What’s in a name? Fig Authentic: Afa Anoa’i, Jr.

WHILE HE MAY BE THE NAMESAKE of a man who helped spawn professional wrestling’s Samoan dynasty—as well as cousin of pro wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson—Afa Anoa’i, Jr. has certainly made a name for himself.

Wrestling Prodigy

During the summer before eighth grade, Afa was inspired to officially begin his wrestling career while in Austria with his father, who was running an international tour there. “Not without proper training” was his dad’s requirement for joining the tour. So after a three-day immersive training on a hotel room floor with his WWE star older brothers, he officially stepped into the ring.

Football Star

While he never stopped wrestling, his “freakishly large” size got him recruited to Freedom High School’s varsity football team. After three years as an allconference defensive tackle, he accepted a spot on the UConn Huskies college team. Poised to be a first-round NFL draft pick after his freshman season, he blew out his knee and his career came to a premature end.

Trainer And Entertainer

After continuing his pro wrestling career as WWE superstar Manu, Afa also discovered his passion for training other wrestlers.

Amidst the pandemic, he opened The Battlefield Pro Wrestling Center in Brodheadsville, where he’s already helped over 16 hopefuls make their WWE debuts. His moves were also sought out on a different stage —the theater. Afa took on the role of choreographer for an off-Broadway production of The Last Match , and was recently recognized with a Broadway World Regionals 2023 award for “Best Choreography of a Play or Musical.”

His Favorite Name

Despite all his career success, “Dad” is truly the name Afa loves most. “Having kids put my life into focus,” says Afa. “I do it all for them.”

Afa’s son and daughter have already started wrestling training. “You can’t keep them out of the ring,” says the proud dad. Sounds familiar.

FOR OVER 15 YEARS, Wind Creek Bethlehem has been a strong supporter of one of the area’s most notable nonprofits, Cops ‘n’ Kids Lehigh Valley—an organization that seeks to “connect kids and community through literacy.” Cops ‘n’ Kids Lehigh Valley works to unite the community— including police officers, municipal leaders, and retired teachers—and schools with literacy-focused events and enrichment activities.

One of the organization’s most revered initiatives includes their ongoing collection and distribution of new or gently used books throughout the Lehigh Valley. To date, Cops ‘n’ Kids Lehigh Valley has distributed over 1.1 million books.

“Our success has been possible because we have been joined by organizations that have embraced our mission wholeheartedly, again and again,” said Beverly Bradley, President, Cops ‘n’ Kids Lehigh Valley Inc. “Without a doubt, one of those organizations is Wind Creek Bethlehem.”

Every year, Wind Creek Bethlehem engages in volunteer efforts, organizing book drives and providing other means of support.

“We simply could not do all that we do without the support and encouragement of thoughtful community partners like Wind Creek Bethlehem,” said Beverly.

Wind Creek Bethlehem Team Members have collected and donated over 4,000 books to Cops ‘n’ Kids Lehigh Valley.

Andrea DeJesus Owner