Roman Reigns has posted, “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. 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.”
The world of professional wrestling mourns the loss of one of its stalwarts, Sika Anoa’i, who passed away at the age of 77. Sika, one half of the iconic wrestling tag team “The Wild Samoans,” leaves behind not just a legacy etched in the annals of WWE history, but also a personal legacy carried forward by his son, current WWE superstar Roman Reigns.
Sika Anoa’i, along with his brother Afa, dominated the wrestling scene in the late 70s and early 80s, becoming a household name among wrestling fans. Their fearsome demeanor and unparalleled charisma in the ring earned them multiple tag team championships across various wrestling promotions, including the prestigious WWE Tag Team Championships.
Beyond the bright lights of the arenas and the roar of the crowds, Sika was a devoted father and a mentor. His relationship with his son, Roman Reigns, was both profound and influential, shaping Roman not just as a wrestler, but as a man. Roman often credited his father with instilling in him the values of resilience and humility—traits that have defined his career in the WWE.
Sika’s guidance was pivotal during Roman’s early years in wrestling, often advising him on the nuances of performance and the importance of connecting with the audience, lessons Sika had mastered during his own wrestling days. This mentorship helped Roman evolve into “The Big Dog,” a nickname that signifies his dominance in the sport today.
The Anoa’i family is renowned in wrestling circles, with several members, including Yokozuna, Rikishi, and The Usos, achieving fame in the squared circle. Sika’s death is not just the loss of a family patriarch but also the end of an era for one of wrestling’s most revered families.
As the wrestling community comes together to remember Sika, tributes have poured in from fans and fellow wrestlers alike, each reflecting on the indelible mark he left on the sport.
Sika Anoa’i’s life and career have left an enduring legacy, one that will continue to influence not just the future generations of his family, but also the world of professional wrestling. His story is one of triumph, resilience, and an unbreakable bond with his son—a narrative that will resonate with fans for years to come.
