WWE legend Batista and his unique connection to The Bloodline: Explained

WWE paid tribute to Afa Anoa'i after his son announced on social media that Afa had passed away at the age of 81. He was one half of the legendary tag team, The Wild Samoans, alongside his brother Sika Anoa'i, who was also the father of Roman Reigns.

During the latest episode of Friday Night SmackDown, WWE honored Afa with a heartfelt video package. One notable aspect of the tribute was the connection between Batista and The Bloodline. It was revealed that The Animal was trained by Afa Anoa'i at The Wild Samoan Pro-Wrestling Center. This makes him uniquely connected to The Bloodline via the real-life member Afa.

Batista also shared how thrilled Afa was to train him in his early days and how the legend even took the time to get to know him personally.

"When I first showed up at Afa's, I think he was really excited to have me walk through the door and start training. He actually took the time to get to know me," Batista said. (1:51 - 2:00)

This video tribute highlighted Afa's profound impact on the wrestling world and his close ties with some of WWE's biggest stars.

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Roman Reigns paid tribute to Afa Anoa'i before WWE SmackDown

After days of battling health issues, Afa Anoa'i passed away on August 16, 2024. His son, Samu Anoa'i shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook.

Roman Reigns took to Twitter ahead of the latest episode of SmackDown to pay tribute to his uncle. He expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support but shared that the family found comfort knowing that Afa now rests in peace alongside Sika Anoa'i, who also passed away on June 25 this year.

"Our family has suffered another great loss with the passing of my uncle and WWE Hall of Famer, Gataivasā Afa Amituana'i Anoa'i. We thank everyone for their support and are comforted by the fact that he now rests in peace. Afa and my father, Pola’ivao Leati Sika Anoa’I were loving brothers, the greatest tag team of their generation, and now they’re reunited together in heaven," he wrote.

We at Sportskeeda extend our condolences to Afa's fans, friends, and family!