Career Timeline of Lance Anoaʻi: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 11, 2025

How Lance Anoaʻi built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Lance Anoaʻi is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, performing on the NXT brand. He is a member of the renowned Anoaʻi wrestling family. Prior to joining WWE, he gained recognition in Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he held the MLW World Tag Team Championship. He also has experience wrestling in Pro Wrestling Noah. His career showcases his involvement in major wrestling promotions and his lineage within a prominent wrestling dynasty.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

April 3, 2010: Anoaʻi's Debut

On April 3, 2010, Anoaʻi debuted and won a match against Chrono Chris in Martinsburg, West Virginia, during a show promoted by the National Wrestling League. He was also involved in matches with his kins Samu, Afa Jr. and Sean Maluta in World Xtreme Wrestling, owned by his grandfather, Afa Anoaʻi.

August 2012: MCW Debut

In August 2012, Anoaʻi debuted in Maryland Championship Wrestling (MCW).

August 10, 2013: Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup 2013

On August 10, 2013, at the Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup 2013, Anoaʻi fought Luke Hawx and reached the semi-finals.

September 20, 2013: PWS Tri State Championship

On September 20, 2013, Anoaʻi competed for the PWS Tri State Championship in a Six Way Match at PWS Return to Rahway, which included Craven Varro, Starman, Facade, Pat Buck, and The Drunken Swashbuckler.

2013: HOH Appearances

In 2013, Anoaʻi made his first of many appearances in House of Hardcore (HOH).

January 2, 2015: WWE SmackDown Debut

On January 2, 2015, Anoaʻi made his WWE debut as an enhancement talent on WWE SmackDown, teaming with Rhett Titus in a losing effort against The Ascension.

February 1, 2017: WWE NXT Appearance

On February 1, 2017, Anoaʻi and Rhett Titus appeared at a WWE NXT event against The Authors of Pain, where they lost. This appearance was related to a tryout he was having with WWE.

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March 3, 2018: MLW Debut

On March 3, 2018, Anoaʻi debuted with Major League Wrestling (MLW) at their "Spring Break" event, losing to Maxwell Jacob Friedman.

July 2018: Battle Riot Participation

In July 2018, Anoaʻi participated in the first-ever Battle Riot at the namesake event, which was won by Tom Lawlor.

October 2018: The Samoan Island Tribe Formation

In October 2018, Anoaʻi started teaming with his father Samu in MLW as The Samoan Island Tribe.

April 2019: Second Battle Riot

In April 2019, Anoaʻi competed in the second Battle Riot, again unsuccessfully.

April 2019: WWE Tryout

In April 2019, Anoaʻi participated in another WWE tryout.

April 2019: ECWA Super 8 Tournament Win

In April 2019, Anoaʻi won the 23rd annual East Coast Wrestling Association (ECWA) Super 8 Tournament.

May 27, 2019: WWE Raw Appearance

On May 27, 2019, Anoaʻi appeared on WWE Raw, facing Shane McMahon. He lost the match by submission after Drew McIntyre attacked him outside the ring, and was subsequently beaten down by McMahon and McIntyre after the match, until his cousin Roman Reigns intervened.

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January 7, 2023: MLW World Tag Team Championship Win

On January 7, 2023, Anoaʻi, as a member of The Samoan SWAT Team with Juicy Finau, defeated Hustle & Power (EJ Nduka and Calvin Tankman) for the MLW World Tag Team Championships at MLW Blood and Thunder.