also Roman Reigns, Ava, Tonga Loa, Tama Tonga, Jacob Fatu, Umaga, Solo Sikoa, Naomi, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Rocky Maivia, Peter Maivia, and Rikishi. Sporting experts explained that not so many families in the United States have caused such a massive impact in a sporting discipline as the Anoa’i in wrestling, considering the number of titles they amassed throughout their careers.
Reigns also took to social media to pay tribute to his father Sika and his uncle Afa. On his Twitter account, the former champion said that the Anoa’i was experiencing a devastating moment because of the loss of the two, considering that both of them died two months of difference. He also said he will forever remember his father and uncle because of the way they teched him to always respect everyone. Reigns added that his uncle and father were the greatest tag team on wrestling, and claimed that the world of professional wrestling will forever remember them.
