Sika Anoa’i, a WWE Hall of Famer and the father of Roman Reigns, passed away peacefully on June 25th at the age of 79. His nephew, Jahrus Anoa’i, shared the news on Instagram, expressing profound sadness and highlighting Sika’s lasting legacy in the wrestling world.
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The Wild Samoans: A Legendary Tag Team
Sika Anoa’i, known professionally as Sika, rose to prominence in the late 1970s alongside his brother Afa. Together, they formed the iconic tag team known as The Wild Samoans. Trained by their uncle Peter Maivia and cousin Rocky Johnson, they made their WWE debut (then known as the World Wrestling Federation) in 1979. Their unique in-ring style and unorthodox behavior quickly made them a dominant force. They won their first World Tag Team Championship in April 1980 and went on to secure the title two more times, cementing their place in wrestling history.
The Wild Samoans’ impact extended beyond their championship reigns. Their influence and contributions to the wrestling world continued long after their retirement from competition in the late 1980s. Sika, in particular, became a respected trainer, mentoring future stars like Yokozuna, Rikishi, and Batista. The WWE acknowledged their lasting impact, noting that the knowledge and experience they shared with their students at The Wild Samoan Training Center have shaped many wrestling careers.
A Family Legacy
Sika Anoa’i’s legacy is also carried on through his sons, Matthew and Joe. Matthew, known as Rosey, had a career in WWE before his untimely death in 2017. Joe, better known as Roman Reigns, has been a dominant force in WWE since his debut in 2012. Reigns held the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship for an impressive 1,316 days until his recent loss at WrestleMania 40.
Sika’s last appearance in WWE was in 2020 when he and his brother Afa joined Roman Reigns in celebrating his victory at Hell in a Cell. This appearance further solidified Sika’s role in his son’s storyline as “The Tribal Chief,” acknowledging the family’s deep wrestling heritage.
A Lasting Impact
Sika Anoa’i’s death marks the end of an era for the wrestling community. His contributions to the sport, both as a performer and a mentor, have left an indelible mark. Roman Reigns expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support for his father, saying, “Rest in Power, Dad. We love you.”
The wrestling world mourns the loss of a true legend whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations. The Wild Samoans were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007, a testament to their significant contributions to the industry. Sika Anoa’i’s memory will live on through his achievements and the many lives he touched throughout his illustrious career.
