Lance Anoaʻi isn’t done wrestling yet, but he now knows exactly when the ride ends. The 34-year-old has announced that he will retire from professional wrestling in March 2027, giving himself several more months in the ring before closing out a 17-year career.
Anoaʻi revealed the decision on Instagram and made it clear that this isn’t an immediate retirement. He plans to keep wrestling until he officially reaches the 17-year mark next March.
“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.”
The decision comes down to family. Anoaʻi explained that wrestling has taken up countless weekends and kept him away from his wife and children for years, and he’s reached the point where he wants that time back.
“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.”
Anoaʻi also made it clear that he isn’t turning his back on wrestling completely. He remains proud of what his family continues to accomplish in the business and plans to support them even after his own in-ring career is over.
“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 percent in everything they do going forward.”
Walking away won’t be easy either. Anoaʻi admitted that wrestling has been part of his life for nearly 17 years and will always be part of who he is. He closed the announcement by reminding fans that the farewell tour isn’t starting with an immediate goodbye. There are still months left before he hangs it up.
“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.”
Anoaʻi comes from one of the biggest families in wrestling. His father is Samu, his grandfather was Afa Anoaʻi, and Roman Reigns is his cousin. He made his wrestling debut in April 2010 and spent years working the independent scene before becoming best known for his run in MLW.
Anoaʻi joined MLW in 2018 and eventually won the MLW World Tag Team Championship alongside Juicy Finau as the Samoan SWAT Team in January 2023. Their run with the belts lasted 182 days.
His WWE story was much more frustrating. Anoaʻi made appearances for the company years before signing, including wrestling Shane McMahon on RAW in 2019. He finally signed with WWE in 2024 and was assigned to NXT, but injuries wrecked any chance of getting his run started.
Anoaʻi left WWE in October 2025 without wrestling a single match under contract and later said he still had two years remaining on his deal when the company let him go. For now, Lance Anoaʻi still has wrestling left in him. But when March 2027 arrives, he says the boots are coming off and his weekends are going back to his family.
What do you think about Lance Anoaʻi setting a retirement date for March 2027 while still giving himself several more months in the ring? Let us know your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments.
