WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa'i Dies at Age 79; Father of Roman Reigns
WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa'i, the father of WWE Superstar Roman Reigns, has died at the age of 79.
WWE made the announcement on Tuesday.
Roman Reigns also released a statement via X:
Sika Anoaʻi and his brother, Afa Anoaʻi, made up The Wild Samoans, a 21-time world tag team champion. The Wild Samoans were notably three-time World Tag Team champions for the then-WWF.
Anoa'i's nephew, Jahrus, first shared news of his death.
"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.
"He was many things: a hard working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather. He was a cherished friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless individuals. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, reminding us of the impact one person's life can have on so many. Rest in love Uncle Sika."
Condolences and remembrances also poured in, a snapshot of which can be found below.
The Wild Samoans made their mark in the then-WWF in the early-to-mid 1980s, wrestling legends including Bob Backlund, Pedro Morales, The Strongbows, Tony Atlas and even their cousin, Rocky Johnson (The Rock's father).
The Wild Samoans first wrestled in the promotion in 1980 before returning from 1983-1985. They left again, but Sika Anoa'i returned as a singles wrestler in 1986 and found success, even challenging Hulk Hogan for the heavyweight championship in 1987 at Saturday Night's Main Event XII.
After his career, Sika Anoa'i and his brother trained wrestlers at the Wild Samoan Training Center. Their incredible success as trainers certainly remains a great part of their legacy, per Daily News 24.
"Afa & Sika have trained many of the Superstars WWE fans have come to know over the years, including former WWE Champion Yokozuna and former WWE Superstars Rikishi, Tonga Kid, Virgil, Michael P.S. Hayes and Billy Kidman. Afa & Sika are also credited with training Snitsky, as well as multiple-time World Champion Batista and most recently, Sika's son Roman Reigns. All-in-all, between in-ring action, managerial services and their training, the Wild Samoans have won or produced winners of over 50 championships."
The Wild Samoans were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.
Anoa'i's last WWE appearance occurred in October 2020.
He and his brother Afa anointed Reigns as The Tribal Chief following his win over his cousin, Jey Uso, at Hell in a Cell to retain the WWE Universal Championship.
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