Jamie Szantyr Instagram – When the news broke yesterday of the passing of Afa The Wild Samoan, or “Pops” as all the boys knew him as, I couldn’t believe it. This one hit me really hard and I’m very saddened by this precious loss.
He was nicknamed “Pops” by the boys because of how much of a father figure he was to all of us. He loved us all so much!
Pops helped me in this business in more ways than anyone will ever know. He was family to me. His entire family is family to me. He was family, a friend, a mentor, and one of the top best humans I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Pops let me work for his promotion, WXW, back when it was out of Allentown, PA, way before my days in TNA as Velvet Sky.
When I met Pops he immediately wanted to help me make a name for myself and succeed in this business. The more I worked for WXW the more I would realize those were some of the best days of my life because of the lifelong memories and friendships I made through Pops. He had so much faith in me that when he told me he wanted me to be the WXW Women’s Champ, I felt so grateful and humbled.
Every time I had seen him well after his family moved out of PA, he always greeted me with happiness and kind words. I always reminded him how grateful I was for all he and his family had done for me and how I would never ever forget where I came from. I love the entire Anoa’i family and I’m sending all my condolences, love and prayers to Vale, “Mom” Afa Jr., Samu, Lloyd, Lance, Rikishi, and Pops’ entire family. A legend in this business whose spirit will always live on.
Rest easy now, Pops. We all love you and will miss you so much.
🙏🏼🕊️😢 | Posted on 18/Aug/2024 05:06:01
