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Fatu began his wrestling career in 1985, working forGino BritoandDino Bravo’sLutte Internationalepromotion inMontrealasPrince Alofa, a high-flyingbabyface. He often teamed with the territory's top faces. He and his cousinSamula Anoaʻisigned with theWorld Wrestling Councilin Puerto Rico and becameThe Samoan Swat Team(Samu & Fatu). They used the "Samoan savage"gimmicktheir relatives,The Wild Samoanssuccessfully used by working barefoot, never publicly speaking English, and no-selling attacks to the head. They became the newWWC Caribbean Tag Team Champions(after a long vacancy) on November 7, 1987, inGuaynabo, Puerto Ricoafter defeatingInvader Iand Invader III.[6]They held the title for just over a month before dropping it toMarkandChris Youngblood[6]before leaving the promotion.
Samu and Fatu next appeared in Texas, working forFritz Von Erich’sWorld Class Championship Wrestling. Storywise,Buddy Robertsbrought them in to fight his fights against theVon Erich familyand formerFabulous FreebirdspartnerMichael Hayes. The SST were given a big push right away; presented as an unstoppable force, they beat hometown heroesKerryandKevin Von Erichfor theWCWA World Tag Team Championshipon August 12, 1988.[6]They remained undefeated in WCCW until they dropped the belts to Hayes and his new partner, Steve Cox, on September 12.[6]They recaptured the title four days later.[6]Hayes and Cox beat them for the title again on October 15,[6][7]and, two days later, lost it back again.
On September 12, 1988, The Samoan Swat Team became double champions by beating"Hollywood" John TatumandJimmy Jack Funkfor theWCWA Texas Tag Team Championship.[6]They made theirpay-per-viewdebut atAWA SuperClash III, the AWA's first and last PPV. They successfully defended their World Tag title against Michael Hayes and Steve Cox.[8]
