WWE's Newest Signing Has Bloodline Ties
WWE signs Samoan wrestling dynasty member - here's why you haven't seen him yet.
WWE quietly signed former MLW wrestler Lance Anoa'i, son of former star Samu, this summer.
Fightful Select reported as much on Thursday. Images of the 32-year-old wearing WWE-branded gear had hit social media, prompting Fightful to investigate - and ultimately learn of Lance's signing to the market-leading promotion.
Unfortunately, Anoa'i has been out of action with an injury and isn't likely to be cleared for a while. As a result of his indefinite recovery time, Fightful states that there aren't any imminent creative plans for Anoa'i in NXT or on the main roster.
Sports Illustrated has confirmed that WWE signed Lance in August. He will be featured on NXT rather than Raw or SmackDown.
Anoa'i has been a wrestler for over 14 years, debuting in April 2010. He was with MLW from 2018 until 2023, when he was granted his release from the promotion. He had worked for promotions such as Pro Wrestling NOAH and House of Glory before inking with WWE.
2017 saw Lance take part in a WWE tryout, during which he wrestled the Authors of Pain on an NXT show. Two years later, he faced Shane McMahon as an Anoa'i family representative on an episode of Raw, though his first WWE enhancement appearance was vs. The Ascension in January 20215.
WWE's New Signing Lance Anoa'i Has Bloodline Connections
Lance Anoa'i's familial connections guarantee he'll enter WWE with a degree of buzz. The son of former Headshrinker Samu and nephew of Aja Jr. and L.A. Smooth, he is part of the legendary Samoan wrestling dynasty, all but guaranteeing speculation tying him to WWE's biggest modern storyline, the Bloodline.
In MLW, Lance twice tagged with his father as the Samoan Island Tribe in 2018. Their last match together came against the FBI of Little Guido and Tommy Rich on a BCW show this April.
In its current state, the Bloodline storyline primarily revolves around Roman Reigns' 'O.G.' version of the group (featuring Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and potentially Sami Zayn) battling Solo Sikoa, Tonga Loa, Tama Tonga, and Jacob Fatu. The storyline has continually evolved over the years to incorporate new characters. Another potential entrant, Hikuleo (half-brother of Tama Tonga), is believed to be on his way to WWE. Like Lance, he may start WWE life in NXT.