Recent reports indicate that there is internal criticism within WWE regarding the potential of Lance Anoa’i, with people stating, “he may not make it” in WWE.
Highlights
- Lance Anoa’i reportedly faces criticism and questions about his potential and future in WWE before his debut.
- Lance Anoa’i is the father of two daughters, Olivia and Payton.
- Lance married his high school sweetheart, Canesha White, in June 2024.
American professional wrestler Lance Sterling Anao’i signed with WWE in 2024 and was assigned to its NXT brand.
Moreover, he has yet to make his debut due to an injury. It is reported that when Lance returns from injury, he will make his WWE debut on the main roster instead of NXT.
When Lance Anoa’i’s debut stage is yet to be finalized, news regarding doubt in his potential surfaced in March 2025.
According to reports on X (formerly Twitter), Lance has received criticism within WWE, with people internally feeling that he “may not make it.”
Lance Anoa'i has reportedly received criticism within WWE with people internally feeling that he "may not make it."
— Cultaholic Wrestling (@Cultaholic) March 18, 2025
"Lance Anoa'i is there. There has been criticism of Lance Anoa'i that he may not make it. I have heard nothing negative about Hikuleo. You would think that him… pic.twitter.com/KxBv3cUHhS
Furthermore, news outlets state that he has received criticism from WWE backstage staff regarding his “lack of growth” in the company.
Despite his strong family background—he is Samuel Fred Anoa’i’s son and Roman Reigns‘s cousin—Lance Anoa’i reportedly received criticism of his ability.
Moreover, fans are optimistic about Lance Anoa’i’s career success in WWE, and they believe in his 15 years of experience in wrestling. One of the fans writes,
Don’t believe false reports on my guy Lance Anoa’i. He has all the tools it takes to be successful in WWE
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33-year-old Lance Anoa’i, Father OF Two Daughters Is Married To High School Sweetheart, Canesha White
Lance Anoa’i has been with his wife, Canesha White, since high school. The couple started dating around 2009 while attending high school in Pennsylvania.
The couple announced their engagement in December 2017. After over 15 years of togetherness, Lance Anoa’i and Canesha White tied the wedding knot in June 2024.
On his X (formerly Twitter) account, Lance announced the marriage with a caption,
WE DID IT! Mr. & Mrs. Anoai
Lance Anoa’i
Lance Anoa’i’s wife, Canesha White, is rarely active on social media and focuses more on her family life. Fans could glimpse Canesha in the Lance’s social media posts.
WE DID IT! Mr. & Mrs. Anoai pic.twitter.com/ySMVGbXNoX
— Lance Anoa’i (@lanceanoai) June 7, 2024
Moreover, the couple is often seen together with their two daughters. Lance and Canesha welcomed their first daughter, Olivia Paris Anoa’i, on March 9, 2012.
Similarly, the second daughter, Peyton Keilani Anoa’i, joined the family on November 1, 2016.
In March 2016, Lance Anoa’i posted an Ultrasound image of Peyton and wrote, “It’s A Girl,” announcing the new family member.
As of March 2025, Olivia 13 is in middle school, and Peyton 8 is an elementary school student.
The Anoa’i clan invades Dorney Park! Sunday Family Day! I love my wife and kids! pic.twitter.com/EOzNwHdhdS
— Lance Anoa’i (@lanceanoai) June 2, 2019
Furthermore, the girls and their mother, Canesha White, are often seen cheering up Lance Anoa’i in the spotlight of the ring and behind the scenes.
Lance cherishes his family more than anything. Times and often, the wrestling champion posts appreciation messages to his beloved wife, Canesha White, and loving daughters, Olivia and Peyton.
Additional Information
- Lance Anoa’i previously wrestled in Major League Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Noah. He is a former MLW World Tag Team Champion.
- Lance Anoa’i’s father is Samuel Fred Anoa’i, a retired professional wrestler. He is known for appearing with World Championship Wrestling and Extreme Championship Wrestling.
- Lance Anoa’i’s grandfather, Afa Anoa’i, was a Samoan-American professional wrestler who competed from 1971 to 1995.
