“High Chief” Peter Maivia
The wrestling dynasty began with The Rock’s American Samoan-born grandfather, who started wrestling back in the 1960s as Prince Peter Maivia, before sticking to the name “High Chief.” Showcasing his striking tribal tattoos, Maivia quickly became a fan favorite and champion in Hawaii, New Zealand, and the United States.
Peter Maivia. Source: Tumblr
Sadly, his hall of fame career and life ended when he was just 45, after losing a battle to cancer. Although he wasn’t technically part of the Anoa’I lineage that produced most of the family’s wrestling stars, Mavia was considered a “blood brother” of its patriarch, Reverend Amituana’i Anoa’i.