WWE Hall of Famer and Roman Reigns’s father Sika Anoaʻi has passed away at the age of 79. Anoaʻi is wildly remembered as one-half of the tag team of ‘The Wild Samoans’ alongside his elder brother Afa Anoaʻi. The pair was a well-known duo across the 1970s and 1980s.
Sika’s family announced his passing on social media.
“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’s nephew Jahrus Anoa’i wrote on a social media post.
“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.”
“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.” he added.
Career Highlights of Sika Anoa’i
In 1980, ‘The Wild Samoans’ made their debut in WWF. They defeated Ivan Putski and Tito Santana to become WWF tag team champions. After losing the tag team titles they switched to New Japan Pro Wrestling where they competed in the New Year Golden Series. They then toured Mid-South Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance before switching back to WWF.
In 1983, they again became the WWF tag team champions. Anoa’i eventually retired in 1988. The Wild Samoans were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.
Anoa’i was also the father of current WWE superstar Roman Reigns. Anoa’i returned to the WWE in 2020 to play a role in Reigns’ ascendance as “The Head of the Table.”
‘The Wild Samoans’ also appeared in Hell in a Cell pay-per-view of 2020 where they crowned Roman Reigns as “The Tribal Chief”.
Raw Fish and Crazy Hair
The in-ring character of a pro wrestler “known as a gimmick” is a common thing when it comes to sports entertainment. Sika Anoaʻi also had inherited a gimmick and was widely known for his wild hair. ‘The Wild Samoans’ were originally called ‘The Samoans’. But due to Anoa’i wild hair, Vince McMahon added the “wild” adjective to their name.
The return of ‘The Wild Samoans’ in WWF in 1992 added to their in-ring savagery. They then started to eat raw fish as a part of their act (which was something they did in real life according to Afa). This act made them a memorable duo throughout their generation.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
