Last weekend I had the privilege to meet and speak briefly to the Samoan SWAT Team prior to the MLW Superfight in Philly, which was held on 02/04/2023. The new Samoan SWAT Team consists of Jacob Fatu, Lance Anoa’i and Juicy Finau.
It is a known fact that Samoan, Tongan, and Polynesian wrestlers in general, have a rich family history in this business. Roots that stem many generations back. These superstars were kind enough to take some time to discuss their family. As well as what it was like growing up in the business!
“Growing up in a Samoan family, the order was God, family, wrestling, and paying your bills. Using wrestling as a means to pay your bills”, Jacob said as he laughed. He said wrestling was such a part of the culture, that’s all we knew. Jacob pointed over to the lines of people waiting to come into the building stating this is what it’s all about. This is why we love doing this!
Lance went on to talk about how great it is and enjoyable to be doing this with family, with the people you grow up with. He also spoke about his cousins in the Bloodline in WWE stating they are at the top in WWE. “And here we are Juicy and I, the MLW tag champs, with Jacob going for gold tonight. We are right there on top in an organization like MLW!”
Juicy spoke about his Tongan heritage and how he was inspired by seeing other wrestlers just like him doing this. He would watch Jacob and Lance’s family on TV growing up, wanting to be like them! He also credited Jacob for taking him under his wing and learning so much from him.
They credited MLW for taking a chance on them and giving them an opportunity to show what they can do. Jacob also spoke about the relationship, history, and respect Court Bauer, and his family have for each other that goes way back.
Listening to them speak I was completely engaged! I could have spent hours listening to their stories, however we only had a few minutes. One thing is for certain, family is everything! The pride they have in their heritage runs deep. And if you look at professional wrestling today, their family is well represented and continue to be a big part of wrestling history!