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To Peter Maivia Dwayne Johnson was both his adoptive grandson and his step-grandson.
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{{short description|Samoan-American professional wrestler (1937–1982)}}
{{short description|Samoan-American professional wrestler (1937–1982)}}
{{distinguish|Neff Maiava}}
{{distinguish|Neff Maiava}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Peter Maivia
|name = Peter Maivia
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|birth_name = Fanene Pita Anderson
|birth_name = Fanene Pita Anderson
|birth_date = {{Birth date|1937|4|6}}
|birth_date = {{Birth date|1937|4|6}}
|birth_place = [[American Samoa]]
|birth_place = [[Western Samoa]]<ref name=obit />
|death_date = {{Death date and age|1982|6|13|1937|4|6}}
|death_date = {{Death date and age|1982|6|13|1937|4|6}}
|death_place = [[Hawaii]], U.S.
|death_place = [[Hawaii]], U.S.
|death_cause = [[Cancer]]
|death_cause = [[Cancer]]
|spouse = {{marriage|[[Lia Maivia]]|1953|June 13, 1982|end=died}}
|spouse = {{marriage|[[Lia Maivia]]|1953}}
|children = 2
|children = 2
|relatives = [[Dwayne Johnson]] (grandson)<br>[[Nia Jax]] (grandniece)
|relatives = [[Dwayne Johnson]] (adoptive grandson/step-grandson)<br>[[Nia Jax]] (first cousin once removed) <br> [[Roman Reigns]] (Great Nephew)
|family = [[Anoa'i family]]
|family = [[Anoaʻi family]]
|names = Peter Anderson<br>Peter Maivia
|names = Peter Anderson<br>Peter Maivia
|height = 5 ft 9 in<ref name=hof>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/inductees/petermaivia/|title=Hall of Fame: High Chief Peter Maivia|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=2011-03-29}}</ref>
|height = 5 ft 9 in<ref name=hof>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/halloffame/inductees/petermaivia/|title=Hall of Fame: High Chief Peter Maivia|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=2011-03-29}}</ref>
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|ring_names = Prince Peter Maivia<br>High Chief Peter Maivia
|ring_names = Prince Peter Maivia<br>High Chief Peter Maivia
|website =
|website =
|caption=Maivia in 1977}}
|caption=Maivia in 1969}}


'''Fanene Leifi Pita Maivia''' (born '''Fanene Pita Anderson'''; April 6, 1937 – June 13, 1982), better known as '''Peter Maivia''', was a Samoan-American professional wrestler, actor and stunt coordinator.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Peter Maivia profile|url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/peter-miavia/|access-date=February 24, 2022|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Maivia was the grandfather of [[Dwayne Johnson|Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson]] via adoption, and was also part of the famous [[Anoa'i family]] via blood brother pact. He was also a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Promoter|promoter]] for the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] in [[Hawaii]].<ref name=hof/>
'''Fanene Leifi Pita Maivia''' (born '''Fanene Pita Anderson'''; April 6, 1937 – June 13, 1982), better known as '''Peter Maivia''', was a Samoan-American professional wrestler, actor and stunt coordinator.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Peter Maivia profile|url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/peter-miavia/|access-date=February 24, 2022|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Maivia was the grandfather of [[Dwayne Johnson|Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson]] via adoption, and was also part of the famous [[Anoaʻi family]] via blood brother pact. He was also the [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Promoter|promoter]] of the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] member [[Polynesian Pro Wrestling]] in [[Hawaii]].<ref name=hof/>


==Professional wrestling career==
==Professional wrestling career==
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===New Zealand and Australia (1964–1968)===
===New Zealand and Australia (1964–1968)===
After spending his first twenty years in American Samoa, Maivia moved to New Zealand.<ref name=":0" /> He began competing, wrestling under the ring name Prince Peter Maivia.<ref name=":1" /> Athletic, naturally talented and quick to learn, Maivia received training in [[New Zealand]], under the watchful eye of local wrestler and promoter [[Steve Rickard]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
After spending his first twenty years in American Samoa, Maivia moved to New Zealand.<ref name=":0" /> He began competing, wrestling under the ring name Prince Peter Maivia.<ref name=":1" /> He was trained in [[New Zealand]] by local wrestler and promoter [[Steve Rickard]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />


Both in and out of the ring, Rickard taught the young Samoan a great deal about professional wrestling, and under his guidance, Maivia developed at an amazing rate. On August 3, 1964, after less than a year in the business, the rookie sensation stunned New Zealand by defeating Rickard to win the prestigious [[NWA New Zealand Heavyweight Championship|New Zealand Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name=":0" /> The title victory was impressive, however Maivia's reign was extremely short, and he held the championship for just three days, dropping the championship back to Rickard on August 6, 1964.<ref name=":0" /> The point had been made though, and from that point onward, Maivia enjoyed main-event status in the [[National Wrestling Alliance|NWA]]'s New Zealand territory.<ref name=":1" />
Both in and out of the ring, Rickard taught the young Samoan a great deal about professional wrestling, and under his guidance, Maivia developed at an amazing rate. On 3 August 1964, after less than a year in the business, he won the [[NWA New Zealand Heavyweight Championship|New Zealand Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name=":0" /> The title victory was impressive, however Maivia's reign was extremely short, and he held the championship for just three days, with the championship returning to Rickard on August 6, 1964.<ref name=":0" /> The point had been made though, and from then onward, Maivia enjoyed main-event status in the [[National Wrestling Alliance|NWA]]'s New Zealand territory.<ref name=":1" />


Later in 1964, Maivia followed up his previous success by winning the [[NWA Australasian Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name=":1" /> Maivia became the new Australasian champion by defeating [[Kangaroo Kennedy]], and he carried the belt for four years before finally losing it to [[Steve Rickard]] in 1968.<ref name=":0" /> After developing his repertoire and ring skills in New Zealand, Maivia slowly began to branch out and take bookings in larger promotions, with success invariably following the popular islander.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />[[File:Peter Maivia - Action Wrestling Magazine 1975 Cover.jpg|thumb|left|Maivia in 1975]]
Later in 1964, Maivia followed up his previous success by winning the [[NWA Australasian Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name=":1" /> Maivia became the new Australasian champion by defeating [[Kangaroo Kennedy]], and he carried the belt for four years before finally losing it to [[Steve Rickard]] in 1968.<ref name=":0" /> After developing his repertoire and ring skills in New Zealand, Maivia slowly began to branch out and take bookings in larger promotions.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />[[File:Peter Maivia - Action Wrestling Magazine 1975 Cover.jpg|thumb|left|Maivia in 1975]]


===Various promotions (1968–1977)===
===Various promotions (1968–1977)===
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===World Wide Wrestling Federation (1977–1981)===
===World Wide Wrestling Federation (1977–1981)===
[[File:Chief Maivia - Wrestling Program WWWF n.74 1977.jpg|thumb|right|Maivia in 1977]]
[[File:Maivia and Backlund steel cage 1979.png|thumb|Maivia (left) pulls [[Bob Backlund]] (right) by the hair during their steel cage match, circa 1979]]
He joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation in mid-1977.<ref name=":0" /> He was one of the company's biggest stars, working matches with many top wrestlers such as [[Superstar Billy Graham]], [[Ivan Putski]] and [[Bob Backlund]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> He turned heel for the first time in his career in 1978 on Backlund in a match against [[Spiros Arion]] and [[Víctor Rivera (professional wrestler)|Victor Rivera]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> During his tenure in the WWWF, he also competed in Hawaii, Japan, Toronto, Detroit, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New Zealand. He left the WWWF, which had now been renamed to the WWF, in 1981.
He joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation in mid-1977.<ref name=":0" /> He was one of the company's biggest stars, working matches with many top wrestlers such as [[Superstar Billy Graham]], [[Ivan Putski]] and [[Bob Backlund]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> He turned heel for the first time in his career in 1978 on Backlund in a match against [[Spiros Arion]] and [[Víctor Rivera (professional wrestler)|Victor Rivera]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> During his tenure in the WWWF, he also competed in Hawaii, Japan, Toronto, Detroit, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New Zealand. He left the WWWF, which had now been renamed to the WWF, in 1981.


===Later career (1981–1982)===
===Later career (1981–1982)===
After leaving the WWF, Maivia returned to California and won the [[NWA Americas Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name=":0" /> He wrestled in his last match in Hawaii in February 1982 defeating Victor Rivera in a singles match. He retired on February 11, 1982, due to his battle with cancer.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|title=Peter Maivia|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1347|access-date=February 24, 2022|publisher=Cagematch}}</ref>
After leaving the WWF, Maivia returned to California and won the [[NWA Americas Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name=":0" /> He wrestled in his last match in Hawaii in February 1982, defeating Victor Rivera in a singles match. He retired on February 11, 1982, due to his battle with cancer.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Kreikenbohm|first=Philip|title=Peter Maivia|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1347|access-date=February 24, 2022|publisher=Cagematch}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Maivia, also known as the Flyinʻ Hawaiian, was of the [[Ali'i]] lineage of [[Malietoa]].<ref>Ahching, Leiataua Ahching. ''Polynesian Interconnections'' (p.19)</ref> Maivia's [[Pe'a|traditional Samoan tattoos]], which covered his abdomen and legs, were a symbol of his High Chief status.<ref name=hof/> According to [[Superstar Billy Graham]], they were completed in three days. His wife Ofelia Fuataga, more commonly known as [[Lia Maivia]], was one of the first female professional wrestling promoters.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=Oliver|first=Greg|date=October 23, 2008|title=Lia Maivia was a pioneering woman promoter|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2008/10/23/lia-maivia-was-a-pioneering-woman-promoter/|access-date=February 24, 2022|website=SLAM! Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref name=":4" /> Maivia had two children; his two sons, Jarrod Holbrook (Toa Maivia) and Peter Jr., are also wrestlers; mostly wrestling in Hawaii and West Coast based promotions. He also later adopted Lia's daughter Ata.<ref name=":4">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KUsJAwAAQBAJ&q=peter+maivia+adopt+lia&pg=PA29|title=Historical Dictionary of Wrestling|first=John|last=Grasso|publisher=Scarecrow Press|page=29|date=2014|isbn=9780810879263|access-date=February 3, 2020}}</ref><ref name=mh>{{cite news|first=Elinor J.|last=Brecher|title=Grandmother of 'The Rock,' promoter|publisher=[[Miami Herald]]|date=25 October 2008}}</ref>
Maivia, also known as the Flyinʻ Hawaiian, was of the [[Ali'i]] lineage of [[Malietoa]].<ref>Ahching, Leiataua Ahching. ''Polynesian Interconnections'' (p.19)</ref> Maivia's [[Pe'a|traditional Samoan tattoos]], which covered his abdomen and legs, were a symbol of his High Chief status.<ref name=hof/> According to [[Superstar Billy Graham]], they were completed in three days. His wife Ofelia Fuataga, more commonly known as [[Lia Maivia]], was one of the first female professional wrestling promoters.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=Oliver|first=Greg|date=October 23, 2008|title=Lia Maivia was a pioneering woman promoter|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2008/10/23/lia-maivia-was-a-pioneering-woman-promoter/|access-date=February 24, 2022|website=SLAM! Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KUsJAwAAQBAJ&q=peter+maivia+adopt+lia&pg=PA29|title=Historical Dictionary of Wrestling|first=John|last=Grasso|publisher=Scarecrow Press|page=29|date=2014|isbn=9780810879263|access-date=February 3, 2020}}</ref> Maivia adopted Lia's daughter Mataniu Feagaimaleata "Ata" Fitisemanu.<ref name=obit>{{cite news |title=Wrestler and promoter Peter Maivia, 45, dies |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-jun-16-1982-pete/21722921/ |access-date=29 February 2024 |work=The Honolulu Advertiser |date=16 June 1982 |pages=57}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Mochizuki |first1=Koh |title=The Rock Brings His Mom To Tears After Surprising Her With A New Home In Emotional Video |url=https://www.comicsands.com/rock-mom-tears-new-house-2657465475.html |publisher=Comic Sands |access-date=May 12, 2024 |date=June 7, 2022}}</ref>


Maivia was the [[blood brother]] of Amituanai Anoa'i, the father of [[the Wild Samoans]] ([[Afa Anoa'i|Afa]] and [[Sika Anoa'i|Sika]]), and thus the [[Anoa'i family]] regard the Maivia family as part of their own family.
Maivia was the [[blood brother]] of Amituanai Anoaʻi, the father of [[the Wild Samoans]] ([[Afa Anoaʻi|Afa]] and [[Sika Anoaʻi|Sika]]), and thus the [[Anoaʻi family]] regard the Maivia family as part of their own family.


Maivia was also an actor, appearing in the fifth [[James Bond]] film, ''[[You Only Live Twice (film)|You Only Live Twice]]'', where he played a driver who transports a disguised Bond to Osato headquarters. His character also fights Bond, is hit with a sofa, wields a [[katana]], and is put down when a statue is broken on his head. He was also the film's [[Combat in film|stunt fight co-ordinator]].
Maivia was also an actor, appearing in the fifth [[James Bond]] film, ''[[You Only Live Twice (film)|You Only Live Twice]]'', where he played a driver who transports a disguised Bond to Osato headquarters. His character also fights Bond, is hit with a sofa, wields a [[katana]], and is put down when a statue is broken on his head. He was also the film's [[Combat in film|stunt fight co-ordinator]].


===Death===
===Death===
In 1981, Maivia was diagnosed with inoperable [[cancer]], having reportedly ignored symptoms along with his friends and family's requests to see a doctor.<ref name=":1" /> He died on June 13, 1982, at the age of 45.<ref name="hof" />
In 1981, Maivia was diagnosed with inoperable [[cancer]], having reportedly ignored symptoms along with his friends and family's
requests to see a doctor.<ref name=":1" /> He died on June 13, 1982.<ref name="hof" />


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==
Maivia was posthumously inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]], along with his daughter's ex-husband [[Rocky Johnson]], in 2008 by his grandson [[Dwayne Johnson]], with the award being accepted on his behalf by his daughter Ata Maivia-Johnson.<ref name="hof" />
Maivia was posthumously inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]], along with his daughter's ex-husband [[Rocky Johnson]], in 2008 by his grandson [[Dwayne Johnson]], with the award being accepted on his behalf by his daughter Ata Maivia-Johnson.<ref name="hof" />


In the 2016 Disney animated film, ''[[Moana (2016 film)|Moana]]'', the character design of [[Maui (character)|Maui]] was derived from photographs of Peter Maivia, according to interviews with his grandson, [[Dwayne Johnson|Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson]], who voices Maui in the film.<ref>{{Cite web|last=McCarthy|first=Kelly|date=November 21, 2016|title=Dwayne Johnson Shed 'Manly Tears' Making Disney's 'Moana'|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/dwayne-rock-johnson-shed-manly-tears-moana/story?id=43680580|access-date=November 29, 2016|website=|publisher=[[ABC News]]}}</ref>
In the 2016 Disney animated film, ''[[Moana (2016 film)|Moana]]'', the character design of [[Maui (character)|Maui]] was derived from photographs of Peter Maivia, according to interviews with his grandson, Dwayne Johnson, who voices Maui in the film.<ref>{{Cite web|last=McCarthy|first=Kelly|date=November 21, 2016|title=Dwayne Johnson Shed 'Manly Tears' Making Disney's 'Moana'|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/dwayne-rock-johnson-shed-manly-tears-moana/story?id=43680580|access-date=November 29, 2016|website=|publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}</ref>


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
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*'''[[50th State Big Time Wrestling]]'''
*'''[[50th State Big Time Wrestling]]'''
**[[NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hawaii Heavyweight Title|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/hi/hi-h.html|access-date=February 24, 2022|publisher=Wrestling Titles}}</ref>
**[[NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hawaii Heavyweight Title|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/hi/hi-h.html|access-date=February 24, 2022|publisher=Wrestling Titles}}</ref>
**[[NWA Hawaii Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Hawaii Tag Team Championship#Title history|4 times]]) - with Jim Hady (1), [[Adnan El Kassey|Billy White Wolf]] (1), and Sam Steamboat (2)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hawaii Tag Team Title|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/hi/hi-t.html|access-date=February 24, 2022|publisher=Wrestling Titles}}</ref>
**[[NWA Hawaii Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Hawaii Tag Team Championship#Title history|4 times]]) - with [[Jim Hady]] (1), [[Adnan El Kassey|Billy White Wolf]] (1), and Sam Steamboat (2)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hawaii Tag Team Title|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/hi/hi-t.html|access-date=February 24, 2022|publisher=Wrestling Titles}}</ref>
*'''[[National Wrestling Alliance|NWA]] All-Star Pro Wrestling'''
*'''[[National Wrestling Alliance|NWA]] All-Star Pro Wrestling'''
**[[NWA Australasian Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Australasian Heavyweight Championship#title history|2 times]])<ref name=":2" />
**[[NWA Australasian Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Australasian Heavyweight Championship#title history|2 times]])<ref name=":2" />
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons}}
* {{Find a Grave|10459228}}
* {{Find a Grave|10459228}}
* {{WWE superstar}}
* {{WWE superstar}}
* {{professional wrestling profiles}}


{{Anoa'iFamily}}
{{AnoaʻiFamily}}
{{NWA World Tag Team Champions (Salt Lake Wrestling Club version)}}
{{NWA World Tag Team Champions (Salt Lake Wrestling Club version)}}
{{NWA World Tag Team Champions (San Francisco version)}}
{{NWA World Tag Team Champions (San Francisco version)}}
{{WWE Hall of Fame}}
{{WWE Hall of Fame}}
{{50th State Big Time Wrestling}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Maivia, Peter}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Maivia, Peter}}
[[Category:1937 births]]
[[Category:1937 births]]
[[Category:1982 deaths]]
[[Category:1982 deaths]]
[[Category:20th-century professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:50th State Big Time Wrestling]]
[[Category:50th State Big Time Wrestling]]
[[Category:American people of Samoan descent]]
[[Category:American people of Samoan descent]]
[[Category:American professional wrestlers of Samoan descent]]
[[Category:American professional wrestlers of Samoan descent]]
[[Category:American Samoan male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American Samoan male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Anoa'i family]]
[[Category:Anoaʻi family]]
[[Category:Deaths from cancer in Hawaii]]
[[Category:Deaths from cancer in Hawaii]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling trainers]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling trainers]]

Revision as of 15:51, 29 November 2024

Not to be confused with Neff Maiava.

Peter Maivia
Maivia in 1969
Birth nameFanene Pita Anderson
Born(1937-04-06)April 6, 1937
Western Samoa[1]
DiedJune 13, 1982(1982-06-13) (aged 45)
Hawaii, U.S.
Cause of deathCancer
Spouse(s)
​
(m. 1953)​
Children2
RelativesDwayne Johnson (adoptive grandson/step-grandson)
Nia Jax (first cousin once removed)
Roman Reigns (Great Nephew)
FamilyAnoaʻi family
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Prince Peter Maivia
High Chief Peter Maivia
Billed height5 ft 9 in (175 cm)[2]
Billed weight275 lb (125 kg)[2]
Billed from"The Isle of Samoa"[2]
Trained bySteve Rickard[2]
Debut1960
RetiredFebruary 11, 1982

Fanene Leifi Pita Maivia (born Fanene Pita Anderson; April 6, 1937 – June 13, 1982), better known as Peter Maivia, was a Samoan-American professional wrestler, actor and stunt coordinator.[3] Maivia was the grandfather of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson via adoption, and was also part of the famous Anoaʻi family via blood brother pact. He was also the promoter of the National Wrestling Alliance member Polynesian Pro Wrestling in Hawaii.[2]

Professional wrestling career

Early career (1960–1964)

Maivia made his debut in 1960 at the age of 23.[4] He worked for NWA Hawaii, and in other places including France, and the United Kingdom.[4]

New Zealand and Australia (1964–1968)

After spending his first twenty years in American Samoa, Maivia moved to New Zealand.[3] He began competing, wrestling under the ring name Prince Peter Maivia.[4] He was trained in New Zealand by local wrestler and promoter Steve Rickard.[3][4]

Both in and out of the ring, Rickard taught the young Samoan a great deal about professional wrestling, and under his guidance, Maivia developed at an amazing rate. On 3 August 1964, after less than a year in the business, he won the New Zealand Heavyweight Championship.[3] The title victory was impressive, however Maivia's reign was extremely short, and he held the championship for just three days, with the championship returning to Rickard on August 6, 1964.[3] The point had been made though, and from then onward, Maivia enjoyed main-event status in the NWA's New Zealand territory.[4]

Later in 1964, Maivia followed up his previous success by winning the NWA Australasian Heavyweight Championship.[4] Maivia became the new Australasian champion by defeating Kangaroo Kennedy, and he carried the belt for four years before finally losing it to Steve Rickard in 1968.[3] After developing his repertoire and ring skills in New Zealand, Maivia slowly began to branch out and take bookings in larger promotions.[3][4]

Maivia in 1975

Various promotions (1968–1977)

Maivia continued working mainly in Hawaii during most of his career. In 1968 he worked for International Wrestling Enterprise in Japan.[3] From 1969 to 1975 he worked in NWA San Francisco, NWA Hollywood, WCCW, Houston Wrestling, and the AWA winning many championships in the process.[3]

World Wide Wrestling Federation (1977–1981)

Maivia (left) pulls Bob Backlund (right) by the hair during their steel cage match, circa 1979

He joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation in mid-1977.[3] He was one of the company's biggest stars, working matches with many top wrestlers such as Superstar Billy Graham, Ivan Putski and Bob Backlund.[3][4] He turned heel for the first time in his career in 1978 on Backlund in a match against Spiros Arion and Victor Rivera.[3][4] During his tenure in the WWWF, he also competed in Hawaii, Japan, Toronto, Detroit, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New Zealand. He left the WWWF, which had now been renamed to the WWF, in 1981.

Later career (1981–1982)

After leaving the WWF, Maivia returned to California and won the NWA Americas Heavyweight Championship.[3] He wrestled in his last match in Hawaii in February 1982, defeating Victor Rivera in a singles match. He retired on February 11, 1982, due to his battle with cancer.[5]

Personal life

Maivia, also known as the Flyinʻ Hawaiian, was of the Ali'i lineage of Malietoa.[6] Maivia's traditional Samoan tattoos, which covered his abdomen and legs, were a symbol of his High Chief status.[2] According to Superstar Billy Graham, they were completed in three days. His wife Ofelia Fuataga, more commonly known as Lia Maivia, was one of the first female professional wrestling promoters.[7][8] Maivia adopted Lia's daughter Mataniu Feagaimaleata "Ata" Fitisemanu.[1][9]

Maivia was the blood brother of Amituanai Anoaʻi, the father of the Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika), and thus the Anoaʻi family regard the Maivia family as part of their own family.

Maivia was also an actor, appearing in the fifth James Bond film, You Only Live Twice, where he played a driver who transports a disguised Bond to Osato headquarters. His character also fights Bond, is hit with a sofa, wields a katana, and is put down when a statue is broken on his head. He was also the film's stunt fight co-ordinator.

Death

In 1981, Maivia was diagnosed with inoperable cancer, having reportedly ignored symptoms along with his friends and family's requests to see a doctor.[4] He died on June 13, 1982.[2]

Legacy

Maivia was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, along with his daughter's ex-husband Rocky Johnson, in 2008 by his grandson Dwayne Johnson, with the award being accepted on his behalf by his daughter Ata Maivia-Johnson.[2]

In the 2016 Disney animated film, Moana, the character design of Maui was derived from photographs of Peter Maivia, according to interviews with his grandson, Dwayne Johnson, who voices Maui in the film.[10]

Filmography

Championships and accomplishments

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b "Wrestler and promoter Peter Maivia, 45, dies". The Honolulu Advertiser. June 16, 1982. p. 57. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Hall of Fame: High Chief Peter Maivia". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 29, 2011.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Peter Maivia profile". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Von Slagle, Stephen (June 4, 2020). "Peter Maivia". History of Wrestling. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c d Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Peter Maivia". Cagematch. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  6. ^ Ahching, Leiataua Ahching. Polynesian Interconnections (p.19)
  7. ^ Oliver, Greg (October 23, 2008). "Lia Maivia was a pioneering woman promoter". SLAM! Wrestling. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  8. ^ Grasso, John (2014). Historical Dictionary of Wrestling. Scarecrow Press. p. 29. ISBN 9780810879263. Retrieved February 3, 2020.
  9. ^ Mochizuki, Koh (June 7, 2022). "The Rock Brings His Mom To Tears After Surprising Her With A New Home In Emotional Video". Comic Sands. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  10. ^ McCarthy, Kelly (November 21, 2016). "Dwayne Johnson Shed 'Manly Tears' Making Disney's 'Moana'". ABC News. Retrieved November 29, 2016.
  11. ^ "Hawaii Heavyweight Title". Wrestling Titles. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  12. ^ "Hawaii Tag Team Title". Wrestling Titles. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  13. ^ Will, Gary; Duncan, Royal (2000). "Texas: NWA Texas Heavyweight Title [Von Erich]". Wrestling Title Histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. Pennsylvania: Archeus Communications. pp. 268–269. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  14. ^ "NWA Texas Heavyweight Title". Wrestling Titles. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
  15. ^ "NWA Americas Heavyweight Title". Wrestling Titles. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  16. ^ "British Empire Heavyweight Title (New Zealand)". Wrestling Titles. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  17. ^ "AWA/NWA United States Heavyweight Title (San Francisco)". Wrestling Titles. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  18. ^ Johnson, Mike (November 20, 2015). "PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME MOVING FROM UPSTATE NEW YORK TO TEXAS". PWInsider. Retrieved November 20, 2015.

References

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