Veteran professional wrestler Lance Anoa’i has announced his plans to retire from in-ring competition in March 2027, bringing an end to a nearly 17-year career in the sport. The 34-year-old made the announcement on his Instagram account, expressing his desire to focus on family life moving forward.
Anoa’i signed with WWE in the summer of 2024 and was initially assigned to the NXT brand. However, he was released from his contract on October 10, 2025, without ever competing in an official match for the company. Prior to this, he had made occasional appearances for WWE as an enhancement talent in 2015, 2017, and 2019.
Throughout his career, Anoa’i has achieved considerable success in other promotions. He is a one-time MLW World Tag Team Champion alongside Juice Finau. His father, Samu, is a veteran of the wrestling industry who competed in major promotions during the 1980s and 1990s, including WWE, WCW, NJPW, and ECW.
After almost 17 years in professional wrestling, I will be officially calling time on my in-ring career in March 2027, once I reach that 17-year milestone.
This journey has given me memories, friendships, battles, victories, losses, and experiences that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me, believed in me, shared a locker room with me, and helped me along the way.
But now, it’s time to start preparing for a new chapter.
For so many years, wrestling has taken up my weekends, my time, and countless moments away from the people I love most. I’ve reached a point where I want to dedicate that time to my wife and my kids and be there for the moments that matter most.
I also want to say how proud I am of my family and everything they continue to do in this business. I love what they’re building, I love being part of it in any way I can, and I will always support them 100% in everything they do going forward.
Walking away from something you’ve dedicated nearly 17 years of your life to isn’t easy. Wrestling will always be a part of who I am, and I’ll always love this business.
Thank you, wrestling, for everything you’ve given me.
17 years. One hell of a ride. And in March 2027… it’s time for family.
This isn’t goodbye just yet though. We still have a few months to go!