WWE Hall of Famer, Sika Anoa’i, father of Roman Reigns, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 79 years old. His nephew, Jahrus Anoa’i, confirmed the sad news.
Jahrus made the announcement on Instagram, stating, “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Former Hall of Famer Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’i. 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.”
Sika Anoa’i, from the renowned Anoa’i family of American Samoa, gained fame in the late 1970s. He and his brother Afa, as the tag team The Wild Samoans, were a formidable presence in WWE, formerly known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). The Wild Samoans were recognized for their unruly appearance and unconventional antics.
The Wild Samoans joined WWF in 1979 and secured their first World Tag Team Championship in April 1980. The duo clinched the titles thrice, with their last reign concluding in 1983. After hanging up his wrestling boots in the late 1980s, Sika Anoa’i transitioned into a trainer. He shaped the careers of many wrestling stars including Yokozuna, Rikishi, and Batista at The Wild Samoan Training Center, which he co-founded with Afa.
Sika’s legacy continues through his sons, Matthew and Joseph Anoa’i. Matthew, known as Rosey in WWE, had a brief career before his untimely death in 2017. Joseph, popularly known as Roman Reigns, has been a significant player in WWE since 2012. Reigns held the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship for an impressive 1,316 days, one of the longest reigns in WWE history, until he lost the title at WrestleMania 40.
Roman Reigns shared his gratitude for his father on social media: “My father had a profound impact on my entire family, and we are forever grateful for the foundation he built for us. There’s no way to fill the void left by his passing, but my sisters and I will do our best to represent him and his legacy. Rest in Power, Dad. We love you.”
The Wild Samoans were honored with induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007, reflecting their enduring influence on professional wrestling. Sika made his final appearance in WWE in 2020, celebrating Reigns’ victory at Hell in a Cell alongside his brother Afa.
