The wrestling world is in mourning following the death of former WWE star Siva Afi, who has passed away at the age of 77.
The tragic news was confirmed by his family on Thursday afternoon, though his official cause of death has not yet been publicly revealed.
Afi, whose real name was Papali’itele Max Amata Taogaga, rose to prominence in the mid-1980s and is best known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation.
While Afi enjoyed an unbeaten start to his WWF career after signing in 1986, his most iconic moment came prior to that, in 1985, in Hawaii. He famously wrestled Ric Flair to a grueling one-hour stalemate for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
After retiring from professional wrestling in 1997, however, Afi’s life took a dark and dramatic turn.
He was arrested and convicted in Ohio on charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, and seven counts of kidnapping after acting as the getaway driver in a major crime plot.
He was sentenced to 15-40 years in prison over the incident but was ultimately deported back to his native Samoa a decade later following a series of legal appeals.
Upon his return to Samoa, Afi turned his life around, dedicating his remaining years to helping others through community service and prison rehabilitation programs.
Tributes have poured in from across the industry since the news broke.
Among them was wrestling reporter Dave Meltzer, who wrote on X: ‘Sorry to hear about the death of Siva Afi, another protege of Peter Maivia.
‘Afi’s most famous match was a 60-minute draw with NWA champ Ric Flair at Aloha Stadium before what is still the largest crowd for pro wrestling in Hawaii,’ he added.
Born in Samoa in 1949, Afi’s journey into the squared circle began under the training of icons Steve Rickard and Peter Maivia in 1972.
He made his professional debut just two years later, quickly finding success in New Zealand where he captured the New Zealand Heavyweight Championship.
More to follow…
