Lance Anoa’i Announces Plans To Retire From Pro Wrestling In March 2027
Lance Anao’i has announced his plans to retire from pro wrestling in March of 2027 after a 17-year career.
Having debuted in 2010, Lance Anoa’i has dedicated close to 17 years to pro wrestling, working for many promotions around the world. Part of the Anoa’i dynasty, the 34-year-old helped to represent one of the industry’s most legendary families. However, on that note, it now seems he’s ready to call time on his career to focus on his life outside the ring.
In a social media post, the son of Samu of The Headshrinkers explained that he is plans to retire so that he can spend more time with his family.
“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. 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. I also want to say how proud I am of my family and everything they continue to do in this business. I love what they’re building, I love being part of it in any way I can, and I will always support them 100% in everything they do going forward. Walking away from something you’ve dedicated nearly 17 years of your life to isn’t easy. Wrestling will always be a part of who I am, and I’ll always love this business. Thank you, wrestling, for everything you’ve given me. ❤️ 17 years. One hell of a ride. And in March 2027… it’s time for family. This isn’t goodbye just yet though. We still have a few months to go!”
-Lance Anoa’i
Lance Anoa’i spent more of his first decade working for World Xtreme Wrestling C4, an independent based in Anao’i’s hometown of Allentown, Pennsylvania, but he would later make subsequent appearances for Maryland Championship Wrestling, the NWA, and various indies. He even wrestled three matches for WWE from 2014 to 2019.
After taking 2020 off, Anoa’i would return to wrestling, albeit in fewer matches per year. Easily the biggest moment of his career happened in 2023 when he took part in Pro Wrestling NOAH’s N-1 Victory, where he defeated Yuma Anzai, El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr., and Go Shiozaki, although he wouldn’t reach the finals of the competition. Additionally, Anoa’i would win MLW World Tag Team Championships with Juicy Finau that year.
Anoa’i would sign with WWE in the summer of 2024, however he was released from the promotion a little over a year later after not wrestling a single match for any brand.
However, his family’s legacy within WWE looks set to continue, as Zilla Fatu recently made his debut on NXT. Shortly afterwards, reports indicated that the company never considered altering his name, despite many of their recent acquisitions being subject to a change. You can read more about that here.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on Lance Anoa’i’s impending retirement as soon as we hear more.
