Sports Entertainment

WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa’i, father of Roman Reigns, dead at 79

By
Social Links for Ryan Glasspiegel
Published June 25, 2024, 4:41 p.m. ET

Sika Anoa’i, who was one half of the legendary Wild Samoans professional wrestling tag team and the father of current WWE star Roman Reigns, died on Tuesday.

He was 79.

“My family and I thank everyone for the outpouring of support in the name of my father, Pola’ivao Leati Sika Anoa’i, who will forever be remembered as one half of The Wild Samoans tag team,” Reigns wrote on X. “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 news was announced on Instagram by his nephew, Jahrus Anoa’i.

“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,” Jahrus wrote in the announcement.

Sika Anoa'i, one half of the legendary Wild Samoans, died Tuesday at the age of 79.
Sika Anoa’i, one half of the legendary Wild Samoans, died Tuesday at the age of 79. j.anoa1/Instagram
Roman Reigns (c.) poses with his father Sika (r.) and his uncle Afa (l.)
Roman Reigns (c.) poses with his father Sika (r.) and his uncle Afa (l.) WWE

“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.”

Brothers Sika and Afa Anoa’i formed the Wild Samoans in Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling in Calgary, Canada in 1973, and wrestled throughout the regional territories in the 1970s, including the Continental Wrestling Association (also known as Mid-South, in Memphis) and various NWA promotions.

Sika Anoa'i (l.) stands with Hulk Hogan (r.), who is holding Anoa'i's son Joe, aka Roman Reigns.
Sika Anoa’i (l.) stands with Hulk Hogan (r.), who is holding Anoa’i’s son Joe, aka Roman Reigns.

They debuted in the then-WWF in 1980, and had two different runs there throughout the decade, including three world tag team championship wins.

In between, they wrestled in other promotions including New Japan, the AWA and Jim Crockett Promotions.

Sika later returned to the WWF for a third run as a singles competitor.

Sika Anoa'i had multiple runs with the WWE.
Sika Anoa’i had multiple runs with the WWE. WWE

The Wild Samoans were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

Sika is one of the roots of “The Bloodline” angle that has dominated WWE programming since 2020.

At one point, Sika and Afa presented Reigns with the “Ula Fala” necklace, signifying that he was the “Tribal Chief,” the leader of the Bloodline.

Sika and Afa were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Sika and Afa were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. j.anoa1/Instagram

“The Anoa’i and Fatu Samoan family dynasty has become the dominant family dynasty,” Paul Heyman, who manages the Bloodline, told ESPN before WrestleMania 39 last year. “More so than the Harts and more so than the Funks. More so than the Briscos. More so than the Rhodeses.”