WWE Hall of Famers Sika Anoa’i, of The Wild Samoans and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79.
Sika Anoa’i was an imposing powerhouse in WWE together with his brother Afa and Afa, both of whom won tag team titles over a number of seasons with the company.
Sika Anoa’i, a WWE Hall of Famer, and the father to Roman Reigns, died on Tuesday son Jahrus Anoa’i said. He was 79.
“It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Former Hall of Famer, Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’i,” Jahrus posted on Instagram Tuesday. “He passed away peacefully on June 25th. Sika was a celebrated figure whose contributions and legacy have left an indelible mark. His memory will live on through his achievements and the many lives he touched.”
A member of the famous Anoa’i clan and professionally referred to as Sika Anoa’i came to fame in the latter part of the 1970s when he joined Afa, his younger brother Afa and formed the band The Wild Samoans. Afa was taught with his grandfather Peter Maivia and cousin Rocky Johnson and then taught his brother.
The duo joined WWE at the time, which was then called World Wrestling Federation, in 1979, and quickly became an unstoppable force right from the beginning. They took home their first World Tag Team Championship in April of 1980. After their reign of four months, they took the title a second time in September. The duo left the business in the same year, but they returned in 1983 to win their third World Tag Team Championship for three times.
Sika Anoa’i also took part as a participant in WrestleMania four battle royal, which took place in the year 1988. He resigned from wrestling in the latter part of the 1980s however, he was a trainer and influenced the sport for years and trained stars such as Yokozuna, Rikishi and Batista.
“The Wild Samoans’ impact in the ring as performers was immense, and they have continued to have a huge impact on the world of wrestling since their in-ring escapades ended,” WWE announced. “They no longer have the unorthodox behavior that made them so dangerous in the ’70s, but they have over 30 years of wrestling knowledge to share with their students at The Wild Samoan Training Center.”
Anoa’i was the father of twin sons Matthew Joe and Matthew Joe, who later went on to wrestle. Matthew was a wrestler who went by the name of Rosey and was a part of WWE at the beginning of his career. He died in the year 2017. Joseph is also known by the name Roman Reigns, who has been a force of dominance throughout WWE ever since his first appearance in the year 2012. Reigns has been the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion for 1316 days, until he lost this title during WrestleMania 40.
The Wild Samoans were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. Anoa’i was last seen in WWE in the year 2020 in the same year he joined his brother for a celebration of Reigns’ victory at Hell in a Cell.
Roman Reigns pays tribute to father
Reigns expressed gratitude to the public for their “outpouring of support” for his father.
“My father made a huge influence throughout my family, and we will forever be grateful for the legacy that he created for us. There is no way to make up for the loss caused by his passing, however my sisters and I will try our best to honor him and his legacy.” he wrote. “Rest in Peace, Dad. We love you.”
