Peter Maivia Samoan Wrestler Grandfather To “The Rock”

Portrait painting by Chris Dale of wrestler of Peter Maivia.
The Flying Hawaiian

“Fanene Pita Anderson,” Peter Maivia was a Samoan-American professional wrestler. Maternal grandfather of Dwayne Johnson, “The Rock.”. Debut in 1962 at the age of 24 for NWA Hawaii, France, United Kingdom, United States, and later New Zealand and Australia in 1964–1968. He eventually moved to New Zealand, training under wrestler and promoter Steve Rickard, winning the prestigious New Zealand Heavyweight title from him and 3 days later giving it back to him. He became very popular, known as the Flying Hawaiian, and appeared in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice.

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