Siva Afi, a former wrestler known for his feud with Ric Flair, has died at the age of 77, his family confirmed on Thursday. The cause of death is unknown. Afi, whose real name was Papali’itele Max Amata Taogaga, was nicknamed “Superfly” during his wrestling career.
Early Career
Afi joined the World Wrestling Federation in 1986 and was introduced as the cousin of Jimmy Snuka. He enjoyed an unbeaten start to his career, but eventually faded out of the organization. Before joining the WWF, Afi had wrestled in nearly 30 matches for New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
He gained popularity in Hawaii, where he wrestled Ric Flair to a stalemate in a one-hour time limit match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. This match was notable for being held in front of a large crowd at Aloha Stadium.
Later Life and Career
Afi retired from wrestling in 1997. However, his life took a turn when he was convicted of aggravated burglary, robbery, and kidnapping in 1996. He was sentenced to 15-40 years but was deported back to Samoa a decade later after several appeals.
Photo: nypost.com
Upon his return, Afi dedicated his life to rehabilitation programs and community work. His family and friends have remembered him fondly, with Hitro Okesene saying, “Uncle was a former WWF Wrestler known to everyone as ‘Siva Afi’… What an amazing journey his life was.”
Tributes
Wrestling reporter Dave Meltzer 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.” Book Pro Wrestlers also released a statement, saying, “We are saddened to learn that Siva Afi has passed away… He earned the respect of those who shared a locker room with him — so many of the wrestlers we’ve spoken with over the years remembered him as a genuinely kind and well-liked man.”
The wrestling world has been quick to pay tribute to Afi, remembering his notable matches and his dedication to his community. His family and friends will deeply miss him, and his legacy will live on in the world of wrestling.
Source: NYPOST
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