Lance Anoa’i Departs WWE, Returns to Independent Wrestling Circuit
A third-generation wrestler and member of the famed Anoa’i family, Lance Anoa’i, announced his departure from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on Friday, October 10, signaling a return to the independent wrestling scene. The announcement, made via a post on his X account, comes after a brief stint with the company marked by an injury that prevented his NXT debut.
Anoa’i shared his decision directly with fans, stating, “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.” He also provided an email address – [email protected] – for booking inquiries, demonstrating his immediate readiness to accept independent dates.
Understanding the 30-Day Non-Compete Clause
The “30 days” referenced in Anoa’i’s post likely pertains to a standard 30-day non-compete clause often included in WWE NXT contracts. This clause restricts talent from appearing for rival promotions for a defined period after their contract expires, effectively making Anoa’i a free agent to wrestle elsewhere in early November.
A Legacy in Professional Wrestling
Anoa’i carries a significant wrestling lineage. His father, Samula Anoaʻi, competed in the WWF as Samu, a member of The Wild Samoans and The Headshrinkers, while his grandfather is WWE Hall of Famer Afa Anoaʻi. Lance Anoa’i began his professional career in 2010, honing his skills in his grandfather’s World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW) and on the independent circuit with promotions such as Maryland Championship Wrestling (MCW) and House of Hardcore (HOH).
Prior Success in Major League Wrestling
Before joining WWE, Anoa’i enjoyed a successful run in Major League Wrestling (MLW) from 2018 to 2023. Partnering with Juicy Finau as part of the Samoan SWAT Team, he captured the MLW World Tag Team Championship and held the title for 182 days in 2023. He also gained international experience competing for Pro Wrestling Noah in Japan during this period.
Sporadic WWE Appearances and Recent Signing
Anoa’i made several appearances for WWE prior to his official signing, including enhancement matches on SmackDown in 2015 and NXT in 2017. A memorable moment occurred on the May 27, 2019, episode of Raw, where he faced Shane McMahon, ultimately losing the match but receiving a save from his cousin, Roman Reigns. He officially signed with WWE in the summer of 2024 and was assigned to the NXT brand. However, an injury prevented him from making his televised debut. In January 2025, he was listed as part of the WWE ID program and was scheduled to participate in the WWE Evolve roster.
Despite the setback, Anoa’i remains determined to continue his wrestling career, leveraging his extensive experience and family legacy as he embarks on this new chapter on the independent circuit.
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