THE LEGENDARY father of WWE star Roman Reigns, Sika Anoa’i, has died aged 79, according to his family.
The WWE Hall of Famer was part of the Wild Samoans team alongside his real brother Afa Anoa’i.
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The news of his passing was announced by his nephew Jahrus, who wrote on Instagram: “It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of former Hall of Famer, Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’ i. He died peacefully on June 25.
“Sika was a celebrated figure whose contributions and legacy left an indelible mark. His memory will live on through his accomplishments and the many lives he touched.
Jahrus went on to describe the icon as “many things” as he praised his work ethic and family roles.
And he said his “warmth and kindness knew no bounds.”
He continued: “He was many things: a hard-working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle and a proud grandfather.
“He was a treasured friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and a source of inspiration to countless people.
“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 ????????️ #wildsamoans #halloffamer #sikaanoai.
In addition to being the father of “The Tribal Chief” Reigns, who has not been seen since his Wrestlemania loss to Cody Rhodes, Sika was also the father of the late WWE wrestler Matthew Anoaʻi.
He was better known to WWE fans as Rosey, which he performed under on Raw in the early 2000s.
Sika is a three-time WWE Tag Team Champion and began his in-ring career in 1973.
He joined WWE seven years later and last wrestled for them in 1988.
But his legacy lasted a lifetime and the Wild Samoans were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.
However, Sika and Afa made a return to WWE in 2020.
That’s when they seemed to recognize Reigns as the tribal leader after he retained his WWE Title at Hell in a Cell that year.
Reigns has yet to publicly comment on his father’s passing, but many tributes have been pouring in.
One fan wrote: “Rip to the absolute legend Sika Anoa’i, thoughts and prayers to the entire Anoa’i family.”
Another fan commented: “RIP Sika Anoa’i. The real tribal leader. Prayers to Roman and the entire Anoa’i family.
A third wrote: “RIP to Sika Anoa’i, one half of the legendary Tag Team The Wild Samoans and the father of Roman Reigns. My condolences and prayers to Roman and the entire Anoa’i family during this difficult time.
While a fourth posted: “RIP to one of the icons of the powerful Samoan lineage. The father of the tribal chief, Sika Anoa’i.
WWE STATEMENT
Here’s what the company tweeted after the news:
WWE is saddened to learn that Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer, half of The Wild Samoans and father of Roman Reigns, has passed away.
WWE extends its condolences to Anoa’i’s family, friends and fans.
