When discussing wrestling dynasties, families like the Harts, Guerreros, and Von Erichs often take center stage. Similarly, the Anoa’i family from Samoa is widely recognized for its multigenerational impact on sports entertainment. However, intertwined with the Anoa’i lineage is another family that deserves significant recognition: the Maivia/Johnson family. While Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has ascended to global superstardom, the foundation of this dynasty was laid by his grandfather, the legendary High Chief Peter Maivia.
Born in Samoa in the 1930s, Peter Maivia held a unique bond with the Anoa’i family as their “blood brother.” His journey into professional wrestling began in the early 1960s when he relocated to New Zealand. Under the tutelage of South Pacific wrestling icon Steve Rickard, Maivia rapidly honed his skills. His natural talent and charisma quickly propelled him to prominence in the South Pacific and Hawaii, where he secured numerous championship titles before venturing to the United States in 1970.
The 1970s marked a period of dominance for The High Chief on the West Coast wrestling scene. He became a fixture in both Los Angeles and San Francisco, capturing multiple championships. His reign included holding versions of the NWA Tag Team Championship alongside wrestling luminaries such as Pat Patterson, Billy White Wolf, and Ray “The Crippler” Stevens. During his time in California, Maivia also cultivated a significant mentor-student relationship with the charismatic “Superstar” Billy Graham, influencing a generation of wrestlers.
While Maivia briefly wrestled in Texas, his national breakthrough came with his entry into WWE (then WWF) in the late 1970s. Peter Maivia’s captivating presence resonated with audiences, boosted by his distinctive tribal tattoos, a powerful symbol of his Samoan High Chief status. This tradition of meaningful Samoan tattoos would later be embraced and popularized by his grandson, The Rock, further cementing their family legacy.
In the twilight years of his WWE career, Maivia engaged in a memorable feud with his former protégé, Billy Graham, for the WWE Championship. He also formed a formidable tag team partnership with Bob Backlund. However, when Backlund captured the WWE Title from Graham, Maivia stunned fans by betraying his partner, transitioning into a villainous character managed by “Classy” Freddie Blassie. Despite numerous challenges, The High Chief was unable to seize the championship from Backlund. He continued to wrestle in Hawaii and California, igniting a heated rivalry with another former student, Victor Rivera, demonstrating his enduring appeal across different territories.
Beyond his in-ring achievements, Peter Maivia played a crucial role in shaping the wrestling landscape. He mentored and trained future wrestling stars, including Billy Graham, Afa of the Wild Samoans, and Rocky Johnson – who would later marry Maivia’s daughter, Ata Maivia, despite initial reservations from The High Chief. In 1980, Maivia took on leadership of the NWA’s Hawaiian operations, further solidifying his influence. Adding another layer to his multifaceted life, Peter Maivia even appeared as a henchman in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice, foreshadowing the future Hollywood success of The Rock decades later.
Tragically, Peter Maivia was diagnosed with cancer in 1981 and passed away in June 1982 at the young age of 45. His grandson, Dwayne Johnson, initially adopted the ring name “Rocky Maivia” as a tribute to his grandfather. In 2008, The Rock honored his grandfather’s monumental impact by inducting Peter Maivia into the WWE Hall of Fame. Peter Maivia’s legacy extends far beyond his own accomplishments; he stands as the patriarch of a wrestling dynasty, and his contributions paved the way for the global phenomenon that is The Rock, ensuring the Maivia name remains synonymous with wrestling royalty.
