20 of the best Samoan wrestlers in the history of WWE

Samoan athletes are an integral part of professional wrestling, with each member of the lineage becoming part of the longest-running storylines in the WWE. Aside from the Anoa'i family, the WWE has seen its fair share of top wrestlers of Samoan descent. Dig in for a deep dive into the history of the WWE and the best Samoan wrestlers in the history of WWE.

Are all Samoan wrestlers related? Toa Liona, Reka Tehak, Dakota Kai, Emily Dole, and Samoa Joe are some of the most famous Samoan wrestlers who are not related to the Anoa'i family tree. Sports Brief has used credible sources such as the WWE Superstar profiles of each wrestler and Cagematch to compile this comprehensive list of successful Samoan wrestlers in WWE history.

Who are the best Samoan wrestlers in the history of WWE?

The Polynesian nation of Samoa is home to some of the most successful wrestlers in WWE history. From Peter Maivia and Yokozuna to Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Roman Reigns, Polynesian wrestlers have dominated the world of professional wrestling since the '60s. This list of Samoan WWE wrestlers extends from the Anoa'i, Fatu, and Maivia families to include other famous wrestlers who are not part of the dynasty.

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Who are the top 20 greatest Samoan wrestlers?

Wrestling is one of the most popular sports in Samoa, along with rugby union. This partly explains the large number of Samoan grapplers seen in various professional wrestling promotions companies. Have a look at this summary of the craziest list of Samoan wrestlers.

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20. Lance Anoa'i

Starting off the list of the best Samoan wrestlers in the history of WWE is Lance Anoa'i of the famed Anoa'i family. Lance, Juicy and The Samoan Werewolf, Jacob Fatu, were the original members of the Samoan SWAT team. Being Headshrinker Samu’s son, the freelance wrestler is a member of the Samoan dynasty. According to Lance Anoa'i’s Cagematch profile, he had a brief stint fighting in the WWE in 2014 and 2019.

• Full name: Lance Anoa'i
• Date of birth: February 15, 1992
• Age: 32 years as of April 2024
• Place of birth: Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States of America

19. Afa Anoa'i Jr.

A 2006 report by PWMania revealed that Afa Anoa’i Jr.’s WWE career began in October 2006. However, the former wrestler-turned-trainer had a short stint at the promotion after his release on February 23, 2009. According to his Cagematch profile, Afa Anoa’i Jr. had a 257:158:33 win-loss record in 448 matches fought in various promotions, including the WWP, WXW, PCW, IWA, PPW, WWC, BWS, FCW, DPW, and JCW.

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• Full name: Afa Anoa'i Jr.
• Date of birth: October 6, 1984
• Age: 39 years old as of April 2024
• Place of birth: Hamden, Connecticut, USA

18. Emily Dole

In the 80s, Emily Dole was one of the cast members of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling promotion. Although she did not fight in the WWE, she revolutionised female professional wrestling.

Weighing between 350 and 450 lbs, the pioneer legend became the most recognised female wrestler of her time. Her role as ‘Mountain Fiji’ or ‘Mount Fiji’ was captured in the 2012 documentary GLOW: The Story of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.

• Full name: Emily Dole
• Date of birth: September 28, 1957
• Date of death: January 2, 2018

17. Naomi

Jimmy Uso’s wife, Naomi, is not biologically Samoan. Trinity Fatu née McCray joined the Anoa'i family through marriage. The fan favourite who recently returned to WWE has won various titles, including two WWE Women's World Championship belts and the 2022 WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.

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• Full name: Trinity Fatu
• Date of birth: November 30, 1987
• Age:36 years old as of April 2024
• Place of birth: Sanford, Florida, USA

16. Ava

Simone Johnson, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson's daughter, joined the WWE Universe in October 2022 under the ring name Ava Raine. At the time, the 21-year-old aspiring pro-wrestler joined the NXT division as part of the Schism. According to her WWE Superstars profile, the first fourth-generation wrestler holds the NXT General Manager position.

• Full name: Simone Alexandra Johnson
• Date of birth: August 14, 2001
• Age: 23 years old as of April 2024
• Place of birth: Davie, Florida, USA

15. Dakota Kai

Cheree Crowley's stage name, Dakota Kai, reveals a connection to her Samoan roots. The two-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champion was born and raised in New Zealand. However, through her mother's Samoan background, the Kiwi wrestler has a claim to tribal membership and destiny. Speaking on Fatu Family, the Kiwi-Samoan wrestler said

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"My mom is Samoan. She raised us in New Zealand but introduced things (Samoan) like food and culture. Then, once I got older, I realised that many Samoans are doing amazing things in the wrestling world. I was like, 'It is meant to be'".

• Full name: Cheree Crowley
• Date of birth: May 6, 1988
• Age:35 years as of April 2024
• Place of birth: New Zealand

14. Lloyd Anoa'i

Between 1987 and 2022, Lloyd Anoa'i, also known as Headshrinker Alofa, LA Smooth, Tahitian Savage, or Samoan Warrior, fought in the WWE, among other promotions. The former wrestler turned trainer and producer has also worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a Law Enforcement Officer.

• Full name: Lloyd Anoa'i
• Date of birth: May 7, 1971
• Age:42 years old as of April 2024
• Place of birth: Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA

13. Rosey

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Known by a host of ring names, Roman Reigns’ brother, Matthew Tapunu'u Anoa'i, was a member of the 3-Minute Warning tag team with Jamal. He later teamed up with The Hurricane between 2003 and 2005 under the comical gimmick, ‘Superhero In Training,’ and won the 2005 World Tag Team Champion title. Between 1995 and 2009, he won fourteen tag team titles with The Island Boys, The Hurricane and Rosey, The Samoan Gangsters, and Islanders.

• Full name: Matthew Tapunu'u Anoa'i
• Date of birth: April 7, 1970
• Date of death: April 17, 2017

12. Samu

Samu and Fatu were members of the original Headshrinkers. In 1994, the trio became the second-generation WWF World Tag Team Champions. Between 1981 and 2021, Samula or Sammy Silk, among other alter egos, has won numerous singles and tag team titles across different promotions, including seven WXW Heavyweight Championships, six NWL Heavyweight Championships and three World Class World Tag Team Championship awards.

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• Full name: Samula Fred Anoa'i
• Date of birth: May 29, 1963
• Age:60 years as of April 2024
• Place of birth: San Francisco, California, USA

11. Umaga

Before his tragic death on December 4, 2009, Umaga was one of the best Samoan wrestlers in the history of WWE. Out of 740 matches fought between 1999 and 2009, the two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion was a force to reckon with on the WWE circuit, recording a 52.2% success rate with a 386:355 win-loss record.

• Full name: Edward Smith Fatu
• Date of birth: March 28, 1973
• Date of death: December 4, 2009

10. Tamina Snuka

Sarona Moana Marie Reiher Snuka-Polamalu, known by her stage name, Tamina Snuka, is a member of the Samoan dynasty. A direct relative of Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka and The Rock, her presence in the WWE Universe is undeniable.

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According to her Cagematch profile, Tamina’s in-ring career began as early as 2009, a year before her villainous debut alongside the Usos in a fight against the Hart Dynasty on May 24, 2010. For four years, Sarona Snuka was a formidable force partnering with Santino Marella, JTG, AJ Lee, Nia Jax, Lana, Sasha Banks and Naomi, among other wrestlers, before suffering a string of injuries.

• Full name: Sarona Moana Marie Reiher Snuka-Polamalu
• Date of birth: January 10, 1978
• Age:45 years as of April 2024
• Place of birth: Vancouver, Washington, USA

9. Solo Sikoa

Joseph Yokozuna Fatu is one of the numerous Polynesian WWE wrestlers related to the Samoan dynasty. His father, Solofa Fatu Jr., better known as Rikishi, revolutionised the world of professional wrestling, a field Sikoa seeks to dominate alongside his twin brothers, the Usos. Between 2018 and 2024, he has won three titles, including the AWF Heavyweight Championship, FSW Nevada State Championship and WWE NXT North American Championship.

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• Full name: Joseph Yokozuna Fatu
• Date of birth: March 18, 1993
• Age: 31 years as of April 2024
• Place of birth: Sacramento, California, USA

8. Rikishi

During his prime, Roman Reigns’ first cousin, Solofa Fatu Jr., was one of the biggest Samoan wrestlers. Before taking on his Sumo gimmick, Fatu had relative success as part of the Headshrinkers, Samoan Swat Team, and the Hawaiian Beasts.

The fun-loving dancing wrestler popularised the Stink Face, a move that involved planting his ample derrière on his opponent’s face. Before the end of his in-ring career, the WWE Hall of Famer fought in 1,699 matches, winning 1,014 and losing 596 of them, cementing his name among the best Samoan wrestlers in the history of WWE.

• Full name: Solofa Fatu Jr.
• Date of birth: October 11, 1965
• Age:58 years as of April 2024
• Place of birth: San Francisco, California, USA

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7. Samoa Joe

Samoa Joe is one of the most famous Samoan wrestlers who is not related to the Bloodline. His WWE career began in 2001 with a short stint at the World Wrestling Federation. 2015 marked the start of his steady rise in the WWE, two years before he signed with Monday Night RAW. Before his exit from the WWE Universe to join the AEW and ROH, King Joe was a three-time WWE NXT Championship and a two-time WWE United States Championship.

• Full name: Nuufolau Joel Seanoa
• Date of birth: March 17, 1979
• Age:45 years as of April 2024
• Place of birth: Orange County, California, USA

6. Jimmy Uso

At the time of writing, the Usos are an inactive tag team. However, between 2010 and 2023, Jimmy and his brother, Jey Uso, made up one of the best tag teams in WWE, with three RAW Tag Team Championships and five SmackDown Tag Team Championships.

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Jimmy Uso, or Jonathan Solofa Fatu, is one of the most famous male WWE wrestlers. Following the breakup of the tag team, Jimmy has found a new level of popularity as a member of the villainous WWE stable, the Bloodline.

• Full name: Jonathan Solofa Fatu
• Date of birth: August 22, 1985
• Age: 38 years as of April 2024
• Place of birth: San Francisco, California, USA

5. Jey Uso

Trained by wrestling legends such as Booker T., Umaga, and Steve Keirn, Jey has become one of the best Samoan wrestlers in the history of WWE. Before splitting up, the Usos held eight Tag Team Championship belts and were the longest-reigning Tag Team Champions in WWE history.

After a successful tag team career, the former Bloodline member has exploded as a main eventer, with the company recording a spike in viewership numbers as his individual career unfolds. Fans remain glued to WrestleMania 40 developments and the much-awaited Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso match.

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• Full name: Joshua Samuel Fatu
• Date of birth: August 22, 1985
• Age:38 years as of April 2024
• Place of birth: San Francisco, California, USA

4. Yokozuna

Known for his Japanese Sumo wrestler gimmick, the Samoan Wrecking Machine holds the record of the biggest Samoan wrestlers. Billed at 600 lbs, the imposing Hall of Famer was undefeated against legendary wrestlers such as the Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Randy Savage, Lex Luger and Jim Duggan.

• Full name: Agatupu Rodney Anoa'i
• Date of birth: October 2, 1966
• Place of birth: San Francisco, California, USA
• Date of death: October 23, 2000

3. Nia Jax

At the tip of the list of the best female Samoan wrestlers is Dwayne Johnson’s cousin, Nia Jax. Before joining professional wrestling, Savelina Fanene, known as Nia Jax, had tried her hand at karate, kickboxing, basketball and judo. Drafted in 2016, Jax has had significant success in the ring, winning the 2018 WWE RAW Women's Championship belt and two WWE Women's Tag Team Champion titles alongside Shayna Baszler.

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• Full name: Savelina Fanene
• Date of birth: May 29, 1984
• Age:39 years as of April 2024
• Place of birth: Sydney, Australia

2. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson

Regarded as the greatest male wrestler of all time, The Rock’s success has transcended the ring into entrepreneurship and acting. True to his nickname ‘The Most Electrifying Man in all of Entertainment’, he has dominated the ring since 1996, twice lifting the World Heavyweight Championship belt and eight times the WWE Championship.

• Full name:
• Date of birth: May 2, 1972
• Age: 51 years as of April 2024
• Place of birth: Hayward, California, USA

1. Roman Reigns

The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, leads the pack of current Samoan WWE wrestlers in the Bloodline. As the best male WWE wrestler, he has established himself with the longest Universal Championship reign and a 73.1% winning rate based on match statistics. According to Game Rant, he is the highest-rated wrestler in WWE with 97 points on WWE 2K24.

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• Full name: Leati Joseph Anoa'i
• Date of birth: May 25, 1985
• Age: 38 years as of April 2024
• Place of birth: Pensacola, Florida, USA

Frequently asked questions

The list of Samoan wrestlers is inexhaustible, with honorary members such as Paul Heyman and Sami Zayn playing a significant role in the dynasty. Here are some interesting facts about the most formidable family in the WWE.

1. Why are there so many Samoan wrestlers?

According to Medium, family and culture are some of the reasons why so many Samoans wrestle. From Dwayne Johnson and Roman Reigns to Ava, several Samoan wrestlers were born into wrestling families.

2. Are there any Samoan wrestlers in AEW?

Nuufolau Joel Seanoa, better known as Samoa Joe, is one of the most notable members of the All Elite Wrestling roster. Since December 2023, the former WWE Superstar has been the reigning AEW World Champion.

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3. Who is Reka Tehaka?

Leia Makoa, or Reka Tehaka, is an American-Samoan singles wrestler who wrestles in the Classic Wrestling City promotion. According to Reka Tehaka’s Cagematch profile, she has not been signed to WWE but has competed in the Women of Wrestling (WOW) and the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) promotions, among others.

Final word

With many outstanding fighters left out of this list of the best Samoan wrestlers, it is easy to understand the devotion fans have for them. The reigning Universal Champion and the Bloodline have dominated the WWE storyline with WrestleMania 40 matches set to play around the family.

READ ALSO: The WWE Samoan family tree explained: Find out all the facts and details here

Sports Brief has published an article on the Samoan wrestling family tree in the WWE. Famous members of the wrestling dynasty include Jimmy Snuka, Rikishi, the Uso brothers, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Nia Jax, Roman Reigns and Ava Reign. Click on the link above for a deep dive into the Anoa'i family.