Wild Samoans

Last updated

Wild Samoans
Wild Samoans, Dec 1983.jpg
Afa (front) and Sika (behind) in 1983
Tag team
Members Afa
Sika
Name(s)The Samoans
The Samoan Warriors
The Wild Samoans
The Islanders
Billed heights6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) each
Combined
billed weight		645 lb (293 kg) [1]
Billed from"The Isle of Samoa"
Debut1973
Disbanded1997
Trainer Peter Maivia [1]

The Wild Samoans was the professional wrestling tag team of Afa Anoaʻi and Sika Anoaʻi in the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). The Samoans held 21 tag team championships around the world.

Contents

Gimmick

The Wild Samoans rarely spoke in interviews, instead grunting in a primitive dialect that only their manager Capt. Lou Albano could understand. They had afros and fu manchu moustaches. [2] Completing their "wild man" image, the duo engaged in outrageous behavior such as nose picking, biting opponents, and eating raw fish during interviews. [2] [3]

They are members of the Anoaʻi family, their father Amituana'i Anoaʻi was a blood brother to their trainer Peter Maivia.

History

Early years (1973-1979)

The team began its career in Stu Hart's Calgary, Alberta, Canada based Stampede Wrestling in 1973, where they won the Stampede International Tag Team Championship on two occasions. [1] Then they went to Vancouver and won the tag titles there. In 1975 they made their debut in the United States for Big Time Wrestling in Detroit. They spent the majority of the 1970s in various National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) territories. [1]

From 1977 to 1979, the Samoans made repeated tours of Japan with International Wrestling Enterprise. In January 1978, they briefly held the IWA World Tag Team Championship. [4]

World Wrestling Federation (1979-1980)

In 1979, the Wild Samoans joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). They were initially billed as simply "The Samoans" before reverting to their better-known name. Occasionally, they were introduced as "Lou Albano's Wild Men" during TV tapings. They made their Madison Square Garden debut on January 21, 1980, in a WWF Tag Team Championship match against Tito Santana and Ivan Putski, who retained their title. [1] In the upcoming months, both men became contenders for Bob Backlund's WWF Championship, but neither man won the gold. [1] They won their first championship in the WWF, the tag team championship, by defeating Santana and Putski on April 12, 1980. [1] They reigned as champions for approximately five months, until dropping the title to Backlund and Pedro Morales in a two out of three falls match at Showdown at Shea. [1] Because Backlund was already the reigning WWF Champion, the team had to forfeit the title, and a tournament was held to crown new tag champions. [1] On September 8, 1980, the Wild Samoans defeated Tony Garea and Rene Goulet in the tournament finals to win the title. [1] Their reign lasted for one month, until they lost to Garea and his new partner, Rick Martel. [1] The Wild Samoans feuded with the champions for the rest of the year, but they were not able to recapture the gold. [1]

Mid-South and Georgia (1981-1982)

In late 1981, changing their name back to the Samoans they joined Mid-South Wrestling. With, "Big Cat" Ernie Ladd as their financial adviser, and manager and then changing their team name from The Samoans to The Samoan Warriors with which they won the Mid-South Tag Team Championship and feuded with Junkyard Dog and Dick Murdoch. [1] After also attacking Ladd, the two began a feud with their former adviser. [1] In response, Ladd sold their contract to Skandor Akbar and formed a team with "Iron" Mike Sharpe, with whom he forced the Wild Samoans to leave Mid-South. [1]

After leaving Mid-South, the duo appeared in Georgia Championship Wrestling. As part of the territory, they defeated the Fabulous Freebirds for the NWA National Tag Team Championship, which they later vacated. [2]

Return to WWF(1982-1985)

The Wild Samoans eventually ended up back in the World Wrestling Federation with their former manager Capt. Lou Albano in 1982. This time they grew full beards that were scruffy and bushy looking. [2] Afa and Sika began their third WWF Tag Team Championship reign on March 8, 1983, by defeating Chief Jay and Jules Strongbow. [5] In a rematch on March 19, they were also victorious. [2] Also during this time, while feuding with Rocky Johnson, Jimmy Snuka, and André the Giant, the duo added Afa's son Samula to their team, [2] first as a replacement for Sika when he got hurt, then as their backup upon his return.

They lost their tag team title to the team of Rocky Johnson and Tony Atlas on November 15. [2] [5] [6]

During the match, Albano tried to interfere on the Samoans' behalf by attempting to hit Atlas over the head with a chair. [2] He accidentally hit Afa instead and Atlas covered him for the win. [2] The North-South Connection, Adrian Adonis and Dick Murdoch, would later defeat Atlas and Johnson for the tag titles on April 17, 1984. The Samoans turned face and challenged them in a lengthy feud. After failing to regain the belts, the duo eventually left the WWF in 1985 and reappeared in Pro Wrestling USA (NWA/AWA) where they had a dream match vs the Road Warriors. The bout ended in a Double DQ . [2]

Sika reappeared for a lengthy run in the WWF from 1986 to 1988, now managed by Mr. Fuji, performing both in singles competition and as a tag team (partnered with Kamala). Kamala and Sika's biggest match as a tag team was a loss to the Can-Am Connection on Superstars of Wrestling. Sika also participated in the invitational battle royal that opened Wrestlemania IV. He was the second one eliminated.

Afa returned to WWF in 1992 and went on to manage his son, Samu and his nephew Fatu as The Headshrinkers. He left the WWF in 1995.

Later years (1985-1997)

After WWF and AWA they went to wrestle in the independent circuit from 1986 to 1991. In 1987 they made a few appearances in National Wrestling Federation.

On September 10, 1988, they lost to Jimmy Valiant and Rufus R. Jones by disqualification at the 15th WWC Aniversario in 1988 in Puerto Rico. In 1991, they split up and both men went their separate ways. Sika would retire from wrestling and trained wrestlers at the Wild Samoans Training Center. Afa managed The Headshrinkers in the WWF from 1992 to 1995. After WWF, Afa continued to train other wrestlers. In 1996 Afa, founded World Xtreme Wrestling based in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

On August 15, 1997, both men reunited for one night teaming with Disco Inferno, Gene Ligon and the Big Cheese as they defeated Ken Timbs, George Love, Jay Love, Gary Royal and Kane Adams at IWA Night of the Legends in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

Post-tag team careers

During the late 1970s, Afa Anoaʻi opened the Wild Samoans Training Center, and the school's graduates include Paul Orndorff, Junkyard Dog, Luna Vachon, Michael P.S. Hayes, Yokozuna, Bam Bam Bigelow, Rikishi, Sherri Martel, Virgil, Billy Kidman, Gene Snisky, Chris Kanyon and Batista. [2] They also promote live wrestling shows under the WXW banner. [2]

In 2007, on the eve of WrestleMania 23, the Wild Samoans were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. They were inducted by their sons Samula and Matt Anoaʻi.

In 2013 and 2014 Afa came out of retirement to wrestle for his promotion World Xtreme Wrestling at age 71.

The pair appeared at Hell in a Cell (2020) to celebrate Roman Reigns' victory.

Championships and accomplishments

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yokozuna (wrestler)</span> American professional wrestler

Agatupu Rodney Anoaʻi was an American professional wrestler. He was best known for his time with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), where he wrestled under the ring name Yokozuna. He was also known for his appearances with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) as Great Kokina.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rikishi (wrestler)</span> American professional wrestler (born 1965)

Solofa Fatu Jr. is an American professional wrestler, best known under the ring names Rikishi and Fatu with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where he is a one-time Intercontinental Champion, two-time World Tag Team Champion, and one-time WWE Tag Team Champion. He is a member of the Anoaʻi family of Samoan wrestlers. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by his sons, wrestlers Jey and Jimmy Uso, in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harley Race</span> American professional wrestler, promoter and trainer

Harley Leland Race was an American professional wrestler, promoter, and trainer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don Muraco</span> American professional wrestler

Don Muraco is an American retired professional wrestler. He is best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation from 1981 to 1988, where he held the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship on two occasions and was crowned the inaugural winner of the King of the Ring tournament in 1985. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2004 and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mr. Fuji</span> American professional wrestler and manager (1934–2016)

Harry Masayoshi Fujiwara was an American professional wrestler, actor and manager, known professionally by his ring name Mr. Fuji. He was famous for often throwing salt in the eyes of fan favorite wrestlers. Notable wrestlers and tag teams managed by him include Don Muraco, Yokozuna and Demolition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bushwhacker Butch</span> New Zealand professional wrestler (1944–2023)

Robert Miller was a New Zealand professional wrestler. He was best known for his appearances in the World Wrestling Federation under the ring name Bushwhacker Butch, where he teamed with Bushwhacker Luke as The Bushwhackers. He was also known for his appearances under the ring name Butch Miller for promotions such as NWA New Zealand, Stampede Wrestling, Pacific Northwest Wrestling, Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling, Southwest Championship Wrestling, and the Universal Wrestling Federation, where he teamed with Luke as The Kiwis and The Sheepherders.

In professional wrestling, the Samoan SWAT Team is a tag team comprising Juicy Finau, Lance Anoaʻi and Jacob Fatu, who work in Major League Wrestling (MLW), with Jacob Fatu the current MLW National Openweight Champion; Finau and Lance are former MLW World Tag Team Champions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samu (wrestler)</span> American professional wrestler

Samula Fred Anoaʻi is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, Samu. He is best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation, World Championship Wrestling, Extreme Championship Wrestling, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Afa Anoa'i</span> Samoan-American actor and professional wrestler

Afa Amituana'i "Arthur" Anoaʻi is a Samoan-American retired professional wrestler and professional wrestling manager. Since retiring, he has operated the World Xtreme Wrestling promotion and trained wrestlers at the Wild Samoan Training Center.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peter Maivia</span> Samoan-American professional wrestler (1937–1982)

Fanene Leifi Pita Maivia, better known as Peter Maivia, was a Samoan-American professional wrestler, actor and stunt coordinator. Maivia was the grandfather of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson via adoption, and was also part of the famous Anoaʻi family via blood brother pact. He was also the promoter of the National Wrestling Alliance member Polynesian Pro Wrestling in Hawaii.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sika Anoa'i</span> American Samoan retired professional wrestler

Leati Sika Amituana'i Anoaʻi, better known as Sika Anoaʻi or simply Sika, is an American Samoan retired professional wrestler. He is best known as one-half of the tag team The Wild Samoans with his brother Afa. Championships held by Anoaʻi over the course of his career include the WWF World Tag Team Championship. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012. He is a member of the Anoaʻi family and the father of professional wrestlers Rosey and Roman Reigns.

Samuel Larry Anoa'i Fatu is an American retired professional wrestler. He is best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation under the ring names The Tonga Kid and Tama and with World Championship Wrestling as The Samoan Savage.

Luke Joseph Scarpa was an American professional wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer who was best known by the ring name Chief Jay Strongbow. Much like his contemporary Wahoo McDaniel, he portrayed a Native American wrestler, who wore a war bonnet to the ring and would "go on the warpath" when the fans started cheering him against an opponent. In reality, Jay was an Italian-American who much like actor Iron Eyes Cody portrayed an Indian to stand-out more. His best accomplishments are in WWWF where he was a 4-time World Tag-Team Champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tony Garea</span> New Zealand professional wrestler

Anthony Gareljich is a New Zealand retired professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, Tony Garea. He is best known for his appearances in the United States with the World Wide Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Federation in the 1970s and 1980s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luke Graham (wrestler)</span> American professional wrestler

James Grady Johnson was an American professional wrestler, best known by his ring name, "Crazy" Luke Graham. As Luke Graham, Johnson was part of the Graham family, a stable of wrestlers. All members were billed as kayfabe brothers. He worked extensively for various National Wrestling Alliance territories as well as the World Wide Wrestling Federation, where he was a three-time tag-team champion and the inaugural WWWF World Tag Team Champion.

The Anoaʻi family is a family of professional wrestlers originating from the Samoan Islands. Family members have comprised several tag teams and stables within a variety of promotions, most notably WWE. Famous members of the family include Roman Reigns and WWE Hall of Famers Rikishi, Yokozuna, and the Wild Samoans. Other notable members include The Usos, Umaga, Rosey, Jacob Fatu, and Solo Sikoa, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Von Steigers</span> Professional wrestling tag team

Kurt and Karl Von Steiger were the ring names of Canadian professional wrestlers Lorne Corlett and Arnold Pastrick. The Von Steiger gimmick was that of two German villains, called heels, despite both wrestlers hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Arnold Pastrick used the name Kurt Von Steiger, and Lorne Corlett worked as Karl Von Steiger. The Von Steigers are best known for competing in Pacific Northwest Wrestling in Portland, Oregon, between 1968 and 1973 but also competed in Tennessee, San Francisco, Stampede Wrestling, Australia, the American Wrestling Alliance and the Carolina territory.

Francis Huntington is an American retired professional wrestler. He is best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in the early 1980s under the ring name Jules Strongbow, where he held the WWF World Tag Team Championship on two occasions with his kayfabe brother, Chief Jay Strongbow.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tor Kamata</span> American professional wrestler

McRonald Kamaka was an American-Canadian professional wrestler known by the ring name Tor Kamata. He won several heavyweight and tag team championships, most notably the PWF World Heavyweight Championship in All Japan Pro Wrestling and the AWA World Tag Team Championship in the American Wrestling Association. He was a classic heel, reviled for dirty tricks in the ring, included rubbing salt in his opponent's eyes.

The Yokozuna Benefit Memorial Show was a professional wrestling event produced by World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW) promotion which took place on 29 November 2001, at the Lehigh Valley Sports Zone in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It was held in memory of wrestler Rodney "Yokozuna" Anoa'i, the nephew of promoter Afa Anoa'i and former two-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion, who died of pulmonary edema in Liverpool, England during a tour of Europe the previous year. The show served as a benefit show for his widow and two children, Keilani and Justin. Eleven professional wrestling matches were featured on the event's card, with two including championships.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Shields, Brian. Main Event: WWE in the Raging 80s (p.143)
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Shields, Brian. Main Event: WWE in the Raging 80s (p.144)
  3. ↑ "The Wild Samoans". WWE. Archived from the original on December 25, 2007. Retrieved December 28, 2007.
  4. ↑ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "The Samoans - matches - International Wrestling Enterprise". Cagematch.net. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  5. 1 2 "World Tag Team Title history". WWE.com. Retrieved December 31, 2007.
  6. ↑ Foley, Mick (2000). Have A Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks. HarperCollins. p. 36. ISBN   0-06-103101-1.
  7. ↑ Duncan, Royal; Will, Gary (2006) [2000.]. "(Memphis, Nashville) Tennessee: Southern Tag Team Title [Roy Welsch & Nick Gulas, Jerry Jarrett from 1977]". Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. Waterloo, Ontario: Archeus Communications. pp. 185–189. ISBN   0-9698161-5-4.
  8. ↑ "Southern Tag Team Title". Wrestling-Titles. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
  9. ↑ Royal Duncan and Gary Will (2000). "Tennessee: U.S. Tag Team Title". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. p. 194. ISBN   0-9698161-5-4.
  10. ↑ "NWA United States Tag Team Title (Mid-America)". wrestling-titles.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015.

Sources

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.