AceShowbiz - WWE Hall of Famer Afa Anoa'i, a cornerstone of the legendary Wild Samoans tag team, has passed away at the age of 81. The news was confirmed by his family on Friday.

Shortly after, Roman Reigns, whose birth name is Leati Joseph "Joe" Anoa'i, took to social media to share his heartfelt condolences. "Our family has suffered another great loss with the passing of my uncle and WWE Hall of Famer, Gataivasā Afa Amituana'i Anoa'i," Reigns wrote. "Thank you, everyone, for their support. We are comforted by the fact that he now rests in peace."

Reigns expressed his gratitude for the love and support shown to his family during this difficult time. He also reflected on the legacy of his uncle Afa and father Sika Anoa'i, whom Afa wrestled alongside as The Wild Samoans. "Afa and my father were loving brothers, the greatest tag team of their generation," Reigns said. "Now they're reunited together in heaven."

Afa Anoa'i had faced numerous health issues in recent months. He was hospitalized with pneumonia and a mild heart attack in January. In March, he fell and broke his back, requiring major surgery.

During tonight's episode of WWE SmackDown, an emotional tribute was paid to the late legend. WWE also released a statement expressing its condolences to the Anoa'i family.

Afa Anoa'i and his brother, Sika, were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. They are widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential tag teams in wrestling history. Together, they formed The Wild Samoans and won the WWF Tag Team Championship twice.

Afa's daughter Vale Anoa'i shared a touching message on Twitter. "Your strength was absolutely superhuman," she wrote. "You fought all the way to the end, and the end was peaceful. That's all I could have hoped for."

The Anoa'i family has been plagued by tragedy in recent months, having lost Sika Anoa'i in June. Our thoughts are with them during this time of mourning.