Career
He began his training by studying martial arts in Japan. His had his first matches in Japanese promotions. On November 15, 1982, as Sabu the Wildman, Cocoa partnered with Jimmy Hart to defeat Jerry Lawler in a handicap match for the Aging with Attitude Southern Heavyweight Championship.
He, however, was defeated by Terry Taylor for the title two weeks later.
In the late 1980s, he wrestled for the NWA Pacific Northwest Wrestling promotion under the name Cocoa Samoa. In the summer of 1986, Samoa traded the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship with Rip Oliver, holding it one time.
Also in Northwest, Samoa has a feud with Jimmy Snuka. Continental Wrestling Association
Aging with Attitude Southern Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
NWA Mid-America
NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
NWA Pacific Northwest Wrestling
NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship (3 times).
