In unfortunate news for the industry, Sika Anoa’i, a WWE Hall of Famer, one-half of The Wild Samoans and father of Roman Reigns, has passed away. The announcement of Sika’s death has left the professional wrestling world in deep shock, as tributes have been pouring in from all across the world for the 79-year-old veteran of the Triple H-led promotion.
The late wrestling legend’s son, The Tribal Chief, has also shared a tweet after the demise of his father in which he thanked everyone for the outpouring of support. In addition to this, the megastar from the current generation of superstars also talked about how he and his sisters would try their best to carry on the legacy of their father, Pola’ivao Leati Sika Anoa’i.
The news of the WWE Hall of Famer’s death was announced by his nephew, Jahrus Anoa’i, with an Instagram post. Sharing this news with the wrestling community, Jahrus revealed that Sika passed away peacefully on June 25. This announcement from the Anoa’i family member has left everyone in a state of pain over the huge loss of a true legend.
WWE stars react to the death of Sika Anoa’i
As soon as the news of the death of Sika Anoa’i came out, WWE stars started sharing their condolences. Talking about veterans of the professional wrestling world, Bully Ray wrote, “The 1st Tag Team I ever saw and the reason I wanted to be a Tag Team Wrestler was The Wild Samoans. My sincere condolences to the entire extended Anoa’i family.” RAW GM Adam Pearce also paid his tribute after the passing of Roman Reigns’ father.
Main Event Jey Uso also took to his Instagram to react to the unfortunate news, as he wrote, “I had to. One time for Unk. RIP.” Matt Hardy also honored Sika’s legacy by writing, “Saddened to learn about Sika Anoa’i passing today. The few times I met him, he was very kind & friendly. My condolences go out to his family, friends & fans.”
Veteran female superstar, Natalya, also shared her condolences, as she shared how her father also spoke highly of Roman Reigns’ dad. Titus O’Neil also shared a tribute to the late pro wrestling legend. He said, “My sincere condolences and prayers to the entire Anoa’i family today. Sika was a legendary talent and a true pioneer in our industry. RIP Legend.” Such comments from superstars of the industry show the kind of legacy Sika Anoa’i has left in the wrestling world.
A look at the professional career of Roman Reigns’ father
Sika Anoa’i began training to be a professional wrestler in the early 1970s and made his debut in 1973. Working as a tag team, The Wild Samoans made their presence felt in WWF in 1979 and became 2-time Tag Team Champions during their initial tenure with the organization. It was the duo’s aura and fearsome style that helped them become top names in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
After their initial run with the company, they went back to compete in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Mid-South, and Georgia Championship Wrestling for several years. But they once made their way to WWF in 1983, and their team once again reached the top of the tag team division as they reigned with the titles for several months. Following his extraordinary in-ring career, Sika decided to open The Wild Samoan Training Facility.
In the training facility, he and Afa trained future generations of in-ring performers, including the likes of Batista. Due to their contributions to the wrestling community, the duo was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. Sika’s last appearance in the promotion was at the 2020 Hell in a Cell, as he and Afa Anoa’i greeted Roman and embraced him as the head of the family. With the passing of Sika Anoa’i, that moment probably holds a lot more value in the history of this family.