Max Taogaga
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| Sivi Afi | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Ring name(s) | Jimmy Afi (Portland) Superfly Afi Sivi Afi (WWF) Max Tamboola High Chief Afi |
| Billed height | 5'11" (179 cm)[1] |
| Billed weight | 240lbs. (108.9kg)[2] |
| Born | April 28, 1949 Samoa |
| Resides | Apia, Samoa |
| Billed from | Samoa |
| Trained by | Steve Rickard, Peter Maivia |
| Debut | 1974 |
| Retired | 1997 |
Papaliitele Max Amata Taogaga (born April 28, 1949) is a retired Samoan professional wrestler, best known for his appearances in the World Wresting Federation as Sivi Afi.
Contents |
[edit] Wrestling career
[edit] Early career
Taogaga, born in Samoa, raised in New Zealand, where he began amateur wrestling at an early age. After deciding to turn pro he went to Steve Rickard and Peter Maivia who trained him for two years on the nuances of the professional game. In his first match Taogaga defeated one of New Zealand's top light heavyweights, Del Adams.
[edit] New Zealand (1974-1978)
With a combination of youth and enthusiasm, Taogaga quickly became one of the most popular wrestlers on the New Zealand circuit.
For the next four years Taogaga continued to work his way up through the ranks, wrestling the majority of foreign visitors to the country. Finally in 1978 he earned his big break, defeating Big John Da Silva in the final of an elimination tournament to decide the new, New Zealand Heavyweight Champion. Over the next few months, Taogaga successfully defended the title before heading to the U.S. at the end of 1978.
[edit] Touring (1978-1984)
For the next seven years Taogaga split his time between the U.S., New Zealand, Australia and Japan. However, it was in Hawaii that Taogaga would be the most successful. It was here, in 1985, where he wrestled Ric Flair to a one hour time limit draw for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in front of 12,000 people.
[edit] World Wrestling Federation (1986-1989/90)
In 1986, after impressing fans all over the world, Afi reached the pinnacle of the wrestling business, signing with Vince McMahon's WWF originally as Jimmy Snuka's brother but the gimmick quickly drifted away. Taogaga wrestled consistently for two years, against the likes of Bret Hart, Randy Savage, Harley Race[3] and Ted DiBiase. In 1988 after teaming for a short time with Haku as one half of The Islanders, Taogaga left the WWF. He then went on to work for Burt Reynolds as a stuntman and bodyguard.
[edit] Return to New Zealand
Taogaga made his return to New Zealand in 1990 to appear for Steve Rickard's "The Main Event". Taogaga had bulked up since his last visit to the country but he hadn't lost a step in the ring. Taogaga defeated all comers during the short-lived show, becoming the new Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion in the process.
After the cancellation of "The Main Event", Taogaga resumed touring the world appearing in areas as far flung as Palestine, Israel, England and Africa.
In 1997, after over 23 years on the road, Taogaga retired from the business, wrestling his final match in South Africa.
[edit] Life after wrestling
Since retiring from professional wrestling, Taogaga has converted to Christianity. He now lived and studied to become a minister in Marion, Ohio. He has written two books, "Thus Said The Lord to America" and "Dance with Fire", and is working on a third, an autobiography entitled "Ring of Fire"[citation needed]. Taogaga hopes to eventually return to Samoa and continue to spread God's word.
Taogaga, returned home to Samoa in early 2007 he sent for his son a current professional wrestler by the name of Sulu Afi to accompany him home to Apia, Samoa where he now resides. After a long absence he now preaches regularly over the radio in Samoa as well as coaches and encourages the youth of Samoa in professional wrestling today.
[edit] Finishing Move
[edit] Championships and accomplishments
- 1-time NWA Pacific International Championship
- 1-time NWA New Zealand Heavyweight Championship
- 1-time NWA Hawaiian Heavyweight Championship
- 1-time NWA New Zealand Commonwealth Championship
- 1-time NWA North American Heavyweight Championship
- 1-time NWA Polynesican Pacific Heavyweight Championship
