Peter Maivia

Guide Note

"High Chief" Peter Maivia was a Samoan professional wrestler for the National Wrestling Alliance and World Wrestling Entertainment.

Fast Facts

1. Full Name: Fanene Pita Maivia
2. Born: April 6, 1937
3. Birthplace: Samoa
4. Died: June 13, 1982
5. Age at Death: 45
6. Billed height: 5'9"
7. Finisher: Stump Puller
8. 2008 WWE Hall of Fame inductee

Before debuting in the WWE (then the WWWF) in 1977, Peter Maivia won multiple titles in various NWA territories. In the WWE, he faced World Champion Superstar Billy Graham in a series of title matches. He also started a feud with Bob Backlund after turning on Backlund during a tag team match.

The "High Chief" was a "blood brother" of the Anoa'i family,¹ which includes Yokozuna, Rikishi, The Wild Samoans and Umaga. As a trainer, Maivia taught Rocky Johnson, Maivia's real life son-in-law. Johnson's son, The Rock, later became one of the most popular WWE wrestlers in the late 1990s.

Maivia was diagnosed with cancer in 1981 and passed away the following year at age 45.