By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
A member of the Samoan dynasty is calling it quits. Lance Anoa’i announced his plan to retire in early 2027. “After almost 17 years in professional wrestling, I will be officially calling time on my in-ring career in March 2027, once I reach that 17-year milestone,” Anoa’i wrote on Instagram.
“This journey has given me memories, friendships, battles, victories, losses, and experiences that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me, believed in me, shared a locker room with me, and helped me along the way. But now, it’s time to start preparing for a new chapter.
“For so many years, wrestling has taken up my weekends, my time, and countless moments away from the people I love most. I’ve reached a point where I want to dedicate that time to my wife and my kids and be there for the moments that matter most.” Check out his full statement below or via his Instagram page.
Powell’s POV: Anoa’i was dealt a bad hand when WWE announced his signing in November 2024, only to release him in October 2025 without working a single match. Neither the company nor Anoa’i was to lame, as multiple injuries sidelined him during that time. Will the 34-year-old follow through on his retirement plan and stay retired? It’s pro wrestling, so seeing is believing, but I wish him the very best in whatever the future holds for him.
Lance is the grandson of the late Afa of the Wild Samoans. His father is Samu, who worked for WWE in The Headshrinkers tag team. Lance is a cousin to Roman Reigns, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, and Jacob Fatu.
View this post on Instagram
(Jason Powell, founder and editor of ProWrestling.net, has covered pro wrestling full-time since 1997. He hosts the weekly podcast, Pro Wrestling Boom, and also appears regularly on the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast. Reach him via email at dotnetjason@gmail.com and on social media via @prowrestlingnet.bsky.social or x.com/prowrestlingnet. For his full bio and information on this website, click here.)
He’ll probably show up on RAW tonight.
Lol