Speaking with Steve Fall for WrestlingNewsCo, Lance Anoa’i discussed a wide range of topics, including why he asked to be let go by MLW, missed opportunities in WWE, and more. Here are the highlights:
His MLW run:
“My experience with MLW was awesome. I always did one-offs since 2018. I was never under a contract, but I’d been with them on and off since 2018. My first match with them was against MJF in Orlando, Florida. Then I wrestled Rich Swann, [and] I wrestled Myron Reed. I enjoyed all the opportunities they gave. I have been the only MLW superstar to compete in every single Battle Riot. I held the MLW Tag Team Championships with my cousin Juicy Finau. Jacob was also there. Just being in the building with them, in the same company, it just livened it up. We brought the party to MLW. I loved every opportunity they gave me,” Anoa’i said.
Why he wanted out of MLW:
“So the release was asked for because I was traveling, I was in Japan. I told them when I was getting back from Japan. They had no dates for me, they had nothing for me. Nothing was planned. I knew once I dropped the tag straps, I wasn’t sure what was gonna happen. But since they didn’t give me no dates or anything, no vision, because at first, when we signed, the vision was The Samoans versus The Von Erichs, The Samoans versus 5150, the SATs. It was a big tag division, and then slowly it started chopping down. It was The Samoans versus FBI, who was a great tag team also. We still wrestled great tag teams. But they pitched a good selling looks to us when we were there, and then slowly everything just started dying off, and then we started dying off, and I said, ‘Hey, man, right now, I’m in Japan, but I don’t want my value to go down. I’m enjoying it, travel back and forth, I don’t want no conflicts with Japan and MLW.’ They granted me as many tours as I want with Japan, and they granted that for me. But just more of the freedom. Maybe a possibility, man. We just be able to throw it up [makes Bloodline sign]. But who knows? [laughs] I just wanted that freedom, mainly for right now. Especially with my family being at the top of the best company there is. I missed a few opportunities being with MLW on A&E, I missed possibility of being on the Tribal Court they were doing, with bringing in the family. I missed that opportunity. Now, I can do it all. I can be at extra work, I can be at tryouts. Nothing’s stopping me now, so I’m just ready to go,” Anoa’i said.
You can keep up with all your wrestling news right here on eWrestlingNews.com. Or, you can follow us over on our Twitter and Facebook pages.
Lance Anoa’i, a professional wrestler, recently spoke with Steve Fall for WrestlingNewsCo and shared his thoughts on various topics, including his time with MLW (Major League Wrestling), missed opportunities in WWE, and his desire for more freedom in his career.
Anoa’i expressed his positive experience with MLW, stating that he had been working with the promotion on and off since 2018. Although he was never under contract, he had the opportunity to compete in several matches and even held the MLW Tag Team Championships with his cousin Juicy Finau. Anoa’i mentioned that being in the same company as his family members, such as Jacob, added to the excitement and energy of the shows. He appreciated the opportunities MLW gave him and enjoyed every moment.
However, Anoa’i also explained why he requested to be released from MLW. He mentioned that while he was in Japan, he informed the promotion about his return date but was not given any future plans or dates for matches. Initially, there were exciting plans for tag team feuds involving The Samoans (Anoa’i and his family) against The Von Erichs, 5150, and the SATs. However, those plans gradually diminished, and Anoa’i felt uncertain about his future with MLW. He didn’t want his value to decrease and wanted to have the freedom to explore other opportunities, especially considering his family’s prominence in WWE. Anoa’i mentioned missing out on potential appearances on A&E’s wrestling shows and the Tribal Court segment featuring his family. By requesting his release, he now has the freedom to pursue other ventures without any conflicts.
Anoa’i’s decision to leave MLW allows him to explore new opportunities in the wrestling industry. He expressed his excitement about being able to participate in extra work, tryouts, and other projects. He believes that nothing is stopping him now and is ready to take on new challenges.
In conclusion, Lance Anoa’i had a positive experience with MLW but decided to request his release due to the lack of future plans and opportunities. He values his freedom and wants to explore new possibilities in the wrestling industry. With his family’s success in WWE, he is eager to make the most of his career and seize any opportunities that come his way. Fans can stay updated on all wrestling news on eWrestlingNews.com or follow their Twitter and Facebook pages for the latest updates.