WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa’i, father of Roman Reigns, passed away at 79 on June 25, 2024, as reported by his nephew, Jahrus Anoa’i.
Jahrus posted the announcement on Instagram, saying, “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.”
Originally from American Samoa, Sika Anoa’i, a member of the renowned Anoa’i family, rose to fame in the late 1970s as part of the tag team The Wild Samoans with his brother Afa. Known for their untamed appearance and unique behavior, The Wild Samoans quickly made a name for themselves in WWE, then known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
The Wild Samoans started with WWF in 1979 and claimed their first World Tag Team Championship in April 1980. They held the titles three times, with their last reign ending in 1983. After retiring from active competition in the late 1980s, Sika Anoa’i turned to a training role, mentoring numerous stars, including Yokozuna, Rikishi, and Batista, at The Wild Samoan Training Center, which he co-founded with his brother Afa.
Further solidifying Sika’s legacy are his sons, Matthew and Joseph Anoa’i. Matthew, known as Rosey in WWE, had a brief career with the organization before his death in 2017. Joseph, better known as Roman Reigns, has been a formidable presence in WWE since his 2012 debut. Reigns held the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship for 1,316 days, one of the longest reigns in WWE history, before losing the title at WrestleMania 40.
Roman Reigns expressed his gratitude on social media platform X, stating, “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, a testament to their enduring influence on the wrestling world. Sika’s last appearance in WWE was in 2020 when he and his brother Afa celebrated Reigns’ victory at Hell in a Cell.
