Papali’itele Max Amata Taogaga, the legendary professional wrestler known worldwide as Siva Afi, is being remembered as one of Samoa’s most influential sporting figures, a man who carried Samoan culture onto the global stage before dedicating his later years to ministry, prison outreach and youth mentorship.
Papali’itele died on July 16 at Moto’otua Hospital at the age of 77 after complications from diabetes, according to family members.
Tributes have flowed from around the world following his death, including from legendary wrestler Ric Flair, who recalled one of the defining matches of both their careers.
“I Am Saddened To Hear About The Passing Of Siva ‘Superfly’ Afi! Our 60 Minute NWA Championship Match That Ended In A Draw Was The Largest Pro Wrestling Crowd Ever In Hawaii – Still To This Day! Rest In Peace My Friend,” Flair wrote.
For generations of wrestling fans, Siva Afi was more than a performer. He was a pioneer who proudly represented Samoa in an era when few Pacific Islanders had achieved international recognition in professional wrestling.
