Lance Anoa’i, a member of the Samoan pro-wrestling bloodline, has revealed his next goal and destination following his departure from WWE.
The 33-year-old son of Samu was part of the NXT roster but was released earlier this month before he could formally make his television debut. Anoa’i recently shared his next goal on social media. “Goal for 2026! Go back to Japan!” he wrote.
Anoa’i signed an NXT contract in 2024, but his debut was halted due to an injury. He has been in the industry for over a decade, making his in-ring debut in 2010. He is most known for his run in MLW, which lasted until 2023. Following his MLW tenure, Anoa’i made his debut for Pro Wrestling NOAH in 2023, where he participated in the N-1 Victory 2023.
Before being signed to his NXT contract, Anoa’i had several sporadic appearances with WWE. He teamed with Rhett Titus for a loss to The Ascension on SmackDown in December 2014. He and Titus also had a tryout match against AOP in 2017. His most notable appearance came in May 2019, when he faced Shane McMahon on Raw before being saved by his cousin, Roman Reigns.
In a statement shared on social media earlier this month, Lance Anoa’i announced his WWE departure and confirmed his 30-day non-compete clause.
“I would officially announce my departure from WWE! I didn’t have the best of luck since I arrived! I will not let this stop me from achieving to be great! I’ve worked hard on the indies for 15 years! Now let’s get back to work! 30days Accepting bookings booklanceanoai@gmail.com.”
Goal for 2026! Go back to Japan!
— Lance Anoa’i (@lanceanoai) October 29, 2025
