Former wrestler Siva Afi, known for Flair feud, dies at 77
Siva Afi, the Samoan pro wrestler nicknamed "Superfly" and best known for a celebrated hour-long draw with Ric Flair in Hawaii, has died at 77, his family confirmed. A cause of death has not been disclosed. The former WWF performer later rebuilt his life in Samoa through faith and community work.
Key Takeaways
- Siva Afi, born Papali'itele Max Amata Taogaga, died at 77; his family confirmed the news Thursday and no cause was released.
- He was nicknamed "Superfly," joined the WWF in 1986, and was billed as Jimmy Snuka's cousin.
- His most famous bout was a 60-minute draw with NWA champion Ric Flair at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii.
- After a mid-1990s conviction and prison term, he was deported to Samoa and focused on rehabilitation and community work.
Who was Siva Afi and what happened?
According to the New York Post, Siva Afi — real name Papali'itele Max Amata Taogaga — passed away at 77. Family members confirmed the death on Thursday. Officials have not released a cause of death.
Wrestling historian Dave Meltzer remembered him as a protege of Peter Maivia. Relatives also noted family ties that included babysitting cousin Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and attending Johnson's wedding.
What made his Ric Flair feud so memorable?
Before joining Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation in 1986, Afi wrestled nearly 30 matches for New Japan Pro-Wrestling. In Hawaii he became a household name after wrestling Ric Flair to a one-hour time-limit draw for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
Meltzer wrote that the Aloha Stadium bout remains the largest crowd for pro wrestling in Hawaii. Reports place that celebrated Flair draw in 1985. Afi joined the WWF the following year under the "Superfly" nickname and enjoyed an early unbeaten stretch, though fan support never matched the promotion's hopes and his run faded.
How did his later life unfold after the ring?
Afi retired from wrestling in 1997. He was convicted of aggravated burglary, two counts of aggravated robbery, and seven counts of kidnapping after acting as the getaway driver in a January 1996 robbery, burglary, and kidnapping in Ohio. He was sentenced to 15-40 years and, after appeals, was deported to Samoa about a decade later.
Back home, he dedicated his remaining years to rehabilitation programs and community work. Family tributes described a man who found faith and helped change lives. Booking site Book Pro Wrestlers also noted his work as Burt Reynolds' bodyguard and stuntman, calling him well liked by peers.
For more BlasterPost coverage across culture and current headlines, explore our Future Tech & AI Wonders section.